Addressing the Silent Crisis: Social Factors in Men’s Mental Health

By Citlali Rodriguez

INTRODUCTION

As AmeriCorps members in the Social Work and Community Health Department at RUSH, we’ve had the privilege of working with diverse communities through programs aimed at addressing health equity. Much of our work focuses on connecting with individuals who have recently visited the emergency department at Rush, using a social determinants of health (SDOH) screener to better understand their circumstances and needs.

During this process, we’ve observed a striking trend: when asked questions about interpersonal violence or mental and emotional safety, many male respondents either scoffed at the questions or seemed surprised, as if they didn’t feel they should—or could—respond affirmatively. This reaction highlights the influence of societal expectations around masculinity and raised important questions about men’s openness to discussing mental health and emotional well-being.

After observing this trend, our AmeriCorps group researched and organized a discussion around the social factors in men’s mental health. One of the primary reasons our we chose to focus on men’s mental health is to understand these barriers and explore how they affect truthful engagement with SDOH screeners and other mental health initiatives. 

Because November is Men’s Health Awareness Month—and some places and organizations have deemed it Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—we’re sharing our findings and reflections on the CHaSCI Blog.

CONTEXTUALIZING THE ISSUE

Men’s mental health is influenced by systemic inequities, cultural norms, and societal expectations. These factors create a troubling landscape: 

• Suicide and Substance Use Disorders: Men account for about three-quarters of all suicides and substance use disorder cases. 

• Economic Stress: Unemployment affects men’s mental health nearly twice as severely as women’s, emphasizing the importance of economic stability. 

• Disparities in Treatment Utilization: Women are twice as likely as men to seek mental health support, reflecting entrenched stigma and access barriers. 

• Intersectional Challenges: Men of color and immigrants face compounded risks due to systemic racism, economic instability, and acculturation stress. 

These challenges highlight the need for targeted interventions that address not only the symptoms but also the underlying social determinants of mental health. 

THE ROLE OF INTERSECTIONALITY

Disparities in men’s mental health care are shaped by race, socioeconomic status, and cultural identity: 

• Men of Color: In Illinois, only 26.4% of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men aged 18–44 utilized mental health services, compared to 45.4% of white men. Systemic racism and cultural stigmas contribute to this disparity. 

• Immigrant Men: Pre-migration trauma, acculturation stress, and economic instability heighten mental health risks among immigrants, especially those exposed to violence or discrimination. 

• LGBTQ+ Men: Social stigma and discrimination further marginalize LGBTQ+ men, increasing their vulnerability to mental health challenges. 

Recognizing these intersections is critical to developing inclusive and equitable mental health initiatives. 

BARRIERS TO ACCESS

Several social factors prevent men from seeking or receiving mental health care: 

• Cultural Norms: Societal expectations of masculinity discourage emotional vulnerability and help-seeking behavior. 

• Economic Instability: Limited financial resources and unstable employment hinder access to mental health care. 

• Racial Disparities: Systemic barriers, provider bias, and a lack of culturally competent care disproportionately impact men of color. 

• Fear and Stigma: Immigrant men often avoid seeking care due to fears of judgment, deportation, or cultural misunderstanding. 

These barriers underline the importance of tailored, community-centered approaches to mental health care. 

NEXT STEPS: BUILDING A PATH FORWARD

To address the systemic and cultural challenges contributing to men’s mental health disparities, AmeriCorps members and community advocates can take the following steps: 

1. Encourage Open Dialogue: 

• Create community forums and workshops where men can safely share their experiences and emotions.

• Normalize conversations about mental health, reducing stigma and fostering understanding.

2. Increase Access to Mental Health Resources: 

• Advocate for the availability of culturally competent mental health services, particularly in communities of color. 

• Partner with organizations to provide affordable or free services tailored to specific populations. 

3. Build Supportive Communities: 

• Establish safe spaces where men of color can discuss the unique challenges related to masculinity and identity. 

• Facilitate peer support groups that emphasize solidarity and mutual encouragement. 

4. Promote Positive Masculinity: 

• Educate communities on redefining masculinity to embrace vulnerability, empathy, and emotional expression. 

• Highlight role models and stories that challenge traditional stereotypes of masculinity. 

5. Leverage Technology: 

• Utilize digital platforms to create virtual support groups and accessible mental health resources. 

• Develop apps or online tools that offer mental health education and connect users to services. 

OUR AMERICORPS PROGRAM’S ROLE IN ADVANCING MENTAL HEALTH EQUITY

As AmeriCorps members, we are uniquely positioned to address these challenges through community engagement and advocacy. By promoting dialogue, increasing resource accessibility, and fostering supportive environments, we can help bridge the gap in mental health care for men, particularly those in marginalized communities. Together, we can reimagine a society where seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward strength and resilience.