Young Men and Depression

Brian McSwain

(OPINION) The Silent Struggle: It’s Time to Listen to Our Community’s Young Men
By Brian McSwain, LMHC

Behind stoic expressions and casual small talk, too many young men are quietly drowning. They’re your classmates, brothers, coworkers, and sons—fighting internal battles with depression, anxiety, and isolation, often with no one to tell and nowhere to turn. The time to confront the mental health crisis among young men is now.

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Despite growing awareness around mental health, men—especially younger men—continue to slip through the cracks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among males aged 15–24, with a rate of 21.1 per 100,000—nearly four times higher than their female peers. In 2021, only 18% of men aged 18–44 received any form of mental health treatment, compared to nearly 29% of women.

These aren’t just statistics; they are a collective alarm bell.

Here in South Florida, our rich cultural diversity adds another layer, often reinforcing the message that vulnerability is weakness - that men must “tough it out.” The results are devastating - silence, self-medication, and in worst cases, suicide.

We must work together to end this stigma immediately. Mental health is not a character flaw or a gendered issue—it’s a public health imperative. And for young men, that means rewriting outdated narratives that equate stoicism with strength. Real strength is admitting you need help. It's having the courage to talk about anxiety, loneliness, or trauma—and seeking support.

This transformation has to start early and happen everywhere: in homes, schools, sports teams, places of worship, workplaces, and digital spaces. Normalize therapy. Encourage mental health days. Train educators and coaches to recognize red flags. And most importantly, let boys and young men know that their feelings are not only valid—they’re human.

To the young men reading this: you’re not broken. You’re not alone. And asking for help is one of the bravest things you’ll ever do.

Let’s stop asking men to suffer in silence. Let’s start building a culture where mental health is strength, not shame.

Brian McSwain is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and serves as Program Director for Beachway Therapy Center in West Palm Beach.