Balancing the Burden: Young Men’s Mental Health in an Age of Expectations

June is a month where we celebrate Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month!

As demands surge — school, work, college, extracurriculars — young people are increasingly bearing mental health strain especially young men aged 16–24. Among men of color, the pressure is profound: suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for Black males aged 15–24, their death rate more than quadrupling that of Black females in 2021 (Office of Minority Health, 2023). This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a call to action.

“Comwmunity is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” – Brian Solis

It is time to band together as a community that cares deeply. That truth often gets buried beneath cultural expectations of stoicism, peer pressure, and the relentless pursuit of success. So how can young men protect their peace and nurture mental resilience?

5 Powerful Tips for Young Men to Protect Their Peace

1. Own Your Story, Not the PressureRecognize that your worth isn’t determined by the GPA, game stats, or job title. Defining what matters most to you — not what society expects — provides clarity and emotional grounding.

2. Talk It Out with Real PeopleSilence can amplify stress. Seek trusted friends, family, mentors, or counselors. Remember: 26% fewer Black and Hispanic men seek mental health treatment compared to white peers — breaking silence is the first step (CDC, 2015).

3. Create Non-Negotiable ‘Me Time’Whether it’s basketball, music, reading a book like Today We Win, or time in nature, carve out moments just for you. These breaks are essential for emotional recalibration.

4. Build Your Resilience ToolboxDevelop healthy coping strategies — set boundaries, practice mindfulness, or log your emotions nightly. Preparing now means fewer cracks later when stress spikes.

5. Connect to a Supportive CommunityJoin a team, mentoring group, or faith circle where you belong. Group accountability isn’t just social — it’s protective. When we uplift each other, we all rise stronger.

“Asking for Help: Courage isn’t just about standing alone; it’s all about reaching out when you need it.”

How We’re Making a Difference

This summer, Committed 2 Win’s Hope for the Underdogs initiative will visit each Texas Juvenile Detention Center and Juvenile Correctional Facility to reach detained and disconnected teens across the state.

For more info visit: http://www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs

Through inspiring talks and literacy — using TODAY… I WIN and both volumes of TODAY WE WIN — and peer-led leadership programming, we provide tools for mental well-being and self-belief. We tackle the cycle of pressure, praise, and placement into support networks that redefine their future.

Your Role: Be the Change

If you’re a parent, educator, coach, or mentor:

• Invite honest conversation: Create safe spaces where young men can share without judgment. Despite their ages and level of responsibility, someone to confide will always be a necessity for young men.
• Be an ally: Model or support men’s mental health care by setting a strong, compassionate example. If you are not a man, then intentionally connect him to a man who leads by example.
• Support initiatives like Hope for the Underdogs: Donate funds, resources, your time, or connections to personal or professional networks.When we invest in young men’s emotional well-being, we uplift families, communities, and our shared future.
• Let’s Connect: I’m Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. — U.S. Marine wartime veteran, leadership mentalist, bestselling author, and founder of Committed 2 Win. I’ve stood with young men facing daunting expectations and watched them step into courage. If you believe in supporting their mental health journey, let’s connect.

Together, we can amplify voices, break stigma, and build platforms for young men to thrive.Join us this summer. Support Hope for the Underdogs and help create safe spaces where mission meets mercy — and where success includes emotional wellness. Because empowering a young man today means inspiring a legacy tomorrow.www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs

www.darrylwthomas.com