The Silent War Within: Men’s Mental Health and the Need for Awareness
Written By: Darryl W. Thomas, Jr.
Shocking Realities
November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, yet the crisis among men—especially those aged 16–24—remains largely unseen. Consider these statistics:In 2023, the suicide rate among males was nearly four times higher than that among females—about 22.8 deaths per 100,000 men compared to 5.9 for women.
- Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10–34 in the U.S.
- These are not just numbers—they reflect young men silently fighting battles with far too little support.
Everyday Wars: Military Deployment vs. Life at Home
As a U.S. Marine who served in Kuwait (2003) and Iraq (2004), I know what combat looks like. I faced enemies, exhaustion, fear, and the weight of being accountable for others’ lives.
But the wars don’t end when the uniform comes off. Young men today fight battles too—academic pressures, racial bias, job expectations, relationship demands, identity crises—equally real, equally destructive if unaddressed.
In both war zones, mental and emotional well-being must be prioritized. What you see, you can’t unsee. The trauma isn’t always visible—but it lingers.
Why Young Men Need Help Now
Young men (16–24) often carry silent burdens:
- The demand to “be strong” suppresses vulnerability.
- School, extracurriculars, work, family—all in a balancing act.
- Social media and cultural expectations add fuel to the fire of anxiety.If left unchecked, this stress becomes trauma, and trauma can lead to despair.
Three Practical, Proven Tips to Improve Mental Health
- 1. Encourage Open, Honest Conversation to Create environments where young men can speak without judgment. A simple question like “How are you really doing?” can break the silence. Chat with a peer, coach, or mentor. The most potent antidote to isolation is connection.
- 2. Build a Routine Anchored in Movement and PurposeExercise reduces anxiety and builds resilience. Commitment to physical movement—whether lifting, running, or team sports—signals you’re worth the effort. Add a simple daily goal or habit you stick to. The structure will give your mind something to hold onto.
- 3. Teach Self-Awareness and RegulationHelp young men recognize triggers: fatigue, stress, unmanaged expectations. When they identify what pushes them off balance, they regain control. Couple that with a mental reset: meditation, journaling, prayer. Awareness leads to action.
Why Our Mission Matters: Hope for the Underdogs
Many youth we serve are emotionally imprisoned, not just physically. They’ve experienced trauma—neglect, abuse, systemic obstacles. Too often they lack the tools to process it.Our initiative—Hope for the Underdogs—uses leadership development and literacy programs (including our books TODAY… I WIN and TODAY WE WIN Volumes 1 & 2) to equip these young men with confidence, voice, and a pathway out of silence.Your support helps break the cycle. You help transform young men from wounded warriors into healthy leaders.Call to ActionSupport our work by sponsoring a young man’s participation in Hope for the Underdogs. Visit: https://www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs
Mark your calendar for the 2025 KING ME Conference, December 12–13 in Waco, TX—dedicated to young men’s leadership and mental wellness. For more info: [email protected]
Share this article. Talk about it. Ask the young men in your life: “How are you doing?” Your concern could launch a conversation that saves a life.
About Darryl W. Thomas, Jr.Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine veteran (Kuwait 2003, Iraq 2004), leadership expert, award-winning speaker, holds a master’s in Educational Leadership and five-time bestselling author. Married 24 years to his high-school sweetheart and father to five children—ranging from a Marine to a TCU graduate—Darryl leads Committed 2 Win. He has dedicated more than two decades to empowering young men, advocating for mental health, and restoring community legacies.
📧 Contact Us: [email protected] | (254) 405-7245🌐 http://www.committed2win.com📺 YouTube Live Tuesdays @ 8:15 PM CST – @1DarrylWThomasLet’s normalize the conversation. Let’s empower young men and men alike to not just survive, but to thrive. Freedom from the internal war starts with awareness—and it starts with you.
References1 Suicide – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide2 NCHS Data Brief No. 509 September 2024 – CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db509.pdf
Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine, leadership development expert, award-winning speaker, five-time bestselling author, and at-risk interventionist with over two decades of experience. He is the CEO of Committed 2 Win, a personal and leadership development community focused on inspiring, challenging, and empowering young people and adults to overcome adversity and take ownership in becoming the best version of themselves.Beyond his professional achievements, Darryl is a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart for 24 years and father to five children: a U.S. Marine, a TCU graduate, a University High School graduate, and two University High scholar-athletes.Let’s continue this conversation and ensure that every student knows they are not alone on their journey.Follow Darryl at LinkedIn, X and YouTube.