Men Deserve to Be Heard and Helped Before It’s Too Late
Too many men are suffering in silence. In fact, they are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. June, Men’s Mental Health Month, is the perfect time to talk openly about mental health for men. At Madonna Multinational Funeral Home, we know how important it is to support our community and why men deserve to be heard and helped before it’s too late.
Understanding the Crisis:
Suicide is one of the top causes of death for men. A big part of that comes from pressure to fit into old ideas of what manhood means. From a young age, many men are told not to cry or show emotion, and asking for help feels like admitting weakness. On top of that, mental health issues often go unspoken, leaving a lot of men feeling alone and unsure of where to turn. That’s why it’s so critical to make sure resources are easy to find and support feels within reach.
Men deal with mental health differently. Society has taught them to stay quiet, push through, and keep their thoughts and emotions to themselves. But this idea of “always being tough” can actually make things worse. It creates a wall between how they feel and what they think they’re allowed to express. Many men feel like their worth is tied to what they can do, not to who they are. They’re treated more like tools than people—expected to work, provide, and keep going no matter what. This mindset makes it even harder for them to open up.
The more we talk about this, the more we can change it. Creating a space where men feel seen, heard, and supported can help break down those walls. No one should ever feel like shedding a tear makes them less of a man or that they have to face everything alone.
How to Identify Warning Signs: Understanding the warning signs of suicide is essential for prevention. Changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from social activities, increased substance use, or expressing feelings of hopelessness, can be indicators that someone is struggling. Other signs include drastic mood swings, changes in sleeping patterns, and talking about wanting to die. Recognizing these signs and taking them seriously can be the first step in offering support.
Local Resources and Support:
In and around Passaic, New Jersey, several organizations offer help specifically for men facing mental health challenges. These local resources provide safe spaces for men to share their struggles and receive professional guidance.
Mental Health Association in Passaic County – Provides counseling services and support groups for men, including a dedicated Spanish-speaking men’s support group, focusing on both emotional and physical well-being.
Mental Health Center of Passaic – A network of mental health professionals offering confidential help. They offer individual therapy sessions and group workshops aimed at breaking mental health barriers.
National Hotlines:
For those in immediate need, national hotlines provide 24/7 support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741
Free and confidential, these services offer comfort to those who might feel alone. Individuals can get immediate support and guidance from local resources for ongoing assistance from their trained counselors.
Creating a Supportive Environment:
Breaking the silence around mental health requires a collective effort from all of us. Encourage open conversations with the men in your life, be it friends, family, or colleagues. Let them know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Listening without judgment and offering support can make a significant difference in someone’s life. By fostering an environment of understanding and compassion, we can make a significant difference.
The Role of Employers and Community Leaders:
Employers and community leaders can play a huge role in supporting men’s mental health. By implementing mental health awareness programs and providing access to counseling services, workplaces can make a positive impact. Community leaders can organize events and workshops that promote mental wellness and provide information on available resources. These initiatives can help normalize mental health discussions and encourage those in need to seek help before it’s too late.
ACTION REQUIRED!:
At Madonna Multinational Funeral Home, we are committed to supporting mental health awareness in our community. Visit our website here or call us at 973-777-6011 for more information. Together, let’s create a supportive network where men feel empowered to seek help.
By addressing these issues head-on, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and provide the resources men need to be heard and helped. Let’s work together to make a difference this Men’s Health Month and beyond.
