The butterfly effect of men’s mental health
What’s going on?
This March, the NCAA is going full-court press on mental health — reminding us why men’s emotional struggles can’t be ignored.
The brackets are busted, emotions are high, and for some, March Madness has taken a toll beyond trash talk. The NCAA reports that 1 in 3 athletes has experienced online abuse fueled by sports betting. In response, they recently approved updated mental health best practices, including new anti-harassment protocols. Their “Don’t Be a Loser” PSA, airing during the tournament, aims to curb toxic fan behavior before it spirals.
This isn’t just bad behavior. It’s a symptom of something deeper. Moments like this shine a light on the unspoken pressure on men to perform, win, and cope in silence. From athletes facing threats to fans unraveling after a loss, the ripple effects of untreated emotional stress are very real.
That’s why campaigns like Talkspace’s matter, because they meet men where they are and normalize seeking help before crisis hits. Built around real talk and relatable stories, it reminds men: you don’t need to fit a mold to get care.
With Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month initiatives like these becoming increasingly prevalent, there has been progress in men opening up. But with American men four times more likely to die by suicide, we still have a long way to go.
What’s The Link?
If you only show up in November, you’re not really in the game. Healthcare marketers have a responsibility to make men’s mental health more than a seasonal push.
Here’s why — and how — to keep men’s mental health in play year-round:
1. Embrace the trickle-down effect. Men’s mental health isn’t just personal. It’s a family issue. When fathers get care, it improves communication, reduces stigma, and sets a healthier tone for the next generation.
2. Support mental health, boost physical health. To quote NBA legend and mental health advocate, DeMar DeRozan, “If the mind isn’t right, the body can’t perform.” Improving mental health has shown to decrease the risk of physical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
3. Lead with identity, not diagnosis. Talkspace’s campaign works because it doesn’t ask men to be different. It just gives them permission to feel. Use language that aligns with how men see themselves (strong, dependable, driven) and build from there.
4. See it as differently as they show it. Irritability, fatigue, anger, or withdrawal can all be signs of depression in men — and they’re often mistaken for something else. Messaging misses the mark if it doesn’t reflect what men actually feel or how they tend to express it.
5. Speak to the circle around them. Sometimes the first nudge comes from a partner, a parent, a kid, a colleague. Men often don’t seek help until someone else notices. Consider messaging that equips others to spot the signs and start the conversation.
6. Meet them where they already are. Sports. Work. Fatherhood. These are places where men are already listening. Cultural moments like March Madness offer an opening to make mental health part of the conversation, not an interruption.
This post was adapted from Unlock Health’s The Link newsletter. Subscribe to The Link to get insights like this directly in your inbox.
