The State of Men's Mental Health in 2025: Why Community Matters
The numbers tell a stark story about men's mental health in America. In 2023, approximately 19% of men experienced some form of mental illness, yet only 40% of those men received any treatment (SAMHSA, 2024). This treatment gap isn't just a statistic—it represents millions of men struggling in silence, disconnected from the support systems that could transform their lives.
As we move through 2025, we're witnessing a pivotal moment in men's wellness. The conversation is shifting from stigma and silence toward connection and community. But the journey is far from complete.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
The data paint a troubling picture. Men account for nearly 80% of all suicides in the United States, with the male suicide rate approximately four times higher than that of women (CDC, 2024). Even more concerning, 15% of men report having no close friends—a number that has increased from just 3% in 1990 (American Perspectives Survey, 2021).
"One in four young men aged 15-34 report feeling lonely 'a lot of the day'—significantly higher than young women in the same age group." — Gallup, 2025
The reluctance to seek help remains deeply rooted in cultural expectations. A 2022 survey by the National Institute of Mental Health revealed that just 42% of male-identifying respondents were treated for mental health issues, compared to 57% of female-identifying respondents (NIMH, 2024). This gap isn't due to men experiencing fewer challenges—it's about the barriers preventing them from reaching out.
Why Men Hesitate to Reach Out
The roots of this silence run deep. Traditional "strong male" stereotypes continue to equate emotional expression with weakness, creating significant barriers between men and the support they desperately need (Wildflower Center for Emotional Health, 2024). When asking for help is framed as failure, it's no wonder so many men choose to struggle alone.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, men's mental health needs became even more apparent. While men initially sought mental health care at rates five times higher than the previous year, by 2021, treatment rates had fallen back to familiar patterns (AAMC, 2024). The moment of crisis opened a door, but without sustained support and accessible pathways to wellness, old patterns returned.
The Power of Community as Medicine
Here's the hopeful truth: isolation isn't inevitable, and recovery doesn't have to happen alone. Research consistently shows that social connection is as vital to our health as diet and exercise. Studies have found that people with strong social connections have a 50% increased likelihood of survival compared to those who lack these bonds (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).
Community provides what traditional mental health models often cannot—a proactive, preventative space where wellness is woven into daily life. Rather than waiting for crisis, community-based approaches create consistent touchpoints where men feel safe, seen, and supported.
This is why spaces like the INHERENT Gentlemen's Society are so vital. When men gather regularly—not just to discuss problems but to build genuine relationships—something transformative happens. The shame that keeps so many silent begins to dissolve. Vulnerability stops feeling like weakness and starts feeling like strength.
A New Model for Men's Wellness
Traditional mental health services play an essential role, but they shouldn't be the only door available. The World Health Organization recently reported that 1 in 6 people worldwide is affected by loneliness, with an estimated 100 deaths per hour linked to social isolation (WHO Commission on Social Connection, 2025). The solution requires multiple entry points—including lifestyle movements that make wellness accessible and sustainable.
INHERENT Self was founded on this principle: that style, community, and mental wellness aren't separate pursuits—they're deeply interconnected. When a man invests in how he presents himself to the world, he's often taking the first step toward self-worth. When he joins a community of men committed to growth, he finds permission to be authentic. And when he has access to resources that meet him where he is, he doesn't have to wait for crisis to seek support.
Building the Future Together
The state of men's mental health in 2025 demands more than awareness—it calls for action. It requires creating spaces where men can connect authentically, access resources proactively, and build the emotional literacy needed to thrive in all areas of life.
You're invited to be part of this movement:
INHERENT Self Launch Event – October 30 at CO.A.T.I Uprise: Join us as we officially launch our mission to transform men's wellness in Colorado Springs
Inherent Wellness Exchange Launch – November 5 at Anthem Music Enterprises: Discover our new resource hub designed to make mental wellness accessible
INHERENT Gentlemen's Society November Gathering – November 21 at 123 N Tejon St: Experience the power of authentic community firsthand
INHERENT Self Podcast Launch – Now streaming (launched October 16): Listen to conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday men sharing their journeys
The data shows us the problem. Community shows us the solution. Strong social connections lead to better health, longer life, and increased resilience at both individual and community levels (WHO, 2025). Every man who chooses connection over isolation creates a ripple effect that strengthens families, workplaces, and entire communities.
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Visit inherentself.org to learn more about our programs, connect with our community, and discover how you can be part of building a healthier future for men's wellness—starting right here in Colorado Springs.
