For the Man Struggling in Silence: A Letter for Men’s Mental Health Month

This month is Men’s Mental Health Month, and I felt deeply called to write something specifically for the men silently battling what no one sees.

To the man who smiles on the outside but feels numb on the inside.

To the one who carries everyone else’s burdens but doesn’t feel safe sharing his own.

To the one who’s been told that emotions make him weak.

To the man who’s exhausted from pretending he’s okay… this is for you.

I recently saw a post with some sobering statistics. Every year, 525,000 men die by suicide, that’s more than 1,400 per day, 60 every hour, and 1 every 60 seconds. Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates, and research consistently shows that men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women and are less likely to seek help.

Why? Because too often, men are wrongly taught that their value lies in strength, but only a narrow version of it: the kind that never cries, never falters, never asks for help. But biblical strength looks different.

Even Jesus Wept

The shortest verse in Scripture might be one of the most powerful: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). The Savior of the world grieved publicly, vulnerably, and without shame. He felt the weight of pain, and He didn’t hide it.

You are not weak for feeling; you are human.

You are not broken beyond repair; you need healing, and God is near.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

God Sees You

Whether you’re the strong provider, the quiet leader, or the one who always seems okay, God sees what others don’t. He sees the moments you cry in silence. He sees the mental battles you fight while still showing up for your family, friends, or job. He sees the tears you hold back; every tear you’ve ever shed is sacred to Him.

If you’ve ever thought about giving up, please don’t. There is hope. There is help. There is healing.

God did not create you to carry this weight alone. Elijah, a mighty prophet, once reached a breaking point and asked God to end his life. And do you know how God responded? With kindness. He sent an angel to feed him, let him rest, and reminded him of his purpose (1 Kings 19). You don’t need to be strong all the time. You need to be honest with God, others, and yourself.

The Real Courage

Courage isn’t hiding your pain. Courage is saying, “I’m struggling, and I need help.” It’s picking up the phone to call a friend. It’s going to therapy or a mental health coach. It’s showing up to church when you feel empty. It’s choosing to live one more day, one more hour, one more minute.

You don’t have to fix everything. You just have to take the next step.

Prayer:

Lord, I lift up every man who is hurting in silence.

Remind him that he is not alone.

Break the lie that says he must be strong without ever feeling weak.

Heal his heart, calm his mind, and surround him with safe people who will love him through the storm.

Let him see that vulnerability is not defeat, it’s the doorway to healing.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You are not forgotten. You are not invisible. You are not weak.

You are worthy of healing. You are loved. You are seen by God and by those who care.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help. There is no shame in that. In fact, it might just be the bravest thing you’ll ever do.