Jason Northam

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Sorry for this wall of text, but it is important courtesy of my friends in CFACE at NC State.

According to statistics compiled by the National Institute of Mental Health, 40% of men with reported mental illness received care compared to 52% of women with reported mental illness that received care. This is due to the stigma surrounding men needing help or sharing their mental health struggles. Society often sets expectations that men should be able to handle problems themselves, or even portrays men as less if they do struggle with mental health issues. Therefore, men often feel alone and unable to ask for help when they need it.  

Without access to appropriate mental health services, men can fall victim to two of the most common mental health illnesses that persist: substance abuse and depression (Griffith et al., 2024). According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, approximately 20% of men in the United States abuse alcohol during their lives. Minority groups, gay and bisexual men, and veterans are among the most vulnerable groups to suffer from substance abuse.  

Furthermore, approximately 6 million American men suffer from depression each year (Mental Health America, 2024). Depression and other mental health problems can lead to serious consequences for men, including suicide. Men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide (Mental Health America, 2024). The number of male suicides has increased each year since 2000. Other potential risk factors include social isolation, unemployment, military-related trauma, genetic predisposition, and mood disorders (Mental Health America, 2024). 

This is why we ride, for our friends, our brothers, our families, ourselves. Please donate if you can.

gfolk.me/JasonNortham432821

Less Than Three Weeks

A few thoughts on men's mental health:

In 2025, men globally face significant mental health challenges, with many suffering from conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress, and facing a higher risk of suicide than women. A significant portion of men are reluctant to seek help due to stigma and embarrassment. Work and financial pressures are major contributors to mental health issues in men. 

Key Statistics and Trends:

• Prevalence:

A substantial percentage of men experience mental health issues, with 1 in 10 men experiencing depression or anxiety. 

• Treatment Rates:

Men are less likely to seek professional help for mental health problems compared to women, with only about 42% of men receiving treatment for a mental health condition compared to 57% of women. 

• Suicide Rates:

Men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women, accounting for 75% of global suicides. 

• Social Factors:

Factors like societal expectations and financial stress can contribute to mental health challenges in men. 

• Stigma and Help-Seeking:

A significant portion of men are hesitant to talk about their mental health due to embarrassment or perceived stigma, leading them to delay or avoid seeking help. 

RUOK? Reaching Out to Help Your Circle

Still Working for Men's Health Issues!

On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I am once again riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.

This will be my fourth year participating and I hope you can help me continue the good work that has already been done.