Strong on the Outside, Struggling on the Inside: Why Men Need Mental Health Support Too

He carries the game — but who carries him? It’s time we make space for men’s mental health too

When JaysonTatum went down with a season-ending injury this month, the headlines focused on the physical toll — the Achilles tear, the months of recovery, the Celtics' playoff hopes dashed. But in a rare, vulnerable moment, Tatum was seen crying on the bench, later asking his father, “Why me?”

That question — raw, human, and full of pain — echoed far beyond basketball. It reminded us that even the strongest among us struggle. And too often, men suffer in silence.

At Suburban Psychiatric Specialists, we work with people who, like Tatum, appear confident and composed on the outside — fathers, professionals, students, athletes — yet inside, they’re overwhelmed, discouraged, or burned out. And many of them are men who have spent years pushing through pain rather than reaching ou

The Unspoken Pressure on Men

From a young age, many boys are taught that “real men” don’t cry, don’t complain, and don’t ask for help. Vulnerability is often misinterpreted as weakness — and over time, this pressure can lead men to bottle up their emotions until they surface as:

• Anger or emotional withdrawal

• Substance use or compulsive behaviors

• Physical symptoms like chronic headaches or insomnia

• Sudden burnout or breakdowns

  
  

Whether it’s the pressure to succeed, to provide, or to never fall apart — the emotional weight becomes too heavy to carry alone.

Depression Doesn’t Always Look Like Sadness

Men struggling with depression or anxiety may not always appear “sad” — instead, it shows up as:

• Workaholism or perfectionism

• Irritability or rage

• Trouble sleeping or focusing

• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected

• Avoiding loved ones or social situations

Because these symptoms are often minimized or misunderstood, men are less likely to be diagnosed — and even less likely to seek care.

Real Strength Is Asking for Help

When Tatum’s father offered to leave his job overseas to support his son through recovery, it was a powerful reminder: healing takes support. It’s not something you have to do alone — and it’s not something you should wait to do until you’re at a breaking point.

At SPS, we offer care tailored to your needs — whether it’s talk therapy, medication management, or innovative treatments like Spravato® for treatment-resistant depression. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from mental health care. You just need to be human.

A Safe Place to Be Yourself

We’ve created a space where men can be honest, supported, and heard — without pressure, without stigma, and without having to justify their pain. Whether you’re navigating a career change, relationship stress, a loss, or just don’t feel like yourself anymore — we’re here.

Because you can be strong and struggling. You can be resilient and overwhelmed.And you can be the one others rely on — and still need support yourself.

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