What then can we do as men?
As a man who has grown from boyhood into adulthood over the past few years, I have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand what it means to carry the responsibilities of manhood. While I do not claim that my personal experience represents every man, I believe many men can relate to the realities I have encountered.
I often say that a boy is a man minus responsibility, while a man is a boy plus responsibility. In many ways, we are both. Deep within us remains the boy who dreams, hopes, fears, and feels, yet upon our shoulders rests the weight of responsibility. Society looks to men to provide, protect, lead, and solve problems. These expectations are not necessarily wrong; in fact, responsibility is one of the greatest virtues a man can possess. Scripture itself calls men to be responsible, faithful, and steadfast.
However, carrying responsibility is not always easy. At times, the pressure becomes overwhelming. The financial burdens, family expectations, career demands, relationship challenges, and silent struggles can become too heavy to bear alone. Yet many men suffer in silence because they have been taught that strength means suppressing pain.
The statistics are telling a story we can no longer ignore. Across many parts of the world, men die by suicide at significantly higher rates than women. Men are struggling, and the numbers are not lying. While many conversations focus on the symptoms, we often avoid discussing the deeper roots of men's pain: loss of purpose, loneliness, spiritual emptiness, identity crises, broken relationships, and the burden of carrying responsibilities without support.
This is why I believe the conversation about men's mental health must include a spiritual dimension. My proposal is simple: Men need to return to Christ.
Some may consider this a religious answer, but I offer it because I have seen its power. God loves men. The Bible does not hide the struggles of men; rather, it openly presents them. Throughout Scripture, we encounter men who faced impossible circumstances, crushing pressures, betrayal, loss, fear, rejection, persecution, and even death. Yet through it all, God remained faithful.
When society was drifting away from God, Joshua stood firm and declared, "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." When everything was taken away from him, Job still worshipped. When confronted by powerful authorities, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego chose faithfulness over compromise, declaring that even if God did not rescue them, they would not bow down.
The Bible makes it clear that the path of manhood was never meant to be easy. Yet it also makes it clear that no man walks alone when he walks with God.
Perhaps the greatest example is Jesus Christ Himself. He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders. Even while suffering on the cross, He spoke words of forgiveness: "Father, forgive them." Likewise, Stephen, as he was being killed for his faith, prayed for those persecuting him.
These were not signs of weakness. They were demonstrations of strength, responsibility, grace, and unwavering faith. Even in their final moments, they chose forgiveness over bitterness.
From Stephen's prayer came the transformation of Saul, who became Paul. From Christ's sacrifice came salvation for millions, including myself. Jesus paid it all on the cross.
So, during this Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, my message to every man is this:
You do not have to carry every burden alone.
You do not have to suffer in silence.
You do not have to pretend that everything is okay when it is not.
Healing begins when we acknowledge our struggles, seek help, support one another, and ultimately find our identity and purpose in Christ.
Jesus Himself extends this invitation:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Dear men, let us take time to reflect. Does God's Word care for our needs? Does Christ offer answers for our deepest struggles? I believe He does.
If you are struggling, reach out. Talk to someone. Talk to a fellow man. Talk to a trusted friend, pastor, family member, or a professional therapist. Most importantly, talk to God.
May we become men who are strong enough to carry responsibility and humble enough to seek help. May we become men who stand firm in faith, lead with love, and find true rest in Christ.
God bless you.
By David Shake | June 5, 2026
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