Knoxville and Knox County declare June 10 as “Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day,” coming as an effort to encourage open visibility on mental illness.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — More than a thousand people take their own lives each year in Tennessee, many of which include men, according to the state.
“The way I was raised is that we don’t talk about it,” said Brandon Styles, a leader with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Knoxville (NAMI).
Styles is flipping the script on men’s mental health, saying that many men can sometimes focus on “dealing with it” and pushing through. He is in long-term recovery from years in active addiction, and said he’s navigated his own inner battles.
“I’ve dealt with mental health issues since the second grade,” he said. “I’ve seen men struggle and I know that there is a better way.”
Styles is changing how men in Knox County approach mental health through education, transparency and resources.
Knoxville and Knox County declare June 10 as “Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day,” coming as an effort to encourage open visibility on mental illness and support policies that encourage early intervention.
“What I’m seeing from a lot of men is feeling really overwhelmed,” said Phil Tucker, with the Pasadena Villa Outpatient Treatment Center. “[They’re] having some difficulties managing everything.”
According to research from NAMI, men are nearly four times more likely to die from suicide than women.
“The time to practice a fire drill is not during the fire,” said Tucker. “One of the best things men can do is be proactive.”
Advocates say men are less likely to ask for help due to stigma, cultural norms or lack of resources.
“Men tend to prioritize the needs of other people over their own well-being,” said Tucker.
Advocates encourage people to get connected with resources. People can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.
