It’s OK for boys to show emotion and their feelings - It’s OK for boys to show emotion and their feelings

American society stigmatizes talking about male mental health. Boys are discouraged from identifying and sharing their feelings.

The pressure to meet these unhealthy expectations can be overwhelming, and puts boys and young men at a distinct disadvantage, when facing stressful situations and managing relationships.

Indeed, young men are struggling. The data trends for Wisconsin boys, show that rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking among high school boys, have all increased. The increase in suicidal thinking is especially alarming, because boys and young men are two to four times as likely to die by suicide, compared to young females.

Living in a rapidly changing world has left many boys and young men searching for their purpose, identity and community. More than a quarter of young men say they have zero close friends. Some find community online, where negative role models, ideologies and messages abound.

Teen boys are particularly susceptible to online sextortion. In fact, 90 percent of sextortion victims are teen boys, between the ages of 14 and 17.

Teaching healthy coping, social, relationship and conflict resolution skills, can be highly effective in managing anger and reducing aggression, as well as improving overall well-being. When these skills are modeled for boys – especially when modeled by adult males – it can be particularly impactful.

“We can’t forget how important daily interactions and relationships with friends, family and mentors are – this is what keeps kids socially connected and every one of us can play a role,” said Linda Hall, director of the Office of Children’s Mental Health. “Research clearly shows that social connectedness is the foundation of good mental health.”