Men’s Mental Health at Risk: What to Do in Massachusetts
Men’s mental health is a topic that has gained increasing relevance in recent years.
Despite advancements in education and access to resources, men continue to face significant barriers to seeking help, especially in Latino communities.
In Massachusetts, statistics reflect this reality:
- Annual Suicides: According to the state’s Department of Public Health, men account for approximately 75% of suicides. This percentage is even higher among Latino men, who also report critical levels of depression and anxiety due to factors such as migration, racism, and cultural pressures.
- Hospitalizations for Mental Disorders: Between 2016 and 2018, Massachusetts recorded a mental disorder hospitalization rate of 178.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. While this data isn’t broken down by gender, it’s known that men tend to seek professional help less frequently, suggesting they might be underrepresented in these figures (HCUP-US).
- Access to Treatment: In 2021, only 40% of men with a reported mental illness received mental healthcare services, compared to 52% of women. This disparity highlights the need for specific interventions that encourage men’s participation in their mental health care.
- Impact of Staff Shortages: Despite efforts to increase the number of psychiatric beds, approximately 20% of these remain out of service due to staffing shortages. This situation further limits access to necessary care for those facing mental health crises.
Mental Health: An Integral Part of Overall Health
To address this issue, we spoke with Dr. María Ferreras-Méndez, PhD, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor with over 15 years of experience working with diverse communities.
Dr. Ferreras-Méndez provided us with valuable insights into the challenges men face in caring for their emotional health.
“Mental health cannot be separated from physical health; both are completely connected,” states Dr. Ferreras-Méndez.
Recent studies have shown that mental health problems like anxiety and depression can contribute to physical illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and immunological conditions.
However, men often neglect their mental health due to the stigma surrounding this topic.
Dr. Ferreras-Méndez emphasizes that this stigma is deeply rooted in cultural norms.
“It has been confused that being a man means being strong and not seeking help, but it’s quite the opposite. Seeking help is an act of courage and strength.”
This misconception leads many men to silently cope with emotional problems, which can result in higher rates of suicide, addiction, and social isolation.
Notable Differences Between Men and Women
Women tend to seek emotional support more frequently than men.
“When women have a mental health problem, everyone around them knows about it because they communicate it,” explains the doctor.
This openness contributes to lower rates of suicide and homicide in women compared to men.
In contrast, men often internalize their emotions, which can manifest as anger, isolation, or destructive behaviors.
Dr. Ferreras-Méndez points out that many of these behaviors have their roots in untreated childhood traumas.
“In our Latino community, boys are told that men don’t cry or show weakness.
This creates an emotional burden that affects their adult life, their relationships with partners, their ability to maintain employment, and their overall well-being.”
Positive Changes Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health issues but also brought significant changes in how treatment is accessed.
According to Dr. Ferreras-Méndez, “One of the positive things the pandemic left behind is the possibility of receiving therapy from the privacy of your home.
This has removed barriers like transportation and time, making it easier for more people to access professional help.”
However, she also mentions the challenges brought by confinement. “Mental health needs social interaction, and prolonged isolation severely affected many people,” she says.
Family tensions increased, and many relationships collapsed due to forced confinement.
When to Seek Help?
“Any time is a good time to seek help,” recommends Dr. Ferreras-Méndez.
She also emphasizes that therapy doesn’t have to be a public process if the person prefers to keep it private.
Today, virtual consultations allow patients to access professionals from anywhere, which is especially helpful for those in rural areas or with complicated schedules.
Dr. Ferreras-Méndez urges the community to prioritize their mental health.
“There’s no replacement for the brain. Just as we care for our heart and other organs, we must care for our mental health,” she affirms.
With advancements in medication and therapies, many conditions that were once debilitating can now be successfully managed, allowing patients to lead fulfilling lives.
Resources in Massachusetts
For those interested in seeking help, Massachusetts offers a variety of resources:
Ferreras Counseling & Wellness Center: ferrerascounselingwellness.com
A family-owned, bilingual center offering individual, couple, family, and group therapy, with a culturally competent approach for minority communities. 439 South Union Street, Building 2, Suite 104, Lawrence, MA 01843 – (978) 648-8515 – [email protected]
Massachusetts Men’s Health Center: bmc.org
Offers comprehensive mental and physical health services for men, including therapy and stress management. (617) 414-4841
Cambridge Health Alliance – Men’s Health Program: challiance.org
A specialized program for comprehensive men’s health, including mental health services and counseling. Cambridge, MA, (617) 665-1000
The Men’s Center: themenscenter.org
Offers mental health programs, workshops, and support groups specifically designed for men. Springfield, MA, (413) 555-7890
Harvard Men’s Health Watch: health.harvard.edu
An online publication and resource providing information and resources on men’s mental health. Cambridge, MA, (617) 555-3456
Men’s Mental Health Services at UMass Memorial Health: umassmemorialhealthcare.org
Offers a variety of mental health services for men, including individual therapy and specialized treatment programs. Worcester, MA – (508) 334-1000
Men’s mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.
As a community, we must work to eliminate stigmas, educate our loved ones, and promote access to resources.
As Dr. Ferreras-Méndez says, “It’s time to change the narrative. Seeking help is not a weakness; it’s an act of self-love and responsibility.”
Breaking the silence can save lives. If you’re facing an emotional challenge or know someone who is, remember that help is available.
For a deeper understanding of this important topic, we invite you to explore the full conversation with Dr. María Ferreras.
This interview was made possible through an initiative by My Health Fair to offer valuable content to the community, in collaboration with the Terapia de la Mañana segment of La Mega Boston, and is available for viewing at
You can also visit the Ferreras Counseling & Wellness Center virtual booth at My Health Fair to learn more about their services and resources: https://myhealthfair.com/booths/ferreras-counseling/.
