Why Men’s Mental Health Matters

I speak on men’s mental health and consent because I’ve seen how vital these issues are. Over the past decade, I’ve volunteered in spaces such as veteran programs, suicide prevention work, crisis hotlines, shelters, and anti-trafficking initiatives. In every one of those environments, I witnessed how often men are denied the chance to set boundaries, feel safe in their own bodies, or say “no” without fear of judgment.

Consent is one of the most overlooked pieces. We’ve taught men how to hear “no,” but rarely that they’re allowed to say it themselves. From a young age, boys are conditioned to perform or comply, leaving them disconnected from their own limits. That disconnect not only harms them, but also shapes how they understand the boundaries of others. Teaching men that their “no” matters gives them agency, self-respect, and the foundation for healthier connections.

This mission is deeply personal to me. I am a rape survivor and someone who has spent much of my life navigating unwanted advances. I know what it feels like when boundaries are ignored, and I also know the importance of men learning that they have the right to set and hold their own. These truths are linked: when men are supported in self-awareness, consent, and emotional grounding, they are less likely to cause harm and more likely to create relationships built on respect.

As a somatic healer, I’ve seen the power of bringing people back into their bodies. Our bodies tell us “yes,” “no,” and “not yet.” When men are cut off from that internal guidance, they lose access to the compass that supports intimacy, safety, and mental health. Helping them reconnect is life-changing – not just for them, but for their families and communities too.

My purpose is to create spaces where men are not shamed for their struggles, silenced in their pain, or pathologized for their sexuality. Instead, I want men to have tools for grounding, communication and vulnerability. Because when men are supported to heal, everyone benefits.