Young Men & Mental Health: Breaking Toxic Masculinity and Suicide Silence --Thomas' Story
Release Date: 04/27/2025
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info_outlineThomas shares his story of suicide risk, toxic masculinity, and hustle culture—revealing why young men’s mental health support is more urgent than ever.
In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Stephanie Boye and Dr. Chez Leeby explore the critical crisis of young men’s mental health with 24-year-old college graduate Thomas. Facing suicide risk, toxic masculinity, and the pressures of hustle culture, Thomas opens up about his personal struggles, losses, and the journey toward healing.
The conversation highlights the urgent need for open dialogue, therapy, and community support for young men. From group therapy and retreats to the idea of embedding therapists in fraternities, this episode offers practical strategies for fostering environments where young men feel safe to seek help, process emotions, and find purpose in early adulthood.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young adult, this episode sheds light on how to break stigmas, challenge toxic narratives, and prioritize men’s mental health.
RESOURCES
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call or Text #988
Crisis Text Line text "TALK" to 741-741
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (substance abuse)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Timestamps
00:00 Trigger Warning
00:47 Hosts Introduction and Episode Overview
01:54 Discussing Suicide and Mental Health Statistics
06:08 The Danger of Hustle Culture
09:16 Thomas’s Personal Experience with Suicide
15:47 Emotional Impact and Coping Mechanisms
26:41 Toxic Masculinity and Hustle Culture
39:32 Exploring New Interests
41:09 Parental Concerns and Support
41:29 Pursuing Passion Despite Practicality
42:15 Mental Health and Expectations
43:21 The Loneliness Epidemic Among Men
45:36 Superficiality and Genuine Connections
48:52 Recognizing Red Flags in Mental Health
53:22 The Importance of Deep Conversations
01:01:58 Proposed Solutions for Mental Health Support
01:14:39 Final Thoughts and Future Plans