#460 - Suffering in Silence: The Mental Health Battles Men Are Fighting Alone

You might look like you’ve got it all together. You show up. You work hard. You smile, you joke, you say you’re “fine.” But inside? You might be carrying more than anyone knows. 

This is especially true for men. You’d never guess it by looking at them, but so many—maybe even someone you love—are silently carrying a weight that feels too heavy to bear. They’re suffering in silence, quietly fighting battles they don’t feel safe talking about. Not because they’re weak—but because the world taught them that real strength means not showing emotion, not needing help, not breaking down. 

In this episode of Love, Happiness and Success, I’m joined by Steve Kramer—host of the Certified Mama’s Boy Podcast and the Kramer & Jess Morning Show—for a very important  conversation about the epidemic of men suffering in silence. Steve opens up about the private pain he hid behind a public smile, how disconnection and emotional isolation nearly overwhelmed him, and what helped him begin to heal.

We’re shedding light on the emotional experiences so many men keep hidden—because they’ve never been taught how to talk about them, or even how to recognize what they’re feeling. We’ll talk about the real risks of going it alone, the quiet ways people often show they’re not okay even when they say they are, and how men can get the support they need.

If you or someone you care about has ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’re barely holding it together behind the scenes, this conversation is for you.

Timestamps:
00:00 – When Life Feels Too Heavy: Steve’s Breaking Point
01:46 – Why Are So Many Men Suffering in Silence?
03:34 – Public Smiles, Private Struggles: The Pressure to Perform
04:21 – When It’s All Too Much
08:17 – The Call That Changed Everything
15:39 – Check On Your “Happy” Friends
23:35 – How to Tell When It’s More Serious Than They’re Saying
35:39 – Loneliness vs. Depression: Understanding the Difference
37:23 – Making Friends as an Adult Is Hard—But Necessary
38:53 – Why Men Struggle With Emotional Intimacy
48:06 – What Emotional Intelligence Really Means (and How to Build It)
55:58 – The Personal Work That Keeps Steve Grounded Today
01:00:35 – How to Support a Loved One Who’s Struggling
01:05:50 – Steve’s New Definition of Happiness

If this hit close to home, it’s time to take a breath and check in—with yourself, or maybe with a man you care about. Struggles that stay hidden don't just go away—they weigh you down over time, and it can start to take a toll on your health, your relationships, your life.

You don’t have to figure it out all on your own. There is space for you to be honest. To get support. To be human. There is help that meets you where you are.

If you’re ready to find your way again, come check out my Clarity and Confidence Coaching. You’ll learn how to reconnect with yourself, get unstuck, and create real momentum in your life. Plus, you’ll pay just a fraction of the cost of other coaches. It’s truly such an amazing value. 

👉 Get on the list to join. Together, we’ll help you build a life that feels more connected, meaningful, and joyful. I hope you check it out!

Also, I’d love to stay connected! Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more insight, encouragement, and authentic conversations that support your growth. I’d love to connect with you there. 💛

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
www.growingself.com

P.S. If you know a man in your life that could use some support, send this podcast over to them. It could be exactly what they need to take the first step to get support.