May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s time to take the conversation about mental health to the next level. For Black men, this conversation isn’t just necessary—it’s life-saving.
Far too often, we’re taught to "push through," to bury our emotions, to shoulder everything in silence. But we know that strength isn’t just about physical endurance—it’s about emotional resilience, and that starts with checking in on ourselves and our brothers.
Are you really okay? Too many of us are silently struggling. Mental distress often hides in plain sight, wearing masks that only we can see. It’s time we talk about it. Strength isn’t only physical—acknowledging how you truly feel shows real courage. This Mental Health Month, let’s normalize these conversations and create a community where it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay.”
Common Signs You Might Be Struggling:
It’s hard to admit when we’re struggling, especially when society expects us to be stoic, unshakable, and strong at all times. But emotional and mental health is just as important as physical health.
Some common signs you might be struggling include:

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Sudden anger or irritability: When small things set you off, it may be a signal that there’s something deeper happening.
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Withdrawing from friends/family: Isolation can be a way of coping, but it’s also a sign that something’s wrong.
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Fatigue or loss of motivation: Feeling exhausted all the time or losing the drive to do what you love can be a red flag.
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Overworking or shutting down emotionally: Sometimes, we dive into work to distract ourselves, or we shut down completely to avoid dealing with what we feel.
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Using substances to numb feelings: Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or other forms of escapism, turning to substances can be a way to cope with overwhelming emotions.
When coping mechanisms start to feel like they aren’t enough, it’s time to pause and reach out.
What Mental Health Crises Look Like:
Sometimes, the signs of distress can escalate into a mental health crisis. Know what to look for:
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Thoughts of self-harm or suicide: If you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts, it’s critical to take them seriously and reach out for support immediately.
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Feeling completely hopeless or numb: When you can’t see a way forward or feel disconnected from everything and everyone, it’s a crisis moment.
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Panic attacks: The overwhelming sensation that you can’t breathe, your heart races, and you feel like you might lose control.
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Uncontrollable emotional outbursts: Crying or anger outbursts that seem disproportionate to the situation could indicate a mental health crisis.
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Losing touch with reality: Experiencing delusions, hallucinations, or detachment from reality requires immediate attention.
What to Do if You’re in Crisis:
If you find yourself in crisis, immediate action and honest communication can help interrupt the situation before it worsens:
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Call or text 988: This is a 24/7 free mental health line available to anyone in crisis. It's a safe place to reach out when you feel overwhelmed.
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Let a trusted friend know: You don’t have to go through it alone. Opening up to someone you trust can make a huge difference.
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Go to your nearest ER or urgent care: If the crisis feels unmanageable, seek professional help immediately.
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Remove weapons or dangerous items from your space: In moments of intense distress, ensuring your environment is safe is crucial.
Crisis moments can happen at any time and can escalate very quickly. Knowing the warning signs can help intervene before things get worse. If you or someone you care about is going through this, don’t wait to act. Immediate help can save lives.
Your well-being is too important. It's okay to open up and reach out. If you feel like you're reaching a breaking point, don’t hesitate to get the help you need.
What to Do if Someone Else Is in Crisis:
You don’t have to have all the answers, but being there for someone else can make a world of difference:

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Stay calm and present: When someone is in crisis, your presence and composure can be a grounding force.
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Ask directly: “Are you thinking of hurting yourself?” It’s important to ask about self-harm or suicidal thoughts directly, without hesitation. It can be a lifesaver.
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Call 988 or 911 if there’s immediate danger: If someone is at risk of harm, make sure you call for professional help right away.
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Follow up later to show continued support: Crisis doesn’t end with the phone call or intervention. Checking in after the fact shows the person they are not alone.
Showing up for someone else reminds them they’re not alone and can make all the difference.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, Win With Black Men is committed to leading the way in these conversations. We’re here to break the silence, to encourage vulnerability, and to create spaces where healing is possible. Together, we’ll make sure that mental health is treated with the seriousness it deserves. This is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.
Let’s talk about it. Let’s normalize it. Let’s heal together.