Mental Health and Well-Being: Tips for Male Faculty and Staff
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Summer on your campus may be noticeably quieter since it's one of higher education's . It's a chance for most (though not all) of us to slow down, reflect, and recharge. With the academic rush subsiding and June recognized as Men's Health Month, it's an opportune time for men working on campus to reflect on and prioritize their own wellness.
What We Know About Mental Health Related to Men
Wellness has become more than just a buzzword on campuses across the country, with mental health awareness and support steadily increasing in recent years. Yet there are still many barriers that faculty, staff, and students alike face in addressing their own mental health challenges, particularly men.
According to the CDC, the than the rate among females. Additionally, men in their are at greater risk, says Dr. Jodi Frey, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and an expert in workplace behavioral health and suicide prevention.
"There are various factors that may be contributing to why this is occurring," notes Loren Brown, director of counseling and psychological services for Washington State University. "...But I think that it is important to consider how difficulties in help-seeking for men and the social norms around masculinity may be contributing to this situation."
While both Frey and Brown caution that not all men are the same, there are some cultural norms and expectations that cause men to act in certain ways.
"Although there is a lot of variability and nuance to the messages that boys and men receive about masculinity," Brown says, "many men have learned to value stoicism, emotional restraint, independence, and being viewed as stable, dependable, or consistent."
Frey adds "being a dominant force and/or breadwinner in one's family and community" to the list.
While these traits have their merits, they can also prevent men from seeking help in times of emotional distress, whether it be formal support such as counseling or simply talking to a trusted friend.
Frey also notes that men are often unsure "how and where to seek help, and they may feel like a failure or burden to family or society, which is a major risk for suicide."
In addition to the typical factors impacting men's mental health, the higher education landscape continues to shift. It's essential for all faculty and staff to develop healthy coping strategies for managing the various stressors, including but not limited to: budget reductions, complex student needs, systemic inequities, staff turnover, and leadership changes.
So, where can you start?
What Faculty and Staff Can Do To Help Themselves
Prioritizing yourself can feel unnatural, especially if you've become accustomed to serving everyone around you while ignoring your own self-care. The concept of self-care can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Start with some small, intentional steps:
Name your feelings.
that the simple act of labeling your emotions can help you regulate your feelings and reduce the intensity and duration of negative emotions such as stress, fear, or anger. Brown noted that journaling is a great way to build emotional awareness, which is an important skill to have. While many higher ed professionals are deeply committed to supporting students, they are at risk of developing . Being in tune with your emotions can help you recognize the signs of burnout as well as more serious concerns like depression. While depression is often associated with sadness or withdrawal, Frey explains that anger and irritability have also been linked to depression and suicidal ideation.
"Depression is anger turned inward, and many men recognize or respond to their depression externally through anger and/or risky behaviors such as substance use [and] dangerous extreme hobbies/sports activities. Traditional signs of depression are also very important to look for and respond to, but another way that men often tell us they know they are depressed are more physical symptoms of depression such as fatigue and mental dullness, often evidenced by problems at work."
Schedule pauses throughout the day.
"Set a reminder on your phone or put a sticky note on your computer to remind yourself to step outside in the fresh air, stretch at your desk, or take a few intentional, slow, deep breaths in between a meeting or class," Brown says.
Set boundaries for yourself.
Are you guilty of skipping lunch or eating at your desk while catching up on emails? Brown cautions how important it is to "use your lunch break to do something that really nourishes you."
Explore and access institutional resources.
"For faculty and staff, most campuses have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)," Frey states. "These resources usually provide free assessment and short-term counseling, or support to find a referral for longer-term care, while supporting the person's role as student and/or employee (and often their family members)." Services available may include counseling, legal support, financial advice, health and wellness programs, and more. Even if you don't need them right away, Brown encourages taking the time to familiarize yourself with what's available. "Find the website or phone number, look up how to make an appointment, or read one of their emails sent out to employees rather than just deleting it."
Leadership's Role in Building a Culture of Well-Being
Leaders play a vital role in supporting the mental health of faculty and staff by reinforcing the institution's commitment to a healthy workplace -- and by creating structures, policies, and practices that actively promote mental well-being.
As Frey and Brown mentioned, EAPs are an important part of this effort, but it's equally important for leaders to continually reflect on evolving needs and possible solutions.
"The workplace represents an important environment where prevention, education, intervention, and recovery supports can be provided to help men recognize that it is 'okay to not be okay' and that if they need help, their employer 'has their back,'" Frey notes.
On the , which Frey co-leads, there are for work and professional organizations to use to assess the culture of their environment and start prioritizing suicide prevention.
Additionally, institutions must consider how they can reach men where they are. Despite the availability of mental health services, many men may still hesitate to use them. This is where creative, research-informed outreach efforts -- such as , for which Frey was a primary researcher -- can make a meaningful difference.
The public health campaign, primarily implemented in Ohio and Michigan, uses a fictional character, Dr. Rich Mahogany, as well as humor and straightforward language to break down social barriers and destigmatize help-seeking.
As part of the campaign, flyers with QR codes linking to the website are posted around campus, which Frey notes is a great way for campuses to begin promoting men's mental health resources and encouraging overall well-being.
"[Man Therapy] is working to change the narrative where many men, and women too, view seeking help as a sign of weakness," she says. "Seeking help is not a weakness, but a strength -- something to be proud of, to share with others who might benefit from hearing your story..."
A Final Word: Prioritizing Progress Over Perfection
For many men working in higher education, summer can be a time to pause, reassess priorities, and consider what well-being truly looks like in their personal and professional lives. There's no perfect way to prioritize mental health -- no one-size-fits-all formula for navigating stress, masculinity, and responsibility. What matters most is recognizing that it's okay to start small. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. And most of all, it's okay to ask for help. 四虎影视 and support exist. As the Man Therapy site says, "Taking care of your mental health is the manliest thing a man can do."
As campuses begin preparing for the next academic year, now is the time to make space -- for conversation, connection, and care. A healthier campus starts with healthier faculty and staff -- including you.
