Well Well Wellbeing
Happy beginning of the sweetest holiday season. I love thanksgiving because it is all about being appreciative of family, friends, health, and whatever sparks personal joy. I am immensely grateful for my given and chosen families. And, I am saddened that loneliness is an epidemic. Just last month, we were devastated to lose the person many of us tuned to in our most trying times. The creator of the SAINTprotocol and champion of psychedelic research at Stanford University, Nolan Williams was an outspoken advocate for suicide prevention and the need for better PTSD treatments, so his tragic death came as a shock. Most do.
Eleven years ago, months before our dear friend Zak Williams's father took his life, we hugged our beloved Zarko's children as they came to terms with their father's untimely end. I am sharing this now because it is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and I am broken-hearted that an impossible number of guys feel so hopeless that they do the most irrational thing one could imagine. To shed some light, I reached out to brilliant Medical Director and psychiatrist Dr. Raghu Appasani to share both data and some of his support strategies
Dr. Nolan Williams presenting at Near Future Summit 2023
November is Men's Mental Health Month, and it's time we had an honest conversation. The statistics are sobering: over 6 million men in the U.S. experience depression annually, yet it often goes undiagnosed. Even more concerning, while men account for half the population, they represent nearly 80% of suicides.
We are losing too many good men to a battle fought in silence.
Breaking the Silence
40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, with many citing embarrassment or negative stigma. But here's the truth: asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's an act of courage and self-preservation.
How to Check In on the Men in Your Life
Sometimes, the simplest gestures make the biggest difference:
Ask directly: "How are you really doing?" and give them space to answer honestly
Notice changes in behavior—withdrawal, irritability, changes in sleep or appetite
Invite them for a walk, hike, coffee, or activity where conversation flows naturally
Let them know you're available, without judgment
Don't wait for a crisis—regular check-ins normalize the conversation
Resources That Can Help
If you or someone you care about is struggling:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 support
Man Therapy (mantherapy.org): Resources specifically designed for men
NAMI HelpLine: 800-950-NAMI for information and referrals
Mental Health America: Free screening tools at mhanational.org
OnSite Experience: Attend an intensive for community & healing
Mental health conditions are treatable, and recovery is possible. But it starts with recognizing that it's okay to not be okay—and that reaching out is the first step toward healing. - Raghu Appasani, MD