From Tragedy to Purpose: Focusing on Men’s and Boys’ Mental Health

We recognize that societal expectations often make it harder for men and boys to seek help. Our mission is to address these unique challenges by providing tailored resources and support systems that encourage open conversations and proactive coping strategies.

A message from founder Scilla Andreen

On October 14, 2024, the sudden and tragic loss of our son Jesse to suicide painfully underscored that while education is essential, it is the ability to implement these tools in daily life that truly saves lives. It’s surreal that, despite our deep connection to mental health education, we missed this in our own family. With broken hearts, we are more determined than ever to break the stigma and ensure that mental health education and support are not only accessible but actionable for all.

 

Hold your loved ones close and join us in making a real difference. Together, we can create a world where mental health support is not just available but actively embraced by everyone.

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The world is finally talking about mental health, but stigma still holds people back.

To me, that stigma makes no sense. We wouldn’t tell someone with a fractured foot to “walk it off,” but that’s often what people hear when they reach out for mental health support.

Especially for our boys, the pressure to “toughen up” can make it hard to ask for help. But mental health struggles are just as real as any physical challenge. And with the right support, they can be managed and even overcome.

Parents have a powerful role to play. By learning about mental health, we can help our kids—especially our boys—understand it’s okay to share their feelings and seek support.

4x
Men die by suicide nearly 4 times more often than women, and many have untreated mental health issues (CDC)
50%
of men who die by suicide have a history of substance abuse, often struggling in silence (SAMHSA)
1 in 5
men experience mental health issues each year, yet only 40% of those seek treatment. (NIMH, APA)
10%
of men struggle with alcohol use disorder, double the rate of women, with depression often a hidden cause. (CDC)
"Tough it out"
Parents encourage boys to “tough it out,” leading to less emotional support and stigma around asking for help. (Child Trends)
Parents view boys as “better at math” and girls at “better at empathy,” affecting boys’ social support networks and emotional expression. (Pew Research)

Funds raised will be used to provide free men’s and boys’ mental health resources for families and include in the Creative Coping Toolkit, making these supports widely accessible to all.

Let’s build a future where asking for help is normal, where every parent and child knows that mental health matters, and where stigma is left behind. No one should feel alone on this journey.

For Jesse
You were our second of six, with charm and grace,
A sweet-talking boy with a handsome face.
So bright and kind but lost your way,
Finding mischief as if it came to stay.
We tried to guide you with all we knew—
Change schools, a sport, or something new.
But nothing reached the hurt inside,
Where you struggled, and where you cried.
We did our best, though now we see,
What you really needed was to be free—
To share your pain, to let it out,
Without judgment, fear, or doubt.
You always meant well, even when things went wrong,
Your heart was good, and you stayed strong.
We wish you peace, we wish you rest,
Knowing now you did your best.
Though you’re gone, you’re never far,
You’re now the wind, the rain and stars.
Forever loved, forever near,
In every sunset, you’re still here.
With us forever…
Rest in peace my love
1990-2024

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