Beneath the Surface: Understanding Men's Mental Health

Written by Gerardo naranjo - Research Project Manager for the Center for Health & Well-Being

Halloween has passed and we now enter November: a month which for some years now has been linked to the “Movember” movement, dedicated to raise awareness on men’s mental and physical health. The issue of men’s mental health is well documented. 

Men account for around 80% of suicide deaths, and estimates suggest that only half of those going through anxiety and depression receive treatment (ADAA, 2026). Undoubtedly, these statistics are alarming; and it is perhaps equally alarming to think that these numbers only refer to observable cases. In statistics we call this kind of data “iceberg data,” a metaphor referring to the unobservable nature of the vast majority of cases which, in this case, make up the totality of men’s mental health struggles. Because the reality is, mental health does not only emerge through diagnosis. For better or for worse, mental health develops in the mundane: in the everyday messages, triggers, or conversations (or lack thereof) that tap into our self-esteem and sense of belonging. 

These factors are by no means exhaustive, but they speak of the culturally systemic nature of men’s mental health. It is no secret that traditional masculinity norms play a role in shaping how men feel about sharing their feelings with others. But the effects of these norms often go even deeper, not just restraining men’s initiative to talk about their feelings, but potentially the extent to which they allow themselves to accept these feelings (at least from personal experience). 

So, as students, friends, and colleagues, how do we contribute to a culture that brings the “iceberg” to the surface? How can we destigmatize the seemingly mundane circumstances that have a negative impact in men’s mental health?

It sounds far-fetched, but the answer may lie in economics. Developed by Michael Spence in 1973, signalling theory refers to situations in which two parties address situations in which there is asymmetric information. These situations include employees interviewing with an employer, two countries negotiating a peace treaty, or even someone expressing romantic interest towards someone else in search of a date. Signalling theory suggests that we solve these “information asymmetries” by signalling. That is, producing a gesture that gives the other party cues about our posture. 

In romantic situations, we may do this by liking an Instagram story. When it comes to men’s mental health, we can “signal” safety by making vulnerability part of our communication style. In my male social circles, drastic changes in everyone’s willingness to share personal emotions arose after we started saying “love you” casually. Nothing cheesy and not ironically. Just a quick “love you” before hanging up the phone or after getting together to watch a football game. It was something that we did all the time in my football team, so I brought it into non-sportive environments. First, this was met with reluctance. But with time, it became something normal. The expression became a “signal,” creating an environment where everyone felt safe enough to be vulnerable, and appreciated enough to be listened to. 

This does not mean that we all need to start forcing “love yous” into our group chats or endeavors, but it does mean that we can invite vulnerability with vulnerability. How often are we signalling to others that we are somewhere to be heard? Somewhere to be cared for?

The topic this month is men’s mental health, but these questions are worth considering all year long. We live in a world of asymmetric information, where we rarely know exactly what is going on inside someone else’s mind. Perhaps it is up to us to make this information more symmetric, bringing the “iceberg” of men’s mental health up to the surface, one signal at a time.