Teaching Boys How to Cry

Body of Abstract: “Teaching Boys How to Cry” confronts the rising public health crisis of male suicide and depression, highlighting the need for policy shifts and early interventions that address the gendered barriers preventing boys from developing essential emotional expression skills. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for men under 45, with especially sharp increases among younger age groups. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that men are often conditioned to suppress emotions due to societal norms, leaving them less equipped to handle mental health challenges, which too often culminate in self-harm or suicide (CDC, 2023).

This presentation explores the multi-layered impact of both macro and micro factors on male emotional development. At a macro level, cultural expectations around stoicism and masculinity discourage emotional vulnerability, often discouraging boys and men from seeking mental health support. Additionally, underdiagnosis and the lack of gender-sensitive care models for men have created structural barriers that prevent effective treatment and support. At a micro level, many boys lack early education in emotional literacy, a deficit that can lead to long-term challenges in coping with stress, rejection, and failure.

Through evidence-based research and real-world case studies, this session will outline interventions targeting these systemic issues, combining policy recommendations with practical tools for therapists and mental health professionals to support boys in developing healthier emotional habits. Emphasis will be placed on strategies for public health policy reform, such as integrating emotional education in schools, funding male-centered mental health programs, and supporting campaigns that reframe emotional expression as a component of resilience.

Drawing on research from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and insights from the Journal of Men’s Health, we will also address the potential for creating structural changes that normalize emotional support for boys and young men. As Seager et al. note, “emotional suppression is not only socially reinforced but also internally damaging” for many males, contributing to heightened risks of depression and, ultimately, suicide (Seager et al., 2020).

For policymakers, this session offers actionable strategies for legislative change, emphasizing public health policies that support mental health equity and early intervention. For therapists and experts in suicide prevention, it provides tools and methods for fostering emotional literacy and resilience in boys, recognizing that creating an environment where boys are empowered to openly express emotions is a powerful preventive measure against future mental health crises.

By addressing both structural and individual dimensions, this session aims to encourage a shift in how society and mental health professionals approach emotional education for boys, with the ultimate goal of reducing the tragic prevalence of male suicide and enhancing the overall mental well-being of future generations.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and analyze the cultural and societal norms that contribute to emotional suppression in boys and men, and understand their link to increased risks of depression and suicide.
• Recognize and implement therapeutic strategies and educational approaches that foster emotional literacy in boys, equipping them with healthy tools for self-expression and resilience.
• Develop policy recommendations aimed at integrating emotional education into public health initiatives, schools, and mental health programs to address structural barriers and support male mental health at a systemic level.