Men’s Mental Health in Colorado: Breaking the Silence

In a time where more of us building awareness and addressing our mental health in a positive way, there is still a silent struggle among men. And here in Colorado, the numbers tell a deeper story.

Men between the ages of 25 and 64 have the highest suicide rate (42.79 deaths per 100,000 people) Older men, age 65 and older, follow closely at 42.59 per 100,000. Younger men (19–24 years old) have a rate of 34.61. Boys between 10 and 18 years old face a rate of 11.35 per 100,000.

Why Men in Colorado Are Struggling

As stigma decreases and we are more open to talking about our mental health overall, men often still feel the need to “suffer in silence.”

There are many reasons for this, but one of the biggest is social pressure. Many men grow up learning they need to be tough, stay quiet, and “handle things on their own.” This mindset can make it hard for men to ask for help. Instead of talking about sadness or worry, they might show their pain in other ways like anger, stress, or unhealthy habits.

“I think so often men have reasons for keeping their struggles to themselves.” Says Mathew Hodege, an Adult Outpatient Coordinator with Jefferson Center. “I have heard men discuss how people treat them differently if they happen to show emotion and they are embarrassed to have an issue in the first place. Often a statement I have heard is ‘I don’t want to become a burden’ It almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. That if I am a burden then I might as well solve it – and leads to those high suicide rates.”

Signs of Mental Health Problems in Men

Here are some common signs that a man might be struggling:

Anger or irritability
Aggressive or risky behavior
Substance use
Trouble concentrating
Constant worry or stress
Acting “not like themselves”
Thoughts of suicide

Mental health problems can also show up physically, not just emotionally. These signs might include:

Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite or energy
Headaches or stomach problems
Unexplained aches and pains

Often, friends and family notice the changes first. If someone seems off or not like themselves, it’s okay to check in and ask how they’re doing.

Just as important, when someone asks, it’s okay to say “I’m not okay.”

Colorado’s Culture and the Need for Connection

Colorado’s rugged beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and strong sense of independence are part of what make it special. But for some men, especially those in these rural mountain towns, that same independence can lead to isolation. Jefferson Center has multiple locations across Jefferson, Gilpin, and Clear Creek counties that can be the first step on your mental health journey.

When it feels like everyone else is strong and happy, it can be hard to admit you’re struggling. But reaching out for help is not weakness, but strength.

How to Support Men’s Mental Health in Colorado

Changing the way we think about men’s mental health starts with open conversations.
Here’s how we can all help:

Listen without judgment: Sometimes just being there matters most.
Encourage professional help: Therapy and counseling can work for anyone.
Check in often: A simple “How are you really doing?” can make a difference.
Build community: There are many opportunities for us to build community with each other. Grabbing coffee, dinner, or spending quality time together can foster connection and let the men in your life know you are there for them.

Final Thoughts

Men’s mental health is just as important as physical health. By breaking the silence and supporting each other, we can help turn Colorado’s troubling statistics into stories of hope, healing, and resilience.

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