For many men, struggle doesn’t look like sadness. It looks like silence. Or stress. Or snapping at the people they love.
In healthcare, those patterns often get written off as part of the job: long hours, high pressure, no time to process what you’re carrying. But irritability, anger, and emotional withdrawal are some of the most common signs of burnout and stress in men1.
That doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you. It means you’re human. And it might mean it’s time for a different kind of support.
Men account for nearly 80% of suicide deaths in the U.S., yet are far less likely to seek support compared to women2. That gap isn’t because men don’t need it, but they’ve often been told—directly or indirectly—that needing it is a problem.
And in healthcare, where the culture rewards grit and composure, the pressure to keep it together runs even deeper.
So this Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re not just raising awareness. We’re offering a different path forward for the clinicians carrying too much, and for the people who care about them.
Here are four practical, proven ways to protect your mental health built for the pace, stress, and emotional weight of clinical work.
1. Build “recovery windows” into your shift
What it is: Short, intentional breaks between patients or high-stress moments to calm your nervous system. Even 60 seconds can make a difference2.
Why it works: Research shows micro-breaks can reduce emotional exhaustion, improve decision-making, and lower the risk of burnout in high-pressure jobs3.
How to try it: Breathe in for 4 counts, out for 6. Hold something cold. Step outside, even briefly. The goal isn’t deep relaxation, just enough recovery to reset.
At Marvin, we help healthcare workers build this into their day so it becomes second nature, not one more thing to remember. Meet one of our specialized counselors →
2. Have support in place before you need it
What it is: Proactively meeting with a counselor for support during job transitions, tough cases, or moments of high stress, even if nothing feels “wrong” yet.
Why it works: Many men don’t seek support until after a major event. But by then, the associated stress often runs deeper4. Having a provider in place makes it easier to reach out or check in when it matters most.
How to try it: Think of support like performance maintenance, not crisis response. You don’t need to justify it. Schedule a first session during a slower week or after a tough shift just to talk it through.
Marvin makes it easy to find a counselor who understands the clinical world so you’re not starting from scratch when things feel heavy.
3. Loop in the people who live with you
What it is: Offering support not just for you, but for the people who care about you at home. That could mean partner sessions, stress debriefs, or tools for navigating burnout together.
Why it works: Emotional labor doesn’t stay at work. And for many men, relationship strain is the first sign something’s off5. Supporting your mental health often means addressing the ripple effects, too.
How to try it: If you’re feeling disconnected, start with one honest conversation about what’s hard right now. Or use a shared session to make space for both voices. Sometimes just being in the same (virtual) room helps.
Your spouse or adult dependents (18+) can use Marvin, too. We make it easy to start the conversation, and help both sides feel more understood.
4. Redefine boundaries at work
What it is: Making small, intentional shifts in how you approach your schedule, responsibilities, and support systems especially in high-pressure environments like healthcare.
Why it works: Burnout isn’t just about working too much. It’s often about not having enough time for what matters. Making space for life outside of work can help prevent stress from building up.
How to try it: Start by having a conversation with your supervisor about what’s working and what’s not. Explore how you can set limits on new patient appointments, adjust your shift schedule to protect family or social time, or take advantage of systems (like specialized teams or support staff) already in place.
The bottom line
Men in healthcare don’t need more pressure to “speak up.” They need support that works quietly, reliably, and without judgment.
That’s what Marvin was built for. If you or someone you care about could use someone in your corner, we’re here when you’re ready.
Sources
1: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics. “Suicide Mortality in the United States, 2022.”
2: NIH Study: “Short Recovery Breaks Improve Well-being and Reduce Burnout.”
3: Henning, R.A., et al. (1997). “Frequent Short Breaks Can Reduce Stress and Fatigue.” Ergonomics, 40(1), 78–91.
4: Addis, M.E. & Mahalik, J.R. (2003). “Men, Masculinity, and the Contexts of Help Seeking.” American Psychologist, 58(1), 5–14.
5: Hochschild, A.R. (1983). The Managed Heart: Commercialization of Human Feeling.
