“To strengthen families, we need to empower boys and men,” says Sutherland Institute’s Family Policy Fellow, Krisana Finlay.  

Finlay points out in her Insights article that, “Boys and men are struggling.” Across the board, male well-being has declined. 

Trends are showing increased high school drop-out rates, and declining college enrollment rates and four-year college graduation rates for males. The labor force is also facing a significant impact – male workforce rates have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.  

Finlay alludes this may be due to a deeper-rooted issue. 

As of 2021, men, despite being more than 50% of the population, are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Data in Utah showed that adults experience more poor mental health days per month than the national average. 

In her article, Finlay notes that men report lower rates of mental health struggles, but the data shows a different reality. 

Why are so many men in Utah and across the nation undergoing such a mental health crisis? Finlay explains that men’s apprehension to seek help may be due to “stigma” and “shame.”  

In a one-on-one interview, Finlay sat down with a friend, Dallin, who highlighted that men are experiencing self-doubt and loneliness, and wondering whether they “have what it takes.” “When you don’t know something, it eats at your soul,” Dallin states. In these struggles, Finlay writes, men fear that pursuing mental health assistance through therapy will lead to judgment from their peers and a perception of weakness.  

When asked what Utah policymakers and voters can do to help, Finlay explains, “When approaching policy initiatives, leaders can’t leave men behind.” She further highlights Dallin’s remarks, “It comes down to being fathered.” Meaning, men need to empower other men by breaking the stigma of mental health and providing avenues for guidance and healthy masculinity.  

Utahns who care about strong families have a duty to empower boys and men, and help them become healthy, flourishing contributors to society. 

The Likely Voter is Sutherland Institute’s voice speaking directly to Utah voters, equipping them with increased knowledge and context to support informed and engaged citizenship.

For a more in-depth perspective on this article, read our Insights piece here.