Annapolis: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Publishes Opinion On Young Men’s Mental Health

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On July 1, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore published a “First Opinion” piece on STAT News titled “How to Improve Young Men’s Mental Health” that shared some of the leader’s thoughts about the mental state of boys and young men across America. In the article, Moore makes several points about the mental state of boys and young men, while also addressing what he describes as the risks of a society where a large portion of men suffer from mental illness.

Mental health among boys and young men has seen a sharp decline in recent years, with factors such as loneliness, isolation and the onset of social media often cited as contributing influences. Gov. Moore addresses these distinct concerns throughout his recent article.

The piece starts out by arguing that there are better ways to improve mental health than targeting the actions that men aren’t taking. Moore also notes that the suicide rate of men in Maryland is significantly higher than that of women, which is one of the biggest risks of a poor mental state.

“When we talk about men’s mental health, we tend to focus on what men are not doing: Not going to therapy. Not opening up. Not doing the work,” Moore continued. “If the hope was to shame men into better mental health, it has not worked.”

Moore shared that he has a son and a daughter, and how he wants them both to grow up to have all of the opportunities they possibly can. Moore said ensuring positive mental health during key development stages is essential to fostering relationships and a strong career.

The Maryland governor highlighted a wide variety of different mental health concerns. He said social media, loneliness, predatory sports betting and being mislabeled as “defiant” during times of depression can contribute to a young man’s poor mental health.

Moore continued by explaining what Maryland has accomplished during his tenure as governor. He pointed to the Young Men and Boys Initiative, a Maryland program that aims to offer support to young male residents.

Moore wrote that government investment in young men not only offers avenues to help their mental health thrive, but also lets them know that something is there for them when nobody else is.

“The idea is simple: What young men really need are opportunities to be useful, to belong, and to be seen,” Moore wrote.

One of the biggest points that Gov. Moore argues is that we need more male role models in boys’ lives, as less than a fourth of teachers in Maryland are men. Furthermore, he asserts that those same role models should be a guiding force for our youth, even when boys don’t seek out help of their own volition.

“When a teacher, coach, counselor, pediatrician, or school psychologist sees a boy who is withdrawing, escalating, or acting out, that should prompt care.”

At the end of the article, Gov. Wes Moore asks readers to stop telling men where they’re failing, but instead let them know that our communities, and the nation as a whole, need them to thrive.

To read the full article by Gov. Wes Moore, visit STATNews.com. Starter subscriptions begin at $30 for three months.

If you or somebody you care about is suffering from mental health issues, Marylanders can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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