Men’s Health Series| Kerri O’Brien
“You’re not alone. Real men speak up, and strong unions listen.”
We’re used to being tough. We show up when it’s hard. We power through pain. We don’t complain. That’s what being a union man has always looked like—right?
But strength isn’t silence. Real strength is facing what’s hard, including what’s happening inside. Mental health isn’t weakness—it’s human. And the sooner we break the silence around it, the healthier our brothers, workplaces, and families will be.
The Hidden Crisis in Men’s Health
Here’s what too many union members are living with quietly:
- Chronic stress from financial pressure or job insecurity
- Trauma from worksite injuries, accidents, or exposure to danger
- Depression that goes unspoken for months or years
- Anxiety about providing for family, staying employed, or managing health
- Substance use that started as “unwinding” and became daily survival
Men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health. But they are:
- 4x more likely to die by suicide
- More likely to misuse drugs and alcohol
- Less likely to talk about emotional struggles
This is a labor issue. This is a men’s health issue. This is our issue.
Why We Stay Quiet—and Why That Must Change
“I’ll deal with it later.”
“I don’t want to be seen as weak.”
“Nobody wants to hear about my problems.”
Those thoughts are common—and deadly.
It takes courage to speak up. Courage to say “I’m not okay.” Courage to call a counselor, reach out to a buddy, or tell your supervisor that you’re struggling.
Mental health is health. Period. And just like you’d fix a busted knee or get your blood pressure checked, your mind and heart deserve care too.
What You Can Do Today
- Talk to someone. A buddy, a family member, a therapist. Start somewhere.
- Call your EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Many union health plans offer free, confidential therapy sessions.
- Take a break. Real rest—not just collapsing on the couch. Go outside. Unplug. Breathe.
- If you’re in crisis, call or text 988. It’s free, confidential, and always open.
Union Leaders—Create a Culture of Openness
If you’re in a leadership role, normalize mental health care:
- Start meetings with a simple “check-in” question
- Invite mental health professionals to speak at events
- Share your own story, if you have one—it opens the door for others
- Post EAP resources in visible places
- Train supervisors to recognize mental health warning signs
Brothers Take Care of Brothers
The union movement has always been about solidarity. That means looking out for each other not just on the job site, but in life. If someone seems off—check in. If a friend’s drinking more than usual—say something. If you’re the one struggling—reach out.
This Men’s Health Month, let’s rewrite what strength means. Real men talk. Real unions listen.
Your mental health matters. You matter.
