Each June, Men’s Mental Health Month brings long overdue attention to the emotional well-being of men and boys. This subject is often hidden behind silence, stigma and outdated expectations. Despite growing national awareness, many men still struggle in silence, avoiding help until they reach a point of crisis. In Alexandria, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is working to change that narrative by offering services, crisis response, and education to support men’s mental health across the City’s diverse communities.
Mental Health doesn’t discriminate, but the way that society treats it often does. Research shows that although men and women experience mental health conditions at similar rates, men are significantly less likely to seek treatment. According to the CDC, men make up nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the U.S. and suicide is the 7th leading cause of death among men. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that among adults who experience a major depressive episode, 51% are women and 49% are men, yet men are far less likely to receive a diagnosis or access care. Societal pressure to “tough it out” or avoid appearing vulnerable plays a significant role.
In the City of Alexandria, through DCHS, residents can access free or low-cost services tailored to men that are experiencing emotional distress, mental illness or crisis. These services include 24/7 mental health support, available by calling 703.746.3401, as well as Same Day Intake. This includes individual and group therapy, medication management, substance use counseling, and trauma recovery. Services are offered at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center located at 4850 Mark Center Drive in multiple languages.
Language inclusivity is critical to ensuring that all men feel welcome and heard. According to Alexandria’s 2024 Community Health Assessment, the City’s most commonly spoken languages are:
- English: 75.1%
- Spanish (8.9%)
- Amharic (8.6%)
- Dari (5.1%)
- Pashto (1.3%)
- Arabic (1.0%)
Culturally responsive care is also crucial. Mental health resources in Alexandria are offered with translation or interpretation support, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also equipped to serve Spanish speakers and speakers of other languages.
Men’s Mental Health Month is a chance to focus on some of the life transitions and pressures that often affect men uniquely. Some of these transitions include unemployment, fatherhood, substance use, military service, and the stigma around trauma. Local programs such as Alexandria’s Program for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Military & Veteran Services support men that are dealing with mental health and substance use challenges, PTSD, and housing instability. DCHS also provides help through the Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) and co-responder models with Alexandria police and EMS, ensuring that mental health professionals are there when someone is in an emotional crisis, not just law enforcement.
If there’s one message Men’s Mental Health Month aims to spread, it’s that you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you are a man who is struggling, or someone who has a loved one who is struggling, it starts with checking in, offering space to talk, and connecting with support.
Alexandria’s residents can learn more or access services by visiting alexandriava.gov/DCHS, calling the City’s 24/7 line at 703.746.3401, or walking in for same day support at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can also call or text the 988 Crisis & Suicide Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24/7.