The Power Paradox: Men’s Mental Health Stigma and Leadership

Written By Alina Schulhofer

Despite growing awareness, men’s mental health often remains a taboo subject, overshadowed by societal ideals of unwavering strength and resilience. Male vulnerability is widely stigmatized, leading to reluctance in seeking help or discussing mental health challenges.

Depression and suicide are leading causes of death among men, with six million men affected by depression in the United States each year. Data also reveals that men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women (Mental Health America [MHA], 2020). Unfortunately, many men’s mental health issues go untreated because they are less likely to seek help than women. Male leaders, in particular, face additional pressures that exacerbate this issue.

The Illusion of Invincibility

“Powerful leaders are not exempt from illness by virtue of their position or its influence.” – McDermott (2008)

Society often glamorizes men in power, expecting them to exhibit emotional wellbeing and be free from mental health challenges (Cloutier & Barling, 2023). Male leaders are celebrated for traits such as emotional control, perfectionism, obsession with detail, and an unrelenting drive for success.

However, beneath the surface, these same qualities can lead to significant internal distress, including depression, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. This duality—the outward image of strength versus inner turmoil—is a reality many leaders face but rarely acknowledge openly.

Emotional Disconnect and Its Impact

Many men in power cope with their demands and societal expectations by suppressing their emotions. This emotional disconnect can have serious consequences, making it harder to:

  • Understand and manage their feelings

  • Communicate openly and effectively

  • Build genuine relationships that support emotional wellbeing

  • Stay true to their values and lead authentically

  • Recognize and prevent burnout

As a result, many men turn to unhealthy coping strategies, including substance use or addictive behaviors, to deal with chronic stress or feelings of emptiness. These emotions often cloud the enjoyment of accolades or financial success. Even at the peak of their careers, many male leaders feel empty or unable to enjoy their achievements.

Male leaders often seek therapy only as a last resort—when the weight of stress and emotional isolation leaves them struggling to maintain performance or feeling chronically dissatisfied.

Building Emotional Intelligence

For many, seeking therapy can feel intimidating, with the fear that exploring their inner world might take away the very traits that contributed to their success. In reality, addressing emotional experiences enhances rather than diminishes effectiveness.

By getting in touch with their feelings, male leaders can develop key skills that improve both their wellbeing and their leadership abilities:

  • Emotional Intelligence: Connecting with emotions enhances self-awareness and empathy—two essential qualities of effective leadership. Leaders who understand their emotional triggers can respond thoughtfully, fostering a more balanced decision-making style.

  • Enhanced Resilience: Processing emotions builds psychological resilience, enabling leaders to navigate high-pressure situations without succumbing to burnout. Accepting vulnerabilities helps leaders face challenges with clarity and confidence.

  • Authentic Sense of Identity and Self-Worth: Exploring one's inner world fosters a stronger sense of self that isn’t solely tied to performance or achievement. By identifying core values, passions, and vulnerabilities, leaders can develop an identity rooted in authenticity, leading to greater fulfillment and balance.

  • Stronger Relationships: Leaders who can express their feelings authentically form deeper, more meaningful connections with teams, peers, and families. This strengthens workplace collaboration, enhances productivity, and builds a more robust support system.

  • Improved Creativity and Problem-Solving: Emotional intelligence enables leaders to approach challenges from new perspectives. By being aware of their internal experiences, they can access creativity and develop innovative solutions.

Steps Forward

By prioritizing emotional wellbeing and addressing mental health challenges, leaders can shift the narrative around leadership and set a powerful example for others. When male leaders take steps to improve their own wellbeing, they not only enhance their personal growth but also foster healthier, more productive, and sustainable workplaces.

Therapy and executive coaching are two effective tools for transforming personal and professional growth while addressing mental health challenges. Key benefits include:

  • Understanding Emotional Patterns: Identifying the root causes of stress or dissatisfaction, paving the way for meaningful change.

  • Developing Coping Strategies: Managing stress more effectively and avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use.

  • Setting and Achieving Goals: Learning to set realistic, meaningful goals that align personal values with professional objectives.

  • Improving Communication Skills: Enhancing authentic and effective communication, which strengthens relationships with teams and peers.

  • Cultivating Balance and Self-Care: Adjusting priorities to include regular exercise, restorative sleep, interpersonal connections, and hobbies that bring joy and balance.

  • Fostering a Support Network: Gaining interpersonal skills to develop genuine relationships with trusted friends, family, or mentors who can offer emotional support.

For more information see these sources:

Cloutier, A. E., & Barling, J. (2023). Expectations of Leaders' Mental Health. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 30(3), 276–296.

McDermott, R. (2008). Presidential Leadership, Illness, and Decision Making. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

Mental Health America [MHA]. (2020). Infographic: Mental Health for Men. https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men

Alina Schulhofer