For many Black men, being told to “man up” starts early. They learn to push through pain and hide their emotions. But a new study suggests that rigid expectations around masculinity may prevent some Black men from seeking help when they are struggling, increasing their risk of suicide.
Researchers found that many Black men who experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors felt societal pressure to suppress their emotions. The pressure to appear tough, combined with experiences of racism and discrimination, created a cycle of emotional suppression and isolation.
The study, which was published in the American Journal of Men’s Health, explores the experiences of 15 Black men in Maryland who had a history of suicidal thoughts or suicide-related behaviors. The goal was to better understand how race, gender expectations, and cultural beliefs about masculinity shape mental health and help-seeking.
Rather than looking at suicide risk only through the lens of individual factors like depression or trauma, the researchers examined the larger social forces that influence how Black men experience emotional pain.
Participants described navigating what researchers called “racialized masculinity,” which is the expectation that Black men must embody toughness, emotional control, and independence while also facing racism and societal stereotypes.
Many participants said they learned from a young age that showing sadness, fear, or emotional pain could be viewed as weakness. Messages like “walk it off” or “boys don’t cry” were repeated throughout childhood, family, media, and society.
Over time, these lessons became deeply ingrained. Some participants said they avoided sharing painful experiences, including trauma and mental health struggles, because they felt they had to maintain an image of strength.
One participant explained that Black men are often “trained” not to acknowledge their emotional struggles because they feel they must stay strong to survive.
Researchers found that this expectation created a difficult contradiction: the same behaviors that helped some men cope with a challenging world, such as being independent and guarded, could also make it harder to reach out for support in moments of crisis.
Participants also described how racism added another layer of stress.
Many said they felt they were constantly being judged or underestimated because they were Black men, which affected how they viewed themselves and how they believed others viewed them.
Researchers examined this through the concept of racial identity, including public regard (how people believe society views their racial group) and private regard (how they personally feel about their racial identity).
For some participants, feeling that society viewed Black men negatively contributed to hopelessness and emotional exhaustion. They described feeling as though obstacles kept piling up, creating a sense that they were fighting against forces beyond their control.
The study highlights that Black men’s experiences cannot be understood by looking at race or gender separately. Instead, researchers argue that racism and masculinity expectations interact, creating unique pressures that influence mental health.
Another major theme was gender role stress — the distress that occurs when people feel unable to meet expectations associated with masculinity.
Participants described feeling pressure always to be providers, protectors, and sources of stability, even when they were struggling internally. This created a painful disconnect between what they were feeling and what they believed they were allowed to show.
For some men, emotional isolation became a major concern. They wanted support but felt uncomfortable asking for it because vulnerability conflicted with the version of masculinity they had been taught to embrace.
Researchers noted that this isolation may increase suicide risk by intensifying feelings of hopelessness, disconnection, and being a burden to others.
The study also explored cultural attitudes toward mental health. Several participants described growing up in environments where therapy was misunderstood or viewed as something outside their community.
Some said mental healthcare was sometimes perceived as “not for us” or associated with weakness. Instead, many were encouraged to rely on themselves, their families, or their faith rather than seek professional support.
Researchers emphasized that these attitudes do not mean Black communities do not value mental health. Rather, they reflect generations of limited access, stigma, and messages that discourage openly discussing emotional struggles.
The researchers say suicide prevention efforts need to recognize the unique experiences of Black men and address the social pressures that shape their mental health.
That means creating culturally responsive mental health programs where Black men feel safe discussing emotions without fear of judgment. It also means challenging the idea that strength requires silence.
Although the study was small and included only 15 participants, it provides important insight into how racism and expectations around masculinity can influence suicide risk.
The researchers conclude that supporting Black men’s mental health requires expanding the definition of strength. Vulnerability and asking for help are not signs of weakness. Instead, they can be viewed as essential parts of well-being and survival.
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