Are you suffering in silence?

June marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the mental and emotional well-being of men in the state of Hawaii and beyond. Here in Haleiwa, nestled between the waves and the mountains, we at New Horizons Counseling recognize that even in paradise, pain can be hidden behind a calm exterior—especially for men.

While mental health awareness is on the rise, a significant barrier remains: the stigma many men face when seeking help. Whether it's professional mental health support, addiction counseling, relationship therapy, or anger management, too many men suffer in silence, believing they have to "tough it out" alone. This belief doesn't make anyone stronger—it just prolongs the struggle.

Let’s talk about that.

The Weight of Expectations

From an early age, many boys are taught—either subtly or explicitly—that expressing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Phrases like “man up,” “don’t cry,” or “deal with it” become ingrained. Over time, these messages evolve into deeply held beliefs that:

• Asking for help is a failure.
• Emotions are to be buried, not expressed.
• Real men don’t talk about their problems.

But bottling up emotions doesn’t make them disappear—it just redirects them. Often, they come out through anger, isolation, relationship difficulties, or substance abuse. At New Horizons, we see how these untreated struggles manifest in real lives every day.

The Cost of Staying Silent

Here in Hawaii, the sense of community (ʻohana) is strong, but that doesn’t mean everyone feels safe to open up. We see the toll that silence takes on men in our own neighborhoods—surfers, tradesmen, veterans, executives, fathers, sons. Mental health challenges don’t discriminate by background or lifestyle.

When left unaddressed, men’s mental health issues can lead to:

• Increased risk of substance use and addiction
• Higher rates of suicide (men die by suicide at significantly higher rates than women)
• Strained or broken relationships
• Chronic stress and health problems
• Workplace difficulties

These issues are not signs of weakness. They’re signs that support is needed—and deserved.

What’s Holding Men Back?

So why don’t more men seek help?

The top reasons we hear at New Horizons include:

• Fear of judgment or appearing "weak"
• Lack of knowledge about available resources
• Belief that they should “fix it” themselves
• Worry that counseling won't actually help
• Cultural expectations to remain stoic or "in control"

But here's the truth: strength isn't about suffering in silence. Strength is about having the courage to face what's really going on.

How Counseling Helps—And How We Make It Safe

At New Horizons Counseling, we offer a compassionate, confidential space where men can explore what’s weighing them down. Our approach isn’t about labeling or diagnosing—it’s about partnering with each individual to rediscover their inner clarity and resilience.

Some of the services we offer that are especially relevant to men include:

🔹 Mental Health Counseling

We help men manage stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma with proven therapeutic techniques that respect their pace and needs.

🔹 Addiction Counseling

Substance use can be a coping mechanism for deeper pain. We work with men to address the roots of addiction and build healthier patterns that last.

🔹 Relationship Counseling

Whether it’s with a partner, child, or family member, we support men in developing emotional tools that strengthen relationships rather than fracture them.

🔹 Anger Management

Anger is often a mask for other feelings—grief, fear, shame. We help men unpack and reframe these emotions in constructive ways.

All our services are rooted in understanding, not judgment. We honor the courage it takes to walk through our door.

Redefining Masculinity—One Conversation at a Time

At New Horizons, we believe it's time to redefine what it means to be a strong man. Strength is being able to say, “I need help.” It’s being present in your relationships. It’s showing your kids that vulnerability is human. It’s taking ownership of your growth.

When a man takes that first step into counseling, he doesn’t just help himself—he impacts his entire ʻohana.

Let’s Talk. You’re Not Alone.

If you—or someone you love—is struggling, we’re here. No shame. No judgment. Just professionals who understand the unique pressures men face and are ready to help you navigate them.

This June, let’s make Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month more than a hashtag. Let’s make it a turning point. Let’s break the silence.

Reach out today. Call New Horizons Counseling in Haleiwa or visit newhorizonshawaii.com to learn more.

Strength begins with a conversation.