Redefining Strength: Men, Mental Health, and Self-Care

Most guys grow up hearing things like:

• Don’t cry.
  
  

• Don’t show weakness.
  
  

• Don’t talk about your problems.
  
  

That kind of conditioning doesn’t toughen you up. It shuts you down. The result is shame, isolation, and often years of untreated mental health struggles.

The stats are sobering. Men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women, but they’re much less likely to seek help. Not because they don’t feel pain—but because they’ve been taught to ignore it, or to feel guilty for even admitting it exists.

And mental health issues don’t always look like rock-bottom moments. Sometimes it’s missed workouts, skipped meals, constant fatigue, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy. Sometimes it’s snapping at people you care about.

The problem isn’t that you feel something. The problem is pretending you don’t.

We talk about mental health like it’s all in your head. But it’s not. It lives in your body, your routines, and even your skin.

Stress breakouts. Tension headaches. Low energy that keeps you glued to the couch. It’s all connected.

The flip side is also true. Small physical habits—like exercise, sleep, or even a quick skincare routine—can have an outsized effect on your mental state. They give you structure, control, and proof that you’re showing up for yourself.

Think of skin care like brushing your teeth or hitting the gym. You’re not just cleaning your skin. You’re building habits that support your mental health.

Here’s how:

1. It creates structure.
A two-minute skincare routine in the morning sets a tone for the day. It’s a small ritual that says, “I matter. I’m showing up for me.” That simple message compounds over time.

2. It builds awareness.
Looking in the mirror isn’t just about grooming. It’s a check-in. You might notice you’re tired, stressed, or feeling off. That pause can help you catch things earlier instead of letting them spiral.

3. It gives you control.
Life feels chaotic sometimes. A skincare routine is one thing you can control. It’s a five-minute win that reminds you: no matter what’s happening, you’re still the kind of person who shows up.

That kind of consistency builds trust with yourself. And trust changes everything.

Mental health struggles don’t always announce themselves. Sometimes they whisper.

Watch for things like:

• Trouble sleeping (or sleeping way too much)
  
  

• Low motivation or energy
  
  

• Losing interest in hobbies or people
  
  

• Irritability or short fuse
  
  

• Feeling numb or flat
  
  

• Relying on alcohol or substances to cope
  
  

If this sounds familiar, you’re not broken. You’re human. And you’re not alone.

Free, confidential resources exist:

• HeadsUpGuys.org
  
  

• MentalHealth.gov
  
  

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 in the U.S.)
  
  

Real strength isn’t pretending everything’s fine. It’s acknowledging when it’s not—and doing something about it.

That might mean calling a therapist. It might mean checking in on a friend. Or it might just start with five quiet minutes in front of the mirror. A pause. A breath. A small self-care ritual.

At NuNorm, we’re not here just to sell skincare. We’re here to help men feel grounded, confident, and in control. That’s why we support nonprofits focused on men’s mental wellness through grants and education. Our community helps decide where those resources go.

Every step—whether it’s washing your face, opening up to a friend, or voting on where support funds should go—moves the conversation forward.

Let’s end the stigma.
Let’s help each other show up.
Inside and out.

Want more on confidence, self-care, and what NuNorm is all about? Check out these reads:

Teach Self Care and Confidence

What Confidence Really Looks Like

Welcome to NuNorm