To reveal the man beneath it all takes courage, bravery and spirit. 

June is recognized as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Through online discourse, prominent figures resurface, such as author and chef Anthony Bourdain, actor Robin Williams and musician Mac Miller, along with many others. They share a commonality: positive masculinity. They turned their internal battles into cultural and societal conversations for the masses. They not only left behind legacies, but alchemy, learned and lived experiences that were built off of empathy and emotional intelligence.

Two Gen Z men in the midst of early adulthood, Randall “Randy” Barraza and Jesus Reynaga, contribute to spreading awareness against the systemic cycles men of all generations may or may not find themselves in. Those cycles include the loneliness epidemic, how to be proactive rather than complicit, generational stigma around “how to be a man” and overturning the narrative through real-world accountability and initiative.

“To me, taking care of my mental health means making sure I am showing up as the best version of myself, not only for me, but for everyone around me,” Reynaga said. Generational cyclical lessons via patriarchy are not everyone’s friend, especially in formative years. “In high school and college, I thought mental health was simply about pushing through difficult moments, staying productive.”

The disconnectedness from emotions, and having a harmful, isolating mind driving the vehicle can be more counteractive. Reynaga explained, “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that mental health is also about knowing when to take a break from the outside world, when to ask for help, and when to give myself permission to step away from responsibilities for a brief moment.”

More men are discovering the third space of quality and intentional time with others, something that has been patiently waiting for them. “Simply taking time to reflect, I’ve learned that maintaining and nurturing one’s mental health is an ongoing practice rather than a set destination,” Reynaga said.

Being human is quite literally all there is. “Taking care of my mental health means just as much to me as taking care of my physical health,” Barraza said. In workplaces, schools and interpersonal dynamics, more proactive steps are being taken in the El Paso community. “I think all of these elements are essential to just being a good human operating in the world with other humans too,” Barraza said. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Gen Z and millennial men are increasingly attending church and turning to faith at higher rates.”

In a post-pandemic world, there has been an undeniable shift with men and their spiritual, emotional and self-growth and well-being. “When we think of the concept of being willing to talk openly about their own emotions and struggles. Growing up, many of us were taught to handle internal conflicts privately and to avoid appearing vulnerable. This can lead to internalizing one’s anger and frustration, only to cause higher levels of self-resentment. Today, I see more men discussing stress, burnout, anxiety, and even being open to therapy in ways that previous generations may not have felt comfortable doing,” Reynaga said.

Nonetheless, there is still a gap between generations, especially in Hispanic households. “Many men can acknowledge the importance of mental health yet still struggle to seek professional help when they actually need it,” Reynaga said. There is effortless ignorance in taking the avoidant route, it’s easier to stay angry. It takes immense strength to openly care and fight. “I’ve noticed that conversations around mental health have become more socially acceptable, but there is still work to be done in normalizing those conversations before a crisis occurs. The strongest people I know are often the ones willing to admit when they’re struggling and reach out for support,” Reynaga said.

The world just celebrated Anthony Bourdain’s 70th birthday this June. Barraza shares his input on pop culture figures taking space to spread awareness. “I think art, by its very nature, creates space for vulnerability. So these mediums, whether it be music, poetry, cinema, creative writing, etc., helps us feel like we’re not alone because others are going through or have gone through similar struggles. I think the more men see other men speaking up about their internal struggles, with authenticity and integrity, the more we can begin to heal ourselves.”

The parasocial demand to “open up,” directed to men with no preemptive resources and trust can be futile. Reynaga explained, “At the same time, I think we sometimes focus more on the tragedy than on the lessons we can take away from it. We remember their accomplishments, their careers, and their image, but often overlook the deeper conversation about loneliness, public pressure, identity, and emotional well-being. Mental health awareness should not only happen after someone is gone.”

Awareness can be grown via curiosity, education, candor, support systems and facing the most human realities. “When someone is willing to be honest about their failures or uncertainties, it often gives others permission to do the same,” Reynaga said.

There is a sense of belonging and trust when quotes like Bourdain’s that resonate with the common people: “Accept random acts of hospitality without judgment or fear, don’t be afraid to eat a bad meal, if you don’t risk the bad meal you never get the magical one.” Or one of many Robin Williams’ lines from the 1997 film “Good Will Hunting” still applies to present times, “You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”

Healing and growth are most definitely not linear. It’s a war, especially when there’s deafening battle casualties; shedding old versions of self to get to who one needs and wants to be. Ultimately, there’s a community consciousness around sound advice from Mac Miller, “Life is good, though. I want y’all to see that life is great. Your life is great too. Have a good time, man. Have some fun, having fun is OK. Get some love in your life, whether that be another person or just loving yourself, man. Love is good, spread love. I’m out of here, I’ll be back soon.”

If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health, we recommend reaching out to organizations such as NAMI El Paso who can be contacted at (915) 778-5726