Every day, college students face overwhelming challenges, stress, anxiety, depression, and the pressure to succeed. At the University of North Texas, Counseling & Testing Services provides therapy, crisis counseling, and mental health resources. Even with these services available, demand is high, and support is often short-term, leaving many students without the long-term support they need.

For men, the situation is even more urgent and often invisible.

In the United States, men account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths, and their suicide rate is almost four times higher than women’s. That means tens of thousands of lives lost every year, fathers, brothers, friends, and students.

Globally, the crisis is just as alarming: on average, 1 man dies by suicide every minute of every day.

Among young people, including college-age students, suicide is one of the leading causes of death, showing just how critical early support really is.

And yet, despite facing stress, anxiety, and depression at similar rates, men are far less likely to seek help.

Why?

Because many men are taught to stay silent.

To “tough it out.”

To handle everything alone.

Financial strain, high-stress work environments, trauma and pressure from relationships, such as divorce, are big reasons many men may feel that they are inadequate or struggle with their mental health.

This silence is exactly what organizations like Movember are working to change.

Movember is a global movement focused on men’s mental health and suicide prevention. They fund programs, create resources, and encourage men to speak up because reaching out can save lives. In fact, Movember has funded over 1,300 men’s health projects worldwide, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and support systems designed specifically for men.

They also provide practical tools like:

“Movember Conversations”, which teaches people how to check in on men who may be struggling

Simple frameworks like “Ask, Listen, Encourage, Check In (ALEC)” to guide real conversations

Direct access to support resources and crisis lines

Because sometimes, one conversation can make the difference.

At UNT, students do have access to help, including:

Individual counseling

Group therapy and workshops

24/7 crisis counseling

Self-help and peer support tools

But even with these resources included in tuition, barriers still exist:

Limited session availability due to high demand

Lack of awareness about services

And most importantly, stigma, especially among men

This fundraiser is about changing that.

Our Goal is to:

Expand awareness of mental health resources for men

Support outreach that encourages men to seek help early

Promote tools like those from Movember that make conversations easier

Help bridge gaps where existing services are limited

Because mental health support should not begin at a breaking point, it should be accessible, normalized, and encouraged from the start.

How to Get Help Right Now:

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:

UNT students can access Counseling & Testing Services for therapy, workshops, and crisis care

Movember encourages reaching out early and provides tools to start conversations and find help

Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for free, 24/7 support

Contact NAMI (800-950-6264 or text 741741) for guidance and mental health resources

Use helpline directories and local services through Movember’s support network

Our Call to Action:

If you believe men deserve better access to mental health support and a culture that encourages them to speak up, please consider donating or sharing this campaign.

Because no one should have to struggle in silence.

And every life we save matters.