If you are concerned for yourself or someone you know, help is available: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or text MARIN to 741741. For mental health or other behavioral health issues, contact the BHRS Access Line 888-818-1115

Redefining

Strength

A Campaign for Men and Boys’ Mental Health

Help create awareness about what it means to be strong and where we draw strength to support mental health. Our Men and Boys’ Action Team of the Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative is working to redefine strength. Together, we can inspire new thinking and action around mental wellbeing for men who often find it difficult to seek help.

Supported by Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and the Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative.

Find us on social media!

Redefining Strength is a campaign from the Men and Boys Action Team of the Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative.

By playing a part in men and boys’ mental health, we can begin to have an open conversation about what it means to be strong and where we draw strength. The “Redefining Strength” campaign is meant to inspire new thinking, action, and ultimately lead to change around mental well being among a population not known for seeking help. The campaign will also connect men and boys to resources and support in our community.

The members of the Men and Boys Action Team believe that the time is now for frank, open, and candid conversation around mental health. We believe seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but shows real strength. We also believe in the power of social connection and the value of relationships to support mental health.

By coming together, each of us can play a part and be an ambassador for this important and timely campaign!

The campaign launch and event was a great success featuring men and boys from our Action Team.

English stream:

Redefining Strength Campaign Video:

The Men and Boys Action Team: Who We Are

The Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative launched in Summer 2020 in follow up to the first ever County Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan approved by the Board of Supervisors in February 2020. This Plan addresses the necessary prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies necessary to help protect mental health, and reduce suicide risk, attempts and deaths in our community. The Collaborative includes several Community Action Teams, including the Men and Boys Action Team, that work on specific activities to help build a safe community for those in distress.

The Men and Boys Action Team is comprised of those who self identify as male across the life span. The Collaborative works in partnership with Rx Safe Marin and other community-based organizations addressing the shared risk factors of mental health and substance use.

Everyone can be vulnerable to mental health, substance use, and suicidal risk. Data indicate those ways in which men are disproportionately impacted by these behavioral health issues. For example:

Men make up 49% of our community and comprise of 79% of deaths by suicide. Men and boys are impacted by suicide across the life span and are known for limited help seeking, especially during times of distress.
Our community has been impacted by youth suicide, however middle age men are disproportionately represented.
Marin men fatally overdose at a much higher rate than women (Rx Safe Marin, 2021).

We know that the number one protective factor is social connectedness. One key risk factor is untreated mental health issues which can be compounded by unhealthy coping skills, such as substance use.

Together, we can work to build a safe and healthy community for those who are in distress. If you could like to join the Men and Boys Action Team or attend an upcoming Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative meeting, please email us.