This Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (STAR) Seminar will address the rising public health crisis of male depression and suicide by examining the cultural, structural, and developmental barriers that prevent boys from learning healthy emotional expression. With suicide now being the second leading cause of death for men under 45, this session will explore how societal norms around masculinity and stoicism leave boys less equipped to cope with stress, rejection, and mental health challenges. Drawing on research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the Journal of Men’s Health, this presentation will highlight how emotional suppression is both socially reinforced and internally damaging for many boys and men.

Attendees will learn about the macro-level policy gaps, including underdiagnosis and the lack of gender-sensitive care models, as well as the micro-level consequences of limited emotional literacy education. Through evidence-based strategies and real-world case illustrations, the session will outline practical tools for clinicians, educators, and suicide-prevention professionals to support boys in developing emotional resilience. The presentation will also offer actionable public health policy recommendations, such as integrating emotional education in schools and expanding male-centered mental health initiatives. Ultimately, this session aims to reframe emotional expression as a strength for boys and young men, equipping participants to drive meaningful change in both clinical practice and broader community systems.