Men and Depression: Rebranding Therapy to Break Stigma and Save Lives

Men are less likely than women to seek therapy — but not because they don’t need it. Stigma, cultural expectations, and outdated ideas about masculinity often keep men silent when they’re struggling with depression or grief.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health counselor Ethan Getchell shares his personal story of losing his brother to suicide and how it inspired him to change careers and rebrand therapy for men. From using humor and relatable language to creating safe, judgment-free spaces, Ethan shows how new approaches to therapy can help men open up, heal, and save lives.

If you’ve ever wondered why men avoid therapy — and what can be done about it — this candid and hopeful conversation offers fresh insights, practical tools, and reasons to believe change is possible.

Link to Ethan's Hey Man newsletter: https://ethangetchell.substack.com/

Link to "Man Therapy" website: https://mantherapy.org/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why men are less likely to seek therapy for depression
• Ethan’s personal story of grief after losing his brother to suicide
• Cultural expectations of masculinity and “rugged individualism”
• How the pandemic exposed covert depression in men
• Rebranding therapy to make it more approachable for men
• Using CBT, apps, and behavioral tracking to engage clients
• The “Core Four” basics: earth, air, fire, and water as self-care tools
• The role of vulnerability and safe spaces in men’s mental health
• How humor and creative campaigns (like Man Therapy) break stigma
• Why rebranding mental health can literally save lives

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Carly joins as guest co-host  
01:25 – Why men get depressed (Man Therapy excerpt)  
02:12 – Why rebranding mental health communication matters  
02:44 – Meet Ethan: his story and motivation  
03:04 – Losing his brother to suicide and its impact  
04:14 – Masculinity, independence, and the “lone cowboy” myth  
05:07 – The pandemic and covert depression in men  
06:21 – Why men avoid therapy and how to rebrand it  
07:06 – CBT and behavioral strategies for men  
08:19 – The “Core Four” elements: basics of self-care  
10:08 – Two modes of therapy: crisis vs exploration  
11:29 – Humor, campaigns, and the power of rebranding  
13:17 – Happiness through discomfort, growth, and resilience  
14:39 – Listening first: building trust with young men  
16:22 – The importance of male therapists as role models  
18:02 – Vulnerability vs fear of judgment  
19:17 – Core needs and acronyms like HALTS  
21:00 – “Hey Man” newsletter: shoulder-to-shoulder conversations  
22:40 – Safe spaces, community, and reducing stigma  
23:22 – Why more people should embrace therapy without shame  
24:32 – Closing thoughts and resources  

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/