Last year, I worked at one of the top treatment centers for young men in the country. These guys came from all walks of life—different cities, races, religions, and upbringings. On the surface, they seemed to have it together: athletic, sharp, confident, “masculine.” But behind closed doors, I saw the truth. They were lost. Lonely. Isolated. Terrified of not measuring up.
It hit me: we’re in a masculinity crisis—but not in the way most people talk about. This isn’t about politics or culture wars. It’s about identity. It’s about what happens when the old definition of manhood stops working—and no one offers us a better one.
I grew up with a father who worked tirelessly to be everything his own absent father wasn’t. He checked every box of traditional masculinity: provider, protector, hard worker. But I struggled to fit that mold. Sensitive and emotional, I buried my true self under the mask of what I thought a man should be—until addiction forced me to confront the emptiness inside.
Today, men are quietly struggling with loneliness, depression, and disconnection. Suicide and overdose disproportionately affect men; millions wrestle with feelings they don’t know how to process. Yet conversations about masculinity often devolve into extremes: fighting for or against it.
The truth is, masculinity isn’t broken—it’s misunderstood. Strength, drive, and protection are good things when rooted in empathy and integrity. But the outdated version of manhood—defined by toughness, suppression of emotion, and external success—isn’t working anymore. It’s killing people.
Young men don’t need to be shamed for wanting to feel strong; they need mentorship, direction, and tools to navigate life’s challenges. They need spaces where strength isn’t about domination but resilience and vulnerability.
When men heal and grow, everyone benefits—families, communities, and society as a whole. Masculinity isn’t the problem; it just needs an update. It’s time to ask: what kind of men do we want to be?
Blake Hunt
Blake Hunt is a recovery coach specializing in addiction, mental health, and life transitions. Drawing from personal recovery experience, he offers empathetic, tailored coaching to help individuals and families heal, rebuild, and thrive. His trauma-informed approach focuses on accountability, emotional growth, and creating lasting change for those seeking purpose and connection