June is Men’s Mental Health Month! In honor of this important month, our new President & CEO, Michael Scates, joined us for a brief Q&A about mental wellness, daily routines to stay centered, and more. Read on below!
What does mental wellness mean to you personally?
To me, mental wellness means having the inner strength and clarity to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, self-awareness, and purpose. It’s about being in tune with your emotions, maintaining balance, and seeking support when needed without the fear of judgment.
How do you manage stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges in your own life? Do you have any routines, practices, etc. that you follow?
I manage through physical activity. I have a daily exercise routine that includes a Peloton bike ride, free style boxing on a heavy punching bag, and a variety of resistive training exercises. Throughout my workday, I prioritize mental breaks with short, five-minute walks outside to recenter myself.
Have you ever felt pressure to “man up” or suppress emotions? How did that affect you?
Yes, like many men, I’ve felt the pressure to “man up” and suppress emotions, often equating vulnerability to weakness. As young boys, we are often told to “stop crying” and to “tough it out” when feeling any type of physical or emotional pain. Over time, I have realized that bottling up emotions only deepened stress and isolation, whereas expressing them openly led to greater connection, clarity, and strength.
What advice would you give to other men and/or boys who may be struggling with their mental health but feel they need to “stay strong”?
True strength lies in acknowledging when you’re struggling and having the courage to ask for help. Speaking up doesn’t make you weak – it makes you human, and it open the door to healing, growth, and genuine resilience.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Men’s Mental Health Month is a powerful reminder that it’s okay not to have it all together – and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We need to create spaces where men and boys feel safe to speak honestly about what they’re going through without fear of judgment. Prioritizing mental health isn’t just about surviving – it’s about living fully, purposefully, an authentically. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue showing up for ourselves and for each other.
Michael Scates, President & CEO