I’m so happy to have Matt Robinson of Integrity Through Action (follow him now!) back on Bishop Chronicles.
I get asked a lot of questions about stoic philosophy, mens mental health etc. Things can get complex. So complex in fact, that we have to start from somewhere. But first, some data to give you clarity.
A stoic journal is one of the best tools I’ve found for healing.
1. The Treatment Gap Crisis
Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half will receive treatment, and only 17% of men in the United States received mental health treatment or counseling in 2023. This massive treatment gap means millions of men are suffering in silence.
2. The Suicide Disparity
Men die by suicide more than 4 times as often as women every year, and men account for 75-80% of all suicides. Even more alarming: more than 60% of men who died by suicide had accessed mental health care services within the previous year, suggesting our current treatment approaches aren't effectively reaching or helping men.
3. The Silent Struggle
77% of men have suffered symptoms of common mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, or depression, yet 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health. Of those who stay silent, 29% say they are "too embarrassed" to speak about it, while 20% cite "negative stigma" as the reason.
The Bottom Line: These statistics reveal a mental health crisis hiding in plain sight. Men are dying at alarming rates while the majority suffer in silence, and even when they do seek help, our current systems often fail them. This isn't about weakness—it's about a fundamental disconnect between how men experience mental health struggles and how society expects them to handle it.The crisis of masculinity isn't just about young men—it's about the millions of men over 35 who are silently drowning in unprocessed trauma, failed relationships, and the weight of decades spent pretending everything is fine. You've hit that age where the old playbook stops working: the toxic positivity, the "just push through it" mentality, the belief that real men don't need help. Your body is starting to break down, your relationships feel hollow, and that nagging sense that you're living someone else's life won't go away. The truth is, most men reach their mid-thirties having never learned how to actually heal—only how to cope, medicate, or distract themselves from the pain that's been accumulating for years.
But here's what no one tells you: your thirties and beyond can be your most powerful decade if you're willing to do the work that younger men simply can't handle. You have something twenty-somethings lack—enough life experience to recognize patterns, enough resources to make real changes, and enough time left to build something meaningful. This isn't about becoming a "new man" or buying into self-help nonsense. It's about becoming the man you were meant to be before life beat you down, using practical strategies that actually work for men who've been through real adversity. Today, we're breaking down the five non-negotiable pillars that separate men who thrive after 35 from those who slowly fade into quiet desperation. If you're ready to stop surviving and start living, this conversation is for you.
And if you are younger, pay attention because sadly this is where life might find you one day. Matt and I speak a lot about our own paths to getting emotionally and mentally back on track (including the importance of therapy). We also talk about the fundamental health things a lot of guys ignore too long. Then we talk about some of the books that kept us going during the dark times.
As always thank you for watching and listening. I know times are tight for all of us, but every dollar you donate to the show helps. Send this podcast to 2 guys you know that are going through it. Then send it to 2 you think are just fine.
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow (FRIDAY) at the AI and Ethics panel at SF Hip-Hop Festival . And yes, Saturday at the Dogg Pound, Souls of Mischief and Digable Planets show- I will be hosting a 64 Blocks 8 person Hip-Hop Chess Tournament. It starts at 4. Open gaming is from 1-3. Shout out to Rakaa from Dilated Peoples for helping to make it all happen.
Holla at a scholar,
Adisa, The AntiGuru
PS. Just today a guy came up to me in San Jose and told me my audio podcast about the history of Socrates as a warrior was incredible. I’m really grateful for that feedback and I encourage you to give it a sincere listen and share. Thanks again.
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