Breaking the Silence – MENtal Health Anthology Launches, Giving Voice to Men’s Untold Stories
- Brainz Magazine
- Oct 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 8
Sierra Melcher is the founder of Red Thread Publishing LLC. She leads an all-female publishing company, with a mission to support 10,000 women to become successful published authors & thought-leaders.
Mental health is often a quiet crisis, and for men, it can be deafeningly silent. From childhood, boys are taught to “man up,” to suppress their pain, and to measure their strength by how well they can control their emotions. The consequences are staggering, men are less likely than women to seek therapy, more likely to die by suicide, and often struggle with isolation in moments of deepest need. But a powerful new anthology is stepping into this silence, offering stories of courage, vulnerability, and resilience from men who have decided enough is enough.
This month marks the launch of MENtal Health, Men’s Stories of Resilience and Recovery, a groundbreaking collection featuring deeply personal essays from men across cultures, professions, and life experiences. Published by Red Thread Publishing, the anthology brings together a chorus of voices determined to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
“This project is a lifeline,” says Sierra Melcher, CEO of Red Thread Publishing and lead editor of the book. “Every author who contributed a chapter made a courageous choice, to speak their truth, to name their pain, and to demonstrate that vulnerability is the ultimate act of strength.”
A mission rooted in urgency
According to the World Health Organization, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among men ages 15-29. Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and burnout often remain undiagnosed or untreated because of societal stigma.
For entrepreneurs and leaders, the silence can be even more isolating. Many high achievers experience extraordinary stress, imposter syndrome, and burnout, yet feel pressure to maintain a façade of control. The cost of this silence is immeasurable, lost lives, immeasurable pain, broken families, and untapped potential.
The MENtal Health anthology is an invitation to bring this taboo topic to the forefront. Its contributors aim to normalize conversations about mental health in workplaces, families, and communities worldwide.
The voices behind the movement in MENtal Health
The anthology features the raw, real experiences of fifteen contributors, each offering a glimpse into his own journey toward healing. Their stories range from deeply personal accounts of trauma and recovery to powerful reflections on resilience and leadership.
Contributing authors include:
Eric Campos
Dr. Stacey Kevin Frick
Alan James Duro
Federico Soto
Juan Camilo Posada Arenas
Marc Longwith
Jonathan Dubrulle
Jason Schnieder
Steven A. Schechter
Joshua Engle
Dr. Vince Johnson Jr.
Coach Zeke – Azuka Tuke
Christen E. Bryce
Natalie Goodfellow
Roje Khalique
Foreword by Sierra Melcher
While the stories are unique, they share a common thread, vulnerability as a source of strength. Each chapter offers a deeply personal narrative, paired with actionable takeaways, resources, and hope for those facing similar struggles.
Reframing strength and success
Entrepreneurs and leaders often carry heavy emotional loads, especially when building businesses, managing teams, and navigating uncertainty. Society has conditioned men to equate success with stoicism, leaving many to suffer silently.
“Reading these stories feels like sitting in a circle with brothers, says contributor Joshua Engle. “There’s power in the connection created when men share openly and vulnerably. We need more of that connection and vulnerability, and more spaces for it to flourish. Not just for men today, but for the people we love, and for the next generation.”
“It is important for me to show my fellow men one important fact, we always have a paladin to champion for us when we struggle, even if he comes from those allies that are now only a memory,” says another contributor, Steve Schechter.
For Psychologist Roje Khalique, one of the few women featured in the anthology, the work is deeply personal. She says, "I wrote this book because every time a man tells me 'I didn't need my father to be rich, I needed him to be emotionally available,' I realise we're having the wrong conversation about mental health."
A resource for communities and companies
The anthology isn’t just for those navigating their own mental health challenges, it’s a valuable resource for families, educators, and businesses seeking to support men’s well-being. Leaders who prioritize mental health in their organizations not only create safer workplaces but also drive productivity and innovation.
The book’s stories emphasize the significance of therapy, mentorship, and community in breaking the cycles of shame and stigma. Many contributors share how asking for help transformed their lives and relationships, demonstrating that healing is both possible and necessary.
Timely & urgent invitation
The launch of MENtal Health is timed intentionally, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and October is Mental Health Awareness Month. The conversation around men’s mental health has never been more urgent. The contributors hope this book will spark dialogue in boardrooms, classrooms, and households alike.
“I wrote this chapter to break the silence around men’s mental health, because true masculine power is found in the courage to feel, to heal, and to lead from a place of emotional depth and self-awareness. This chapter was written to lift the taboo around men’s mental health, reminding us that vulnerability is not the opposite of strength, it is the very heart of it.” bestselling author, Dr. Stacey, Kevin Frick.
Sierra Melcher emphasizes that while the anthology is a powerful starting point, it’s also a call to action. “We hope this book inspires readers to check in on the men in their lives, to create spaces where vulnerability is valued, and to normalize seeking help,” she says.
Some of the authors with the publisher, in Medellin, Colombia.
Join the conversation
The MENtal Health anthology comes out this week through Red Thread Publishing and major retailers. Readers are encouraged not only to buy the book but also to share it widely, gift it to the men in their lives, and use it as a catalyst for conversation.
By breaking the silence, these authors are rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a man. In their courage, they offer a roadmap for healing, not just for men, but for all of us.
Sierra Melcher, Author, International Speaker & Educator
Best-selling author, international speaker & educator, Sierra Melcher is the founder of Red Thread Publishing LLC. She leads an all-female publishing company, with a mission to support 10,000 women to become successful published authors & thought-leaders. Offering world-class coaching & courses that focus on community, collaboration, and a uniquely feminine approach at every stage of the author process. Sierra has a Master’s degree in education and has spoken & taught around the world. Originally from the United States, Sierra lives in Medellín, Colombia, with her young daughter.
