Male Mental Health During COVID: Real Confessions from Men Facing Emasculation
I recently had the privilege of being on a Zoom call with about 15 to 20 men. It’s something we do quite often to encourage one another. A heavy topic around this time is COVID-19 and the stay-home order that is in effect. As we began sharing how it was affecting us, a common thread emerged—without the word ever being spoken, the feeling of emasculation dominated the conversation. This experience speaks volumes about the broader issue of male mental health during COVID.
How COVID-19 Impacted Male Mental Health and Identity
By definition, emasculation is depriving a man of his role or identity. It’s making a man feel weaker or less effective. Many men on the call expressed their lack of opportunity to work, their inability to vent frustrations, and their fears of the unknown. These emotional responses point to deeper disruptions in their psychological stability. Recent findings show that the pandemic has significantly worsened men’s mental health across the U.S.
So many men knew how to navigate the world as it once was. They had a hustle. Even if they lost their 9-to-5, their street-smarts and adaptability allowed them to pivot and survive. But this time was different. Industries halted, suppliers shut down, and travel restrictions made movement almost impossible. Some men were losing their grip on what felt like reality. For others, this was never their reality to begin with. I had never heard so many men openly admit—at the same time—that they were scared. It was humbling. It was emasculating.
Reclaiming Strength: Endurance and Male Mental Health During COVID
As the Zoom facilitator guided us into the discussion topic, a subtle yet powerful shift occurred. He introduced the idea of endurance—the ability to continue despite hardship. Suddenly, the mood changed. The same men who voiced fear also declared their intent not to give up.
Rediscovering Masculinity and Mental Health Through Commitment
One by one, men verbalized new commitments: to love their wives more intentionally, to support their children more fully. Some shared how they told their employers they wouldn’t risk their children’s health by coming into the office. Others committed to being patient with their spouses—admitting that being confined together for such a long time was uncharted territory. A few even spoke of tackling anger management issues, having lost their normal outlets—golf courses, sports games, local bars, lounges.
Despite it all, they resolved to endure. By accepting what they couldn’t control, they began to focus on what they could. In doing so, they started finding their identity again. They became effective in unexpected ways. They began taking their power back. They found masculinity in a time that was designed to strip it away. This is male mental health during COVID—raw, real, resilient.
Change Your Perspective on Mental Health and Masculinity
If you’re struggling to navigate these times, especially as a man questioning your place, power, or purpose—have you considered shifting your perspective?
You are not alone. Speak up, reach out, and don’t carry the emotional load in silence. Contact us for support. Our community is here, and we want to hear your voice.
Written by: Q. Edmonds, M.O.T.M. StoryTeller