Not Weak, Just Worn Down: Masculinity, Suicide, and What Actually Helps
Manage episode 490551530 series 3663852
Most men don’t talk about suicide—until it’s too late. This episode breaks that silence.
Interview with Khara Croswaite, TEDx Speaker & Suicide Prevention Expert
Full show notes + transcript: https://empoweredchangece.com/american-masculinity-podcast
Booklist https://bookshop.org/lists/amp-9-not-weak-just-worn-down-masculinity-suicide-and-what-actually-helps
Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for men in their late 20s and early 30s. Most of us were never taught how to ask for help—or even name what hurts.
In this episode, we sit down with Khara Croswaite, a TEDx speaker and suicide prevention expert who’s worked with men in crisis for over 20 years. Together, we explore what actually helps men who are struggling, how masculinity interacts with isolation and emotional suppression, and what signs we often miss when men are in danger.
This one’s for anyone who’s ever thought, “I should be able to handle this on my own.”
🎧 Subscribe for more grounded, honest conversations about masculinity and mental health.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Cold Open: Why This Conversation Matters
05:23 – What the Data Misses About Men and Suicide
13:02 – Why “He Didn’t Seem Like the Type” Is a Dangerous Myth
24:11 – Emotional Repression, Masculinity, and Warning Signs
36:00 – Internal Competence vs. Self-Sufficiency
47:28 – What Actually Helps: Practical Suicide Prevention
56:55 – The Role of Connection and Language in Recovery
01:06:40 – Cold Close + Crisis Resources
Tags: masculinity, suicide, mental health, men and therapy, depression, emotional health, Khara Croswaite, TEDx speaker, American Masculinity Podcast, Tim Wienecke
The American Masculinity Podcast™ is hosted by Timothy Wienecke — licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, and men’s advocate.
Real conversations about masculinity, mental health, growth, and how men can show up better — as partners, leaders, and friends.
We focus on grounded tools, not yelling or clichés. If you have questions or want a tool for something you're wrestling with, leave a comment or send a message — your feedback shapes what we build next.
Note: While this doesn’t replace therapy, it might help you notice something worth exploring.
10 episodes