SALT LAKE CITY – In an effort to address the often-overlooked issue of men's mental health, a new weekly discussion group has been launched in Salt Lake City. The initiative aims to create a supportive environment where men can openly discuss their mental well-being without the stigma typically associated with therapy. The group is organized by therapist Nick Steffens, who believes that fostering connection among men is essential to tackling the challenges they face regarding mental health. "It’s about connection, it’s about support, it’s about building a better understanding of ourselves," Steffens explained. He emphasized that the primary aim of the group is to alleviate feelings of isolation and foster a sense of community among participants. "Many men find discussing mental health intimidating; the very idea of seeking therapy can feel like a daunting task," he added. This sentiment resonates with a significant number of men, who often feel pressured to maintain a stoic facade, believing that vulnerability equates to weakness. To circumvent this challenge, Steffens has crafted a weekly men's mental health discussion group that focuses on open dialogue rather than formal counseling sessions. "One of the goals of this group is to just have a conversation," he noted, highlighting the importance of creating a space where men can express their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. The inaugural session of the group took place last week and featured an unconventional yet relatable entry point: the heavy metal band Metallica. Steffens cited the band’s history following the death of their bassist Cliff Burton in the mid-1980s as a poignant example of how men often cope with grief. "They did what many men do; they pushed that grief down, overworked, and sought refuge in substances. It works until it doesn’t," he remarked. Fifteen years after Burton's passing, members of Metallica began to seek professional help and have since spoken publicly about their journey of grief and healing. Steffens believes that their candidness has provided a valuable example for other men, essentially giving them permission to explore their own mental health struggles. "Given their massive fan base, they open the door for many men to begin their own work on mental health," he added. The group meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Marmalade Public Library in Salt Lake City. Those interested in participating can find more information through the library’s website. Steffens clarified that the initiative is not intended to replace therapy but aims to make conversations about mental health more approachable. "For some men, that may be enough, while for others, it might be the first step toward seeking professional help," he said. "Maybe we can de-tooth that stigma and start a wider conversation about mental health." The significance of addressing men's mental health is gaining traction beyond the local level. Recently, Utah Governor Spencer Cox highlighted the issue during the Men and Boys Wellbeing Symposium hosted by the Sutherland Institute. Citing a study from the Utah Office of Families, Governor Cox noted that 36 percent of men struggle to find their place in society. "I’m so excited we’re having this conversation," he told attendees, emphasizing the need for open discussions surrounding mental health among men. Steffens echoed the sentiment that mental health challenges are widespread and affect everyone. "I imagine every person seeing this has some man in their life who has struggled with mental health, whether it's through suicide, addiction, or loneliness. This challenge touches us in one way or another," he stated. He hopes that the men's mental health discussion group will help break down barriers and create a community of support for those in need. In conclusion, the launch of this weekly discussion group in Salt Lake City is a significant step toward normalizing conversations about men's mental health. By fostering open dialogue and providing a space for connection, the initiative aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage men to seek help when needed. As more individuals become aware of and participate in such discussions, there is hope that the mental health landscape for men will improve, leading to a more supportive and understanding society overall.