JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) — June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and Jackson community leaders are working to increase the hard conversations and encourage Michiganders to seek professional help through local community resources.
Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney says Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a campaign — it’s deeply rooted within his family.
6 News reporter Sean Graney (left) and Mayor Daniel Mahoney (right) speaking in South Jackson. / WLNS
“I thought it was personally important as well as publicly important to highlight the importance of supporting men and their mental health and personal care and self-care that we need right now,” Mahoney said.
Mahoney tells 6 News his brother’s internal battle is something his family fully didn’t understand until after an unexpected loss to suicide.
Mahoney’s family. / Daniel Mahoney.
“We just didn’t know how deep it was or that he had other struggles,” Mahoney said. “So, for me, it just made it even more personal to use this as a moment to encourage others to check on the people that they love.”
LifeWays health professionals tell 6 News one of the biggest obstacles isn’t necessarily a lack of resources — it’s the stigma that keeps people from asking for help.
“Some of the biggest barriers for people seeking support is stigma,” said Crisis Services Supervisor Fred De Los Santos. “Thinking about men in our community, stigma has always been an issue that prevents men from really reaching out and seeking that help.”
6 News reporter Sean Graney (left) speaking with LifeWays Crisis Services Supervisor Fred De Los Santos (right). / WLNS
Mahoney says checking in with loved ones doesn’t have to be complicated, it starts with simply being present.
“Really deeply check on them and ask them questions that you may not always get the chance to ask them and spend time loving people,” Mahoney said. “Because that’s what we all really need is we need to love each other more than anything.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
For Michiganders silently battling any type of crisis, Mahoney says to act now before it’s too late. If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health distress can call 988 for 24/7 accessible support.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
