As part of Talkspace’s new “Rewriting the Rules” campaign for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, longtime ambassador Michael Phelps shares the strategies that have helped him most.
NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This Men’s Health Awareness Month, Talkspace Ambassador Michael Phelps is sharing his top mental health tips for men, drawn straight from his own decades-long journey. The tips accompany the launch of Talkspace’s new “Rewriting the Rules” campaign, aimed at helping men name feelings they’ve long been taught to bury, unlearn the harmful messaging about masculinity, and ultimately look to therapy for help..
Talkspace, a Universal Health Services, Inc. subsidiary, is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives through access to high-quality mental healthcare.
“I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have the strength to ask for help,” said Michael Phelps. “This month gives us a reason to talk about men’s health out loud and is a reminder that there’s no greater strength than being vulnerable.”
“Rewriting the Rules” helps men build a healthier relationship with masculinity and their mental health. For Michael, that starts with a few simple habits:
Make time for what brings you joy: On the days that feel heavy and filled with low motivation or negative thoughts, Phelps turns to the things that lift him: golf, time with friends, the gym, a swim. Small moments of joy add up to being your best self.
Redefine what strength looks like: Male athletes are told to be tough, stoic, unshakeable, but that’s not human. Everyone has feelings. Real strength is being honest about them, not hiding them.
Don’t wait for a crisis to ask for help: Phelps credits therapy with saving his life and believes that asking for help shouldn’t be a last resort.. The earlier you start the conversation, the better.
Talk it out instead of shoving it down: Bottling up emotions only adds weight. Releasing what you’re carrying, either through therapy or just talking to a loved one, is what lets you actually move forward.
Be vulnerable with your circle and lead by example. Opening up isn’t just personal. It gives others permission to do the same. It’s one of the most direct ways to break the stigma.
For more information on this year’s campaign, visit talkspace.com/mensmentalheathawareness.
About Talkspace, a Universal Health Services, Inc. Subsidiary
Talkspace, a Universal Health Services, Inc. subsidiary, is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives through access to high-quality mental healthcare. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, Talkspace offers a comprehensive suite of mental health services – including therapy for individuals, teens, and couples as well as psychiatry and medication management. Among its offerings is Tee, a standalone, clinician-informed AI mental health guide available to those 18+ for 24/7 behavioral support.
