Men often don’t talk about mental health, and cultural expectations around masculinity are a big reason why. For generations, vulnerability and emotional struggle have been framed as a weakness, rather than a normal part of health, making it harder for many men to acknowledge mental health issues or ask for help.

Consider the following stats:

• Approximately 1 in 8 men experience depression and 1 in 5 experience anxiety at some point in their lives. 
• Men are nearly 4 times more likely to die by suicide than women.
• About 10% of patients with anorexia or bulimia are men.
• Only 42% of men with mental health issues receive treatment, compared to 57% of women.

Season 3 of The Visibility Gap, a podcast by Cigna Healthcare, turns the spotlight toward men’s mental health, with six new episodes focused on personal stories, expert insight, and practical takeaways. Hosted by psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Guy Winch, this season explores the lived experiences behind the statistics, including how men navigate pressure, relationships, identity, and emotional health, what happens when those challenges go unseen or untreated, as well as how guests took steps to improve their well-being. The season brings together everyday voices and leading experts to unpack the mental health issues many men face but rarely discuss.

“Men are still far less likely to talk about their mental health or seek support, even as stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression continue to rise,” said Dr. Stuart Lustig, national medical executive for behavioral health strategy and product design at Cigna Healthcare. “With this season of The Visibility Gap, our goal is to make these conversations more visible, more human, and more actionable so listeners feel less alone and more empowered to take the next step for their mental well-being.”

A season rooted in real life

Each episode features candid conversations with men from different backgrounds who share how mental health challenges show up in their work, at home, and within themselves. Experts join the discussions to help put those real experiences into context.

The season examines masculinity and the cost of staying silent, exploring how inherited ideas about manhood can discourage emotional openness and contribute to loneliness and declining mental and physical health. The podcast also looks at how close relationships shape mental health, highlighting the influence partners, friends, and family have on emotional well-being – and what happens when those connections are missing or strained.

Other episodes dive into the pressures many men carry quietly – including work demands, financial stress, and expectations around providing for their families – and how those forces can erode mental health over time. The season also tackles coping and numbing behaviors, unpacking how habits meant to “take the edge off” can slip into patterns that actually worsen stress and anxiety instead of relieving them.

Making mental health visible and actionable

Season 3 of The Visibility Gap is designed not just to raise awareness, but to offer viewers practical insights they can apply in their own lives. The insights shared can also apply to partners, with tips on identifying signs and supporting the men in their lives who may be struggling with mental health challenges. By pairing personal stories with expert guidance, the podcast aims to normalize conversations about mental health and encourage earlier, more proactive support.

“We want listeners to walk away with language for what they’re feeling, tools they can use, and the confidence to start a conversation, whether that’s with a loved one, a clinician, or themselves,” Dr. Lustig said. “When people work on their mental health, they more easily recover from setbacks, are more resilient, and thrive in both work and life.”

New episodes of The Visibility Gap Season 3 will roll out weekly, continuing Cigna Healthcare’s commitment to addressing mental health with honesty, empathy, and evidence-based insight.