New California Initiative Targets Growing Crisis Among Young Men

As September marks Suicide Prevention Month, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order aimed at addressing a growing mental health crisis among young men.

Suicide has become the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, with men accounting for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths. The rate among young men continues to rise, prompting state officials to take targeted action.

The executive order directs state agencies to improve mental health support specifically for men and work to break down stigma surrounding men seeking help. Mental health advocates point to societal expectations that discourage men from expressing emotions as a key barrier to treatment.

"There is a stigma on masculinity where men aren't supposed to show emotions," explained mental health expert Melissa Johnson, who emphasizes the need to normalize emotional expression and teach emotional intelligence from an early age.

A central component of the order involves hiring more male teachers and counselors in schools. Advocates believe male role models in educational settings can help reduce stigma and show young boys that seeking mental health support is acceptable.

The personal impact of this crisis is illustrated through individuals like Stone Stonier, who struggled with suicidal thoughts in eighth grade after realizing he was gay and fearing his family's reaction. His experience highlights the isolation many young men face when dealing with mental health challenges without adequate support systems.

The executive order represents California's effort to address what officials recognize as a critical public health emergency affecting young men across the state.

Watch NBC Palm Springs Mary Strong's full report above for more details on this developing story and additional insights from mental health experts and survivors.