New parents, however they got there, are going through a massive adjustment with a rapid change to their daily life to focus on their baby’s (or babies’) survival. But who is there to nurture these new parents? With old adages like “it takes a village,” one would think that there would be a better understanding of how to attend to the parents; but where is this village?

When people hear the word addiction, they often think of poor decisions or lack of self-control. But that misunderstanding keeps people stuck—in shame, silence, and stigma. The truth is: addiction isn’t about weakness. It’s about pain.

During Men’s Mental Health Month, it is especially important to name the disparity between men suffering from one or more diagnoses and men receiving therapeutic support. Let’s start encouraging mental health support by approaching with curiosity and interest rather than perpetuating masculinity as a barrier to seeking therapy.