Dialogue 340: Men Don't Cry
- Dialogue 340 Team
- May 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 7
The Virgin Islands is at a crisis point when it comes to men’s mental health. We don’t talk about it enough, but we see the effects every day.
Men struggling in silence because society tells them to "be strong."
Suicide rates higher in men than women—but no one talks about why.
Generational cycles of trauma repeating because men are never taught how to deal with emotions.
The rise in men feeling isolated, unable to express emotions without judgment.
For every man in the Virgin Islands carrying silent battles, this one is for you. We're talking stigma, trauma, healing, and what happens when men finally speak.
In a powerful episode of Dialogue 340, hosts Darren and Mikey talk with a dynamic panel — content creator Dishan Bates, professional counselor Tarik McMillan (Greater Changes), and DJ Yessai from 101.3 ROE FM.
PART 1: The Trauma Men Face in the USVI
Why Men Stay Silent
Suppressing emotions can lead to negative outcomes, such as anger, and men are often taught to be tough and not express their feelings, which can result in unresolved conflicts and issues, 02:55
“As a boy, you fall down, and they tell you ‘oh you good man, get up, dust off yourself...’ Parents don’t take that extra initiative when raising men...” - Dishan
Traumas, financial struggles, and relationship problems can significantly affect men's mental health, with financial struggles being a major contributor, as men are often expected to be the providers and figure things out on their own, 05:20
"When your pockets is tight and the belly hungry, you have to make some decisions, and your emotions take second place to that.... we don't receive as quick as a woman would.” — DJ Yessai
Where’s the Community Support?
Men often lack communal support and are told to "man up" instead of being encouraged to express their emotions, leading to underlying issues 12:23
The lack of support for men is partly due to the absence of positive male role models and the prevalence of unhealthy behaviors, which can be perpetuated through communal support systems 18:30
“We not talking about how do we regulate our emotions vs. just acting out and crashing out... And very often we're taught that having sex with alot of women is part of being a man.” — Tarik
Building Brotherhood and Accountability
To address this issue, men can start by holding themselves accountable, reaching out to friends, and having open conversations about their emotions and well-being. 14:53
“The fellas come together, hold a meds, vibe out, talk, go for a drink. We make sure we take the time out to get together. Sometimes man just need to get away and come together and cool." — Dishan
Tarik agreed, highlighting how important it is for men to know the mental health struggles they face and take small steps.
“It's important for men to go to therapy but it's more important for men to understand how to identify anxiety, depression, because it's a hard jump for sombody who isn't going to therapy." — Tarik
Men in the Virgin Islands — and everywhere — deserve to live healthy, fulfilled lives without hiding their struggles.
Talk with your friends, not just at them.
Learn to identify what you’re feeling.
Seek professional help if you can. You're not alone.
"You'd be surprised about how those first 2 to 3 sessions of therapy is like dang, maybe I'm not as good. And you get the opportunity to know yourself. Before you can really be the person you meant to be you gotta know yourself and then the healing comes." – DJ Yessai
There’s help right here in the Virgin Islands. Check out these local resources offering support, guidance, and a listening ear.
Jade Family Therapy – jadefamilytherapy.com
A welcoming spot for individuals, couples, and families dealing with stress, trauma, or relationship ups and downs.
Serenity Wellness (Dr. Nour Suid, LPC) – serenitywellnessvi.com
Offers a calm, supportive space to talk through life changes, stress, or feeling stuck.
Island Therapy Solutions – islandtherapysolutions.com
From therapy to psychological testing, they cover a wide range of mental health services for all ages.
Beautiful Dreamers – beautifuldreamers.org
Focuses on community support and mental wellness, helping folks live healthier, happier lives.
Mind Body Health – mindbodyvi.com
Blends mental health therapy with wellness coaching for a whole-person approach to feeling better.
Insight Psychological – insightvi.com
Offers counseling and psychological evaluations, helping you understand and manage whatever you’re facing.
JW Behavioral Center – jwbehavioralcenter.com
Provides therapy, psychiatric care, and help for substance use challenges, all under one roof.
Empath Psychological Services (Dr. Vanessa Battiste) – empathpsychologicalservices.com
Specializes in helping people navigate trauma, grief, and tough emotional times.
Infinite Solutions (Kyla Davis Alexander, LMFT) – infinitesolutionscounseling.com
Offers therapy for individuals and families looking for support through life’s twists and turns.
Buoyant Living (Nisha Jones, LCISW) – buoyantliving.com
Helps people find balance and resilience when dealing with stress, big changes, or life’s challenges.
Sound Mind – Dr. Elisa Niles Thorne, LPC
Provides personalized therapy to help you feel more grounded and mentally strong.
Greater Changes – greaterchangesllc.com
Offers counseling and coaching to help you make positive shifts in your mental health and life.
Dept. of Health - Mental Health Division – (340) 718-1311 ext. 3647
Government services available for crisis support and ongoing mental health care.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988, 24/7
Free, confidential help anytime you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsafe.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. If things feel heavy, reach out — help is here for you.
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