mental health – Dr Kevin Brown

Dear Colleagues,

Across classrooms, communities, and correctional facilities, one truth has become impossible to ignore: boys and men are struggling.From declining educational outcomes to rising rates of mental health crises, the challenges facing males—across all races and backgrounds—demand urgent attention. Yet, too often, these issues are overlooked or misunderstood.

My forthcoming book, Shadows of Power: One Gender Rose. One Lost Its Way. A Zero-Sum Reckoning for Us All, confronts this reality head-on. It is both a call to action and a roadmap for change. Grounded in research and written with compassion, this book examines the forces that have shaped masculinity in America and outlines practical steps for helping boys and men thrive in school, in the workplace, and in their communities.

To ensure this work is not just read but applied, the book is accompanied by a comprehensive workbook designed for use in classrooms, youth programs, correctional settings, and even within families. The workbook provides concrete exercises, guided reflections, and strategies that teachers, parents, mentors, mental health professionals, and community leaders can use to engage boys directly and help them build resilience, purpose, and hope.

This is not simply a book—it is a blueprint for transformation. It provides schools with tools to better support male students, offers correctional facilities a framework for rehabilitation, and equips community groups with a guide for mentorship and growth. At its core, Shadows of Power emphasizes that boys are not broken—they are in need of support, guidance, and environments that understand their unique developmental challenges and strengths.

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how Shadows of Power and its accompanying workbook can serve as a valuable resource for your district, facility, or organization. Together, we can begin the work of changing outcomes for boys and men—no matter their race, background, or circumstance.

Thank you for your commitment to the lives of young men and the future of our communities.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kevin W. Brown

[email protected]

Picture a man you know—a colleague, a neighbor, a brother or uncle. Outwardly, he may seem fine: working, providing, smiling at family functions. However statistically, he is more likely than a woman to struggle in silence with depression, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts. For too many men, the mask of strength hides a reality of pain. And too often, that silence ends in tragedy. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in America. This book focuses on men and their mental health. Over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023. 1 death every 11 minutes. 85% of the 49,400 suicides were males or 41,990 males died by suicide in 2023. Women’s death by suicide were far less than men at a rate of 15% or 7,350.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Coming Soon……. 10 Days!

September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, foster hope, and break the silence around mental health struggles. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it is preventable with the right support, compassion, and resources. This month reminds us of the importance of checking in on loved ones, reducing stigma, and promoting access to mental health care. Every conversation matters, and together, we can be a lifeline of hope.

Dr. Kevin Brown

Contact Information

[email protected]