By Jamison Gutierrez

Anxiety and depression are on a rise in the current generation, and mental health has been at risk for a long time. Ocean Lakes High School junior and club president Caleb Gonzalez created the Men’s Mental Health Club to raise awareness.

“They need to know the stigma around mental health; learning about this can teach you how to deal with personal problems,” Caleb said. “My dad encouraged me to join a club, and after attending Anchored 4 Life and Bible study club, I realized I wanted to start my own club and build awareness for men’s mental health.”

The club’s first meeting was on Dec. 18, taking place in club sponsor and AP European History teacher Jared Swift’s room, with over 40 attendees hoping to learn more about the topic. At this meeting, they focused on answering questions concerning topics for future discussions, such as New Year’s resolution goals for 2026, getting rid of bad habits, dealing with divorce, addressing suicidal thoughts, and sharing personal stories.

“I hope this club provides personal stories, so men feel less self-conscious about their own personal struggles,” said one club member. “I want to talk about depression because it’s an issue that many men face but aren’t willing to discuss.”

They hope to hold meetings every other week.

“We had a great turnout. It was amazing to see all the people that came out to support men’s mental health,” junior and club secretary Bisaj Shrestha said.

The next meeting will be held Jan. 21.

“Men are ignored; people never truly know what’s going on in their minds,” Caleb said. “Men are human too.”

Jamison Gutierrez is a junior and news editor for The Current, Ocean Lakes High School’s student news website.