As June marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, athletes and coaches across the country—and in Grand Junction—are opening up about the importance of mental well-being, on and off the field.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 1 in 10 men will experience anxiety or depression in their lifetime, yet less than half of those will seek professional help.

This month, awareness efforts are getting a powerful boost from the world of sports.

From the Major Leagues to Local Teams

A recent Netflix documentary, released in early 2025, featured Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran speaking candidly about his own struggles with mental health as a professional athlete. Duran’s vulnerability sparked a wave of similar stories from male athletes, helping to chip away at the stigma still surrounding men’s mental health—especially in high-performance environments.

That message is resonating in western Colorado too, where Grand Junction’s local baseball team, the Jackalopes, are emphasizing a balanced approach to health.

“I have talks with my players, just checking in on them,” said Riley Gallu, coach of the Jackalopes. “I ask how they’re doing, where their mind’s at, make sure everything is OK at home.”

Gallu’s hands-on leadership reflects a broader shift in sports culture—where mental fitness is finally being treated with the same seriousness as physical conditioning.

Athletes Under Pressure

Athletes often face intense pressure: to perform, to win, to represent, and to endure. That load can be mentally taxing, and many male athletes are conditioned to “tough it out” instead of speaking up.

However, coaches like Gallu are working to change that narrative by encouraging regular conversations, building trust, and recognizing the early signs of stress or burnout.

“If a player’s not feeling their best mentally, they’re not going to perform at their best physically either,” Gallu noted.

Changing the Game with Conversation

Mental health advocates say dialogue is the first step. By creating environments where men—whether they’re pro athletes or high school players—feel safe to express emotional struggles, communities can start dismantling harmful stereotypes.

It’s a strategy echoed at all levels of sports, from youth leagues to the major leagues.

The Local Picture: Why It Matters

Here in Mesa County, access to mental health resources remains a critical issue, particularly for young men and boys. Local coaches, school counselors, and health advocates continue to emphasize prevention through education and support.

Community outreach and awareness campaigns during June aim to equip men with the tools and confidence to seek help before a crisis point.

Available Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:

• Colorado Crisis Services – 1-844-493-TALK (8255)

• Mental Health Partners – Free and low-cost counseling

• Local teams & school programs – Many now offer confidential mental health check-ins

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Resources tailored for men

In addition, several community programs now partner with sports organizations to bring mental health training to coaches and players, creating a first line of defense at the field level.

A Cultural Shift in Motion

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than statistics—it’s about changing the culture.

Thanks to visible role models like Duran, and local leaders like Coach Gallu, young men in Grand Junction and beyond are learning that strength isn’t just measured in speed or power—but also in vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to ask for help.