Modified image of John Brenkus (cropped and background added) based on work by MitchDoner, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Honoring John Brenkus

John Brenkus was more than an innovator and educator—he was a storyteller, a scientist, and a pioneer in sports media. As the Emmy Award-winning host and co-creator of Sport Science, Brenkus brought the world of athletic performance into homes across the country, blending entertainment with biomechanics to make science accessible and exciting. His ability to fuse complex data with engaging storytelling earned him widespread respect and admiration.

But behind the accolades and achievements, John also carried the heavy burden of depression. He spoke candidly about the emotional toll that came after the height of his career. Following the success and eventual sale of Sport Science, he experienced a deep sense of loss and disconnection—a kind of “crash” that many high-performing individuals face when the external validation fades.

In his own words, Brenkus described being “flat-out suicidal.” He didn’t shy away from that reality. He made it clear that mental illness can touch even those who appear to be thriving. At one of his lowest points, he recalled being moments away from ending his life—until a small, quiet gesture from his dog, Zeppelin, interrupted his plan. As Zeppelin gently tugged on the legs of his jeans, John felt something shift. He credited that moment with saving his life.

Determined to heal, Brenkus committed to therapy, working with six different professionals before finding the right fit. His journey wasn’t linear or easy, but he spoke about it with honesty and courage. He became a voice not just for science and sport—but for vulnerability, healing, and the power of asking for help.

His tragic death on May 31, 2025, is a devastating reminder that mental health struggles can persist even in those who advocate for awareness. Yet, his willingness to speak publicly about his pain remains part of his legacy. By sharing his darkest moments, John helped others see that they were not alone—and that seeking support is not a weakness, but a necessary step toward survival.

His story continues to encourage others to break their silence, reach out, and hold on to hope.

A Stark Reality: Global Male Suicide Rates

Mental health issues tragically manifest in a global crisis: in 2019, 523,883 men died by suicide worldwide—out of 759,028 total suicides (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9476842/).

On average, one man dies by suicide every single minute of every day.

Globally, for both sexes, suicide was the 4th leading cause of death in young people aged 15-29 years in 2019.

High-profile losses remind us that suicide does not discriminate —it touches all ages, professions, and levels of fame. Notable male figures who died by suicide include:

Other legends like Robin Williams (Comedian and Actor), Lee Thompson Young (Actor: Friday Night Lights, The Famous Jett Jackson), Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, Chris Cornell of Audioslave and, Kurt Cobain of, Jason David Frank (Actor: Green Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), and Anthony Bourdain (chef, author, and TV personality)—each had profound impacts in entertainment and culture. Their losses shocked the world and emphasized the unpredictable nature of mental health crises.

Each individual’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the need to break the silence surrounding men’s mental health.

Why Men Are at Higher Risk

Several factors contribute to elevated suicide rates among men:

• • Biological and behavioral differences: Men are less likely to seek help or recognize emotional distress.
  • Societal norms around masculinity: Emotional openness can be stigmatized, preventing men from talking about mental health.
  • Higher-risk behaviors: Men often resort to more lethal means like firearms or hanging, increasing fatality rates.
  • Related mental health conditions: Depression, substance use, and untreated mental illness raise suicide risk. Men are also less likely to access mental health services.

Understanding these risk factors is vital in breaking down barriers and encouraging men to share their vulnerabilities.

A Path Forward: Awareness → Connection → Support

1. Start the Conversation:
   • Men often hesitate to say “I’m not okay.” Even a simple check-in—“How are you, really?”—can make a huge difference.
2. Promote Resources and Access:

• • 988 (in the U.S.), 988lifeline.org, Crisis Text Line (741741) offer free, confidential crisis support.
  • Online therapy, employee assistance programs (EAPs), peer support groups—there’s help beyond crises.

3. Champion Mental Health in Everyday Life:

• • Integrate mental wellness into routine discussions: at work, in gyms, among dads and friends.
  • Share stories—not just disaster narratives, but recovery journeys. John Brenkus was candid about his darkest hours—and how he found light again.

4. Advocate for Systemic Change:

• • Support policies that fund mental health services and male-centered health programs.
  • Encourage workplaces to prioritize emotional wellbeing, destigmatize care, and offer time for therapy.

Things you can do

• • Talk about mental health
  • Check in with each other: A text, a call, a coffee invite.
  • Know the numbers: Over 10,000 men per week and 1,400 per day die by suicide—these are preventable lives.
  • Hold space for emotion: Feeling pain or weakness is human—not shameful.
  • Act with kindness: Even small gestures can save someone’s life.

Conclusion: Every Life Matters

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder—not just to observe, but to engage. Reflect on how often men in our lives feel unseen, unheard, or unvalued. Use this moment to:

• • Start conversations
  • Point to resources
  • Share stories of survival and hope

In doing so, we honor the memories of those we’ve lost—and light a path that may spare others from suicide.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out. In the U.S., dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Globally, there are resources and international hotlines provided by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and there is also Befrienders Worldwide.

Exploring New Paths to Healing: The Role of Ketamine Infusion Therapy

As we continue to expand the conversation around men’s mental health, it’s important to recognize the growing number of treatment options available today—especially those that offer new hope when traditional methods fall short.

Ketamine infusion therapy has gained attention in recent years for its rapid and profound impact on depression and suicidal thinking. Unlike standard antidepressants, which can take weeks to begin working, ketamine often brings noticeable relief within hours or days. For someone feeling trapped by persistent emotional pain, that immediacy can make a life-changing difference.

Ketamine works by helping to restore connections in the brain that are often disrupted in people living with suicidality, depression and trauma. In clinical settings across the country, many people—especially those with treatment-resistant conditions—have reported significant improvement in both mood and outlook after undergoing ketamine treatment. At Mind Body Centers, we have an 88% Success Rate with our Mental Health patients and have medically supervised more than 20,000 ketamine infusions.

Ketamine therapy is not about masking symptoms. It’s about opening the door to healing, helping people reconnect with a sense of hope and possibility. Administered in a safe, medically supervised environment, ketamine infusions can serve as a powerful tool in a comprehensive mental health care plan.

For those navigating dark or difficult periods, it’s reassuring to know that new, science-backed approaches like ketamine infusion therapy at Mind Body Centers are available—and that recovery is not just possible but also within reach.

Mind Body Centers provides Ketamine Infusion Therapy in Gilbert, Arizona and Burnsville, Minnesota.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Support, care, and effective treatment are out there. If you would like a free consultation regarding ketamine infusion therapy with Mind Body Centers, reach out to us by clicking here.

For more information on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and to access resources, visit 988lifeline.org. There is help. There is hope. And you are not alone.

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