MedPage Today published a Second Opinions essay by psychologist Deborah Serani reflecting on the death of actor RJ Mitte, known for "Breaking Bad," who died by suicide at age 34. Serani writes that grief can come from someone's public contributions, and she uses the loss to draw attention to men's mental health, especially in their 30s and 40s.
Serani cites U.S. estimates of 1.62 million men ages 30–39 experiencing a major depressive episode in 2025, and more than 13,000 males ages 25–44 dying by suicide in 2024, a rate of 28.5 per 100,000. She argues that men in this age range face compounding pressures from careers, finances, relationships, and caregiving, and that depression can impair executive function, making it harder to imagine alternatives during a crisis.
The essay also stresses that emotional distress often doesn't look the way people expect. A man may keep working and caring for others while struggling privately, or may show withdrawal and irritability. Serani points to cultural messages that tell boys to be tough and self-sufficient, and notes that these expectations are especially complicated for men with disabilities or chronic illness, like Mitte, who had cerebral palsy. Social media and curated self-presentation add further pressure to project strength.
Serani concludes that simply telling men to speak up is not enough; they need to feel safe disclosing struggles and have access to responsive care. The piece is a single opinion essay, so no contrasting sources are available for comparison.