Stigma surrounding mental health treatment and how the mental health system is set up is preventing many men from seeking the help that they need, Michael Nanzer, CEO of Forest View, said.

“I think one of the biggest challenges that men face is (that) the mental health system isn’t really set up for men,” Nanzer said.

Nanzer said that if you take the typical blue-collar man and ask him to come into a room and share his feelings, it’s not something that the man will likely want to do. He said it goes back to the old stereotype: Women want to talk about the issues and men want to walk away and think about the issues.

Milan Area Schools are taking significant strides to address mental health awareness and education through the implementation of the be nice. program. Funded by an $18,000 mental health grant and an additional $10,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Monroe County, this district-wide initiative aims to foster a positive school climate and support the mental well-being of students and staff alike.

Nearly one in 10 men experience depression or anxiety but less than half will receive treatment for it, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.

Eric Hipple #17 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass against the Washington Redskins during an NFL football game circa 1983 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.. Hipple played for the Lions from 1980-86 and 1988-89. Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple knows what it’s like. His mother suffered with depression and it hit him after he had played for the Lions for nearly a decade and was transitioning out of being a professional football player.

There was plenty of fun for everyone Saturday at the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s Kids and Family Expo.

The event ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at DeVos Place. Some highlights included miniature horses, face painting, a petting zoo and Bundt cake walks. Storm Team 8’s Ellen Bacca also made an appearance, teaching kids about West Michigan weather with the interactive Weather Experience.

For parents, it's sometimes hard to take the little ones to the serious stuff.

On Saturday, the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids turned into a place for both "education and entertainment" at the Kids & Family Expo, presented by be nice., a mental health foundation in West Michigan.

"It's a celebration of connection, wellness and the importance of mental health in our everyday lives," said Christy Buck, CEO of be nice.

DeVos Place is buzzing with excitement as the ultimate family-friendly event returns this Saturday!

The highly anticipated 2025 Kids and Family Expo will occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering families the opportunity to create fond memories together while feeling empowered.

“Organized by the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, the expo incorporates the be nice. action plan, teaching families how to recognize, address, and empower positive mental health through engaging activities,” a release reads.

The 2025 Kids and Family Expo is coming to downtown Grand Rapids this weekend. It’ll give families a chance to have fun and find empowerment.

The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan (MHFWM) is organizing the event. They say the expo will integrate the Be Nice action plan to educate families on how they can recognize, address and foster positive mental health by taking part in fun activities.