All That Remains frontman Phil Labonte launched a fierce critique against modern feminism and psychological therapy during a podcast appearance. He argued that leftist societal ideas have directly caused a severe crisis among men. He also claimed that male depression can only be solved through physical action rather than talking to therapists.
During his appearance on the Today’s Boondoggle Podcast, Labonte outlined what he views as a decades-long cultural shift that has positioned men as societal problems. “Look, for the better part of the past three decades, men have been told that they are the problem,” Labonte stated. “You saw it in the ’90s when every single sitcom had the doofy husband, and the woman was the smart one, and thank God for her because without her, that poor schlub would just run his life into the ground.”
Labonte connected this cultural narrative to what he describes as concrete social crises affecting men today. He pointed to rising divorce rates, declining dating among younger generations, and what he characterizes as the incompatibility of women pursuing both career and motherhood simultaneously. “The idea that a woman can be the boss babe and a mother at the same time is a total lie,” he said. “You cannot do both. You can do one or the other.”
The musician emphasized the severity of male mental health challenges, particularly among older men. “Suicide among men my age — 50 and above — the rates are up,” Labonte noted. “Men have to have meaning. Men need something to do. The idea that men can go to therapy and that’s gonna solve their problems is ridiculous. Therapy is for women. Men don’t solve their problems by talking. Men solve their problems through action.”
Labonte’s comments about male suicide rates reflect documented statistical trends. Male suicide rates have reached historically significant levels. Men in the United States experience suicide rates nearly four times higher than women. In 2022, the male suicide rate reached 23 per 100,000 population, marking the highest rate recorded over the past 70 years. The disparity is consistent across multiple developed nations. Males account for approximately 77 percent of suspected suicide deaths in Wales and 76.5 percent in Australia during 2024.
Age-specific patterns further underscore the severity of the crisis Labonte references. Men aged 75 and older face the highest mortality rates at 43.9 per 100,000. Middle-aged men between 35 and 44 years old experience rates of 41.8 per 100,000. These figures represent a sustained and significant public health challenge that extends across multiple age demographics.
The broader context of male mental health challenges extends beyond suicide statistics to encompass declining social engagement and relationship formation. Labonte’s observation about younger generations avoiding dating reflects documented behavioral shifts. Generation Z demonstrates notably lower rates of sexual activity and romantic partnership formation compared to previous generations. This social withdrawal, combined with elevated suicide rates, suggests a complex intersection of cultural, economic, and psychological factors affecting male populations.
Labonte’s proposed solution centers on action-oriented engagement rather than therapeutic intervention. He advocates for men to pursue activities that provide tangible accomplishment and purpose. These activities include building projects, automotive repair, and collaborative work with other men. This perspective reflects a broader debate within mental health discourse about whether traditional therapeutic approaches adequately address male psychological needs or whether alternative frameworks emphasizing purpose, achievement, and practical skill-building might prove more effective for male populations experiencing depression and suicidal ideation.
