When is Men’s Mental Health Month?
The answer is June!
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to shine a light on an often overlooked topic that impacts millions of lives. While conversations around mental health have grown louder in recent years, many men still suffer in silence, often weighed down by societal expectations and deeply rooted stigma. It's time we change that.
Why Men's Mental Health Deserves Attention
Mental health affects everyone, regardless of gender. However, men are significantly less likely to seek help for emotional struggles, often due to cultural conditioning and internalized beliefs about masculinity. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men are more likely to die by suicide, more likely to struggle with substance abuse, and less likely to seek therapy or talk about their feelings.
Men are taught, directly or indirectly, that vulnerability equals weakness. Phrases like “man up,” “don’t cry,” or “be a real man” are often used from a young age, embedding the idea that emotional expression is not masculine. This conditioning becomes a barrier to reaching out for help when it’s needed the most.
Understanding the Stigma
The stigma around men’s mental health is multi-layered:
Cultural Expectations: Many cultures equate masculinity with stoicism, dominance, and emotional restraint. Admitting to anxiety, depression, or emotional pain is often viewed as a failure to meet those standards.
Fear of Judgment: Men may fear being judged by peers, family, or even healthcare providers. The fear of being perceived as “weak” or “broken” keeps many silent.
Lack of Representation: In media and even in mental health spaces, there's often a lack of male representation in mental health advocacy. This can make it harder for men to see themselves in the narrative of healing and self-care.
Ways to Support Men’s Mental Health
Changing the narrative starts with all of us. Whether you’re a loved one, a friend, a therapist, or a community member, there are meaningful ways to support men’s mental wellness:
1. Normalize Conversations
Start by creating a safe space where men feel comfortable talking about their feelings. Ask open-ended questions, listen without judgment, and validate their experiences. Sometimes the simple question, “How are you really doing?” can open the door to healing.
2. Challenge Stereotypes
Reject and call out harmful stereotypes that equate masculinity with emotional suppression. Celebrate strength in vulnerability. The more we shift the definition of what it means to “be a man,” the more inclusive and emotionally healthy our communities become.
3. Encourage Professional Help
Therapy isn’t only for when someone is in crisis. Therapy is for growth, clarity, and support. Encourage the men in your life to consider counseling as a proactive step, not a last resort. Help remove the fear or shame often attached to reaching out.
4. Be a Role Model
Whether you’re a man or someone who supports men, model emotionally healthy behavior. Talk about your own challenges, your therapy experiences, or your coping tools. Vulnerability is contagious, and healing.
5. Promote Accessible Resources
Share resources that cater specifically to men’s mental health. Some organizations doing great work include:
Movember Foundation – Focused on men’s health, including mental well-being and suicide prevention.
HeadsUpGuys – A resource for men battling depression and other mental health concerns.
Man Therapy – A humorous yet thoughtful platform to help men explore mental health in a relatable way.
You Deserve To Be HEARD
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is not just a call to action, it’s a reminder that emotional well-being is human, not gendered. Every man deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in his mental health journey. Let’s break the silence, rewrite the story, and make room for healing.
Need Help Now?
If you or a loved one is in crisis, don’t wait. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, help is available 24/7.
