Men’s Mental Health Month: Why It Matters
June is Men’s Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about a topic that’s too often ignored. Mental health issues affect men across all ages, cultures, and backgrounds—but many men still wait years before seeking help. I've had my own struggles, I know many men who are silently suffering, and I’ve worked with clients who delayed treatment far too long. It’s time to change that.
Everyone deserves access to mental health support—and that includes men.
The Reality of Men’s Mental Health
While more men are attending therapy than in the past, they still seek treatment at about half the rate of women. Outdated cultural norms around masculinity—like being “strong,” “stoic,” or “independent”—still create barriers. Even as some of these pressures ease, new ones arise. Today, the fear of being labeled a “problematic man” can further discourage emotional openness.
Alarming Statistics
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH):
Men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women
Men die from alcohol-related causes at three times the rate of women.
Men misuse drugs at 2–3 times the rate of women.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports:
10% of all bulimia and anorexia cases are men—likely underreported.
Over 6 million men in the U.S. experience depression.
3 million men live with phobias, 2.3 million with bipolar disorder.
About 90% of Americans diagnosed with schizophrenia are men.
These numbers only reflect reported cases. The real figures are likely much higher due to underdiagnosis and underreporting.
Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Men
More Obvious Symptoms:
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Insomnia or excessive fatigue
Loss of interest in activities
Poor concentration
Suicidal thoughts
Less Obvious (and often more overlooked) Symptoms:
Substance misuse
Anger, irritability, or aggression
Controlling or abusive behaviors
Overworking or excessive exercise
Risk-taking (gambling, reckless driving, drugs)
Unexplained physical issues (headaches, digestive problems, pain)
⚠️ Note: Mental health issues do not excuse dangerous or abusive behavior. If someone you know is a threat to themselves or others, seek help immediately—whether through 911, a crisis line, or community support resources.
What Can We Do About It?
Ending the stigma around men’s mental health requires action from everyone, not just mental health professionals or the men themselves. Here’s how we can start:
1. Check In—Regularly and Honestly
Don’t just ask, “How are you?” Balance conversations between emotional check-ins, interests, and passions. Ask open-ended questions that allow men to express themselves fully.
2. Use Activity-Based Conversations
According to the American Institute for Boys and Men, males often open up more during shared activities. Try a hike, a video game, or a drive—spaces where conversation feels more natural and less direct.
3. Encourage Self-Care and Expression
Support men in pursuing hobbies, rest, and connection. Let them know it's okay to take care of their mental and emotional health.
4. Challenge Harmful Stereotypes
Be mindful of internalized biases like:
“Boys will be boys”
“All men are bad”
“Real men don’t cry”
These messages limit emotional expression and reinforce shame, which keeps men from seeking help.
A Note to Men Reading This
If you're feeling stuck, numb, angry, or just not like yourself—talk to someone. Therapy isn't about judgment, shame, or being told who to be. It's a place for honest conversations with someone outside your daily life.
Bring your doubts. Bring your skepticism. Bring your pain. Therapy welcomes all of it.
You deserve to live a life that feels fulfilling, joyful, and aligned with who you are—not who you or others think you have to be.
Citations:
Men’s mental health | anxiety and depression association of america, ADAA. (n.d.). https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Suicide. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide