Men’s Mental Health Month: Breaking Stigma And Finding Support

Men’s Mental Health Month, observed in June, is a time to raise awareness about the mental health challenges many men face and encourage open, stigma-free conversations about seeking support. 

Because many men are often taught to appear tough, self-reliant, or emotionally reserved, they may be less likely to reach out for help—even when experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or major life challenges. 

This month highlights that asking for support is not a weakness, but a proactive step toward emotional well-being, healthier relationships, and lasting change.

What is Men's Mental Health Month and why does it matter?

June is Men’s Mental Health Month. While mental health matters every day of the year, this month is dedicated to men's mental health awareness and the challenges that men face but might not always seek mental health services for. 

During this mental health awareness month, the aim is to support men's mental health by normalizing seeking professional help when needed and breaking the stigma that men always have to be strong during tough times.

Supporting men’s mental health is important for individuals, but it may also have a lasting impact on families, communities, and workplaces everywhere. Mental health support may be crucial to learning empathy, non-violent communication, and community-building skills, as well as managing problems related to emotional well-being. 

Addressing mental health challenges and learning strategies for handling them may have a ripple effect on the lives of those around the person seeking professional help.

Why do many men struggle to seek mental health support?

Research shows that men are less likely than women to reach out to a professional for support with mental health struggles or to improve their overall mental well-being. There is also a trend of more mental health help needed for young men and adolescents, who are reporting higher rates of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression compared to past generations. 

In adults, 77% of men report feeling anxiety within the last year, and 79% report feeling symptoms of depression, according to research from BetterHelp. But even now, when it seems like there is more awareness and less stigma around getting professional help, the stark reality is that asking for help may be difficult for many men.

 How stigma can affect mental health

It may not be the case for everyone, but many men may not seek out the help of mental health professionals due to societal norms and stereotypes that they have been exposed to throughout their lives. 

While many of the qualities commonly associated with men are positive (bravery, self-reliance, and confidence, for example), men’s and boys' mental health may suffer when such qualities come with unrealistic expectations.

Mental health campaigns targeted at men may struggle to showcase how men may think, feel, and function. Another reason why men may be reluctant to seek help could be societal factors, such as the popular depiction of men in the media.

There may also be a fear of judgment that may come with asking for help. From a young age, men receive messages that they should be tough, solve problems, and not show vulnerability. Seeking out support may seem to go against all of these things, even though getting mental healthcare has nothing to do with masculinity or weakness.

Recognizing the signs of mental health struggles

There are different signs to look out for with men struggling with their mental health. Emotionally, they might show changes in mood, a loss of motivation, or difficulties regulating their emotions. Their behavior might also change because of these emotions. 

For example, someone experiencing mental distress may withdraw both socially and emotionally, which may lead to isolation. They might also have changes in sleep and appetite, which may further exacerbate feelings of stress.

Knowing these signs may help men, their families, and their communities recognize mental health conditions and challenges in themselves and those they care about. 

Men may benefit from getting support for all kinds of mental health concerns, including anxiety, stress, or depression. It may also be helpful to have someone to talk to through big changes, difficult life events, or times of uncertainty.

How can individuals support men's mental health?

If you notice that a man in your life might be struggling, what may you do? Individuals may work to build support systems within their families, workplaces, or communities that are safe, encouraging, and helpful. 

Starting honest conversations

People may start gentle, honest conversations with a man they think is struggling by creating a warm, safe environment where he may express their thoughts and feelings openly. The atmosphere should be low-pressure, and try to start sentences with first-person language. Let your loved one know that he may speak freely and honestly without the risk of judgment. 

Strengthening a support system

As a family member or friend in a support system, one of the first things that you may do is educate yourself about what your loved one is going through. If he is experiencing anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition, learn what you may about it. This may also help to encourage open communication by letting your loved one know that he may lean on you and that you are there to provide support. 

Talking to family and friends may be helpful, but sometimes it may help to have an outside perspective. Men going through a tough period mentally or emotionally may consider utilizing community resources like local programs or support groups. 

This provides a unique opportunity to connect with others who may be experiencing the same thing, as well as to get new approaches when it comes to advice or coping strategies. 

Encouraging professional help

As you and your loved one talk about what he is experiencing, you may encourage professional help as an option. Trained mental health providers may give valuable guidance and provide immediate support for those who are in crisis. 

Therapy may also be a proactive choice, not just for men who are experiencing serious mental health challenges at the moment. In fact, therapy may be considered a form of self-care and another component of an overall healthy lifestyle. 

What mental health resources are available for men?

There are several options available to men when it comes to therapy and mental health care. Which one is best will depend on the individual and their symptoms. 

Professional mental health services

Professional services may come in a number of forms, including in-person individual therapy, group or family counseling, or online therapy with a licensed mental health care provider. 

Choosing family therapy might work for a man who is going through a relationship or familial conflict, whereas online therapy would be suitable for someone with a busy lifestyle who wants to fit in therapy sessions on their schedule. 

For many men, finding time for therapy can feel like one more thing to fit into an already full schedule. Online therapy makes it possible to connect with a licensed therapist around work, family, or other commitments, whether that's a session during a lunch break or in the evening after the kids are asleep. 

Online therapy platforms, like BetterHelp, connect men to licensed, professional therapists using tools like phone, video, messenger, or live chat. To get started, fill out a short intake questionnaire and get matched with the best therapist for your mental health needs. 

Crisis and immediate support resources

Men in crisis or who are experiencing more serious mental health challenges should consider immediate support services. If you or someone you care about is at risk, you may reach out to services such as walk-in clinics, local hotlines, or online emergency platforms that may find you the care you need quickly. 

How can men's mental health month inspire lasting change?

Small actions may make a difference. Make it a point this month to check in with the men in your life. 

Not everyone shows signs of struggling in the same way, so pave the way for honest conversations and sharing resources by letting the men in your life know that you are there to support them and listen. This is true for all kinds of settings, whether at home, in the workplace, or in friend groups.

Though June is Men’s Mental Health Month, people should be aware of men’s mental health concerns all year round. Creating a culture that allows for openness and honesty without the fear of judgment may go a long way for the men in your life and community. 

As a man, it’s important to know that being vulnerable about your thoughts, feelings, or what’s going on mentally does not make you weak or any less masculine. In fact, it shows that you are in touch with yourself and are taking active steps forward to learn new ways to cope with difficult situations, including stress, anxiety, and depression, for example.