Introduction
Mental health issues are not something that only other people suffer from and when it comes to men that issue is too often left undiscussed. This silence has genuine costs — men are many times more likely than women to commit suicide, and far less likely to seek help for mental health issues. That’s why every June, we celebrate Men’s Mental Health Month in the United States.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Men’s Mental Health Month When is it?
- Why June is selected for this awareness
- The state of men’s mental health in the U.S.
- How men can attend to their mental well-being
When is Men’s Mental Health Month?
Men’s Mental Health Month occurs in the United States every June. It’s part of a larger Men’s Health Month, which focuses attention on the physical and mental health needs of men and boys. All June long, communities, healthcare providers and organizations work to:
- Advocate for early identification of mental health problems
- Challenge harmful gender norms
- Teach men the value of mental health
- Bring men to seek support as necessary
This observation is especially important because mental health tends to come runner-up to physical health, particularly among men.
Why Men’s Mental Health in June?
Remember that the reason for giving men a month for mental health is to heighten awareness of those problems that affect men more than others:
Higher Suicide Rates
The rate of men dying by suicide is 3.9 times higher than that of women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Oftentimes, such cases are the result of untreated depression or substance abuse, sometimes borne of embarrassment to seek help.
Lower Help-Seeking Behavior
Research reveals that fewer than half of men with mental-health problems seek treatment. Partly this is because:
- Social stigma
- Cultural pressure to appear “tough”
- Ignorance of signs and symptoms of mental health problems
- Financial or logistical barriers
- Misunderstood Symptoms
Men are so often conditioned to express mental health suffering differently. Men responding to depression may be more likely to experience: None of this makes anyone happy.
- Irritability
- Anger
- Risk-taking behavior
- Substance abuse
Signs of bubble boy syndrome It is important to recognize these signs for early intervention.
June is Men’s Mental Health Month — or is it?
Yes, June has been designated as Men’s Mental Health Month nationally in the United States. During this time:
- Mental health tests offered by government agencies, and nonprofits
- Support groups and public lectures are set up by the communities.
- Media schools public work place.The campaigns are initiated to generate awareness about men’s mental health through media, school and work place.
It is also a chance to tackle mental health problems in high risk groups, such as:
- Veterans
- LGBTQ+ men
- Men of color
- Adolescents and older adults
Essential Statistics on Men’s Mental Health
- 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness 1 in 5 men in the U.S. will report experiencing a mental illness each year
- 60% of men have been traumatized at least once in their lives
- It is more common for men to seek solace in sex, drugs, or alcohol
- Depression in men frequently goes undiagnosed, particularly in communities of color
- It is data like these that highlight the need for informed education, communication and outreach in June and beyond.
Obstacles to Mental Health Care for Men
Social Stigma
The notion that men should be emotionally “tough” or not speak about their emotions leaves many to suffer in silence. This is particularly so in work places or social settings where susceptibility is considered a weakness.
Limited Awareness
Depression and anxiety are things many men don’t understand how it feels. They might not suspect that fatigue, insomnia or chronic stress could be cries for help related to deeper emotional issues.
Lack of Access to Resources
Others have limited availability or access to mental health resources. Men in rural parts of the country or with low incomes may find it hard to get professional help.
How to Support Men’s Health, and Men’s Mental Health
Here are meaningful actions we can take as individuals and communities, particularly in June:
Encourage Open Dialogue
Normalize conversations about mental health. Check in on the men in your life and simply listen without judgment.
Promote Mental Health Screenings
Recommend routine check ups that incorporate mental health screening. Free or low-cost screenings are offered at many clinics during June.
- Share Resources
- Distribute information about:
- Hotlines (such as 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
- Online therapy platforms
- Local support groups
- Support Local Campaigns
Go to or plan mental health awareness events. These could be in the form of webinars, town halls, walks or workshops.
Lead by Example
- Be a model for vulnerability, both if you’re a man. Talk to them about your own battles and show them that getting help is a strength, not a weakness.
Here are some of the many organisations that are shining the spotlight on the mental health of men.
- on, Mental Health America (MHA) – Screener, educational resources Advocacy. 600000 – In Support of Outreach and Promotion of Mental Health Screenings1 – Sensitization and Promotion on Mental Health; 2 – Outreach on mental health education; 3 – Awareness Generation.
- NIMH – Everything About NIMH ie. Research and Public Information
- Movember Foundation – Global campaign for men’s mental health/fwlink.
- Man Therapy – Mental health resources for men including a depression prevention tool built for men.
HeadsUpGuys – An online platform specifically for men with depression
Difference between June and November
Whereas June is Men’s Mental Health Month, November also carries some weight for men’s mental health on a worldwide perspective because of Movember. Movember employs inventive means — such as growing a moustache — to draw attention to:
- Prostate and testicular cancer
- Suicide prevention
- Men’s mental health
Both are twin months, yet June is most closely linked to home recognition and national government initiatives in the U.S.
FAQs
Q: What month is Men’s Mental Health Month?
A: It is celebrated each June in the United States.
Q: Is June really Men’s Mental Health Month?
A: Yes. It is one component of a nationwide initiative to focus attention on the physical and emotional health challenges we all face as men.
Q: What color of ribbon is used to raise awareness about men’s mental health?
A: Green is the color traditionally associated with mental health awareness, while blue is commonly used for men’s health campaigns.
Q: What can I do to be supportive of a man who is struggling?
A: Have open and nonjudgmental conversations from the beginning. Suggest professional help, but offer resources without pressure.
Q: Are there online resources available to men to assist with mental health?
A: Yes. Sites like HeadsUpGuys, Man Therapy and Mental Health America have resources specifically for men.
Conclusion
Men’s Mental Health Month in June isn’t just another day on the calendar but a clarion call for our nation. Higher suicide rates, lower treatment participation, long-standing stigma — the mental health crisis among men deserves year-round action. But June offers a powerful platform for us to have conversations and help support and redefine culture around masculinity and mental health.
Whether you are a health professional, a family member, a friend or an individual on your own personal journey, this month is the time to take action. Share this article. Join the conversation. Either go seek help or help someone to seek that help.
