June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

June marks Men’s Mental Health Month—a perfect time to shine a light on an issue that’s long been in the shadows. While mental health affects everyone, men are statistically less likely to seek help or even talk about what they’re going through. As a result, men have increased rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. But, this isn’t just about statistics. It is about the well-being of our brothers, fathers, partners, friends, and ourselves.

For generations, men have been conditioned to “man up,” push through pain, and suppress emotion. Vulnerability was seen as weakness, and asking for help felt like failure. But the truth is, facing your mental health head-on takes far more strength than ignoring it. Whether it’s the silent burden of work stress, unresolved trauma, or emotional isolation, these struggles are real! They deserve attention and compassion, not silence and shame.

Prioritizing men’s mental health isn’t just about therapy or diagnosis. It’s about creating a culture where men feel safe to be honest, supported, and understood. That might look like opening up to a friend, finding a mentor, or simply taking the time to check in with yourself. It also means dismantling outdated ideas about masculinity and making space for emotional expression in everyday life.

Here are five things men can do to prioritize their mental health:

1. Talk to Someone You Trust
    Whether it’s a friend, therapist, or support group, opening up is a powerful first step. You don’t have to carry everything alone.

2. Schedule Time for Yourself
    Create regular time in your week to unplug and recharge—whether it’s through hobbies, nature, exercise, or quiet reflection.

3. Practice Emotional Awareness
    Check in with yourself daily. Ask: What am I feeling right now? Why? Naming emotions helps reduce their power and gives you control.

4. Move Your Body
    Physical activity, even in small doses, boosts mood, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep. You don’t need a gym—just start moving.

5. Limit the Numbing Habits
    Be mindful of using alcohol, overworking, or scrolling as a way to avoid emotions. Instead, seek healthier coping tools that serve your long-term wellbeing.

Women can play a role in improving the mental health of the men around them as well. Here are five things women can do to help prioritize their mental health:

1. Create Safe Space for Conversation
    Let the men in your life know it’s okay to talk—without judgment, fixing, or rushing to solutions. Just listen and validate.

2. Challenge the Stigma Together
    Push back on toxic messages like “be a man” or “real men don’t cry.” Encourage emotional expression as strength, not weakness.

3. Check In—And Mean It
    Ask more than “How are you?” Try “What’s been on your mind lately?” or “How have you been really feeling?” Small questions can open big doors.

4. Encourage Professional Help
    Normalize therapy and mental health support. Share resources, recommend someone you trust, or offer to help them take the first step.

5. Be Patient and Present
    Healing takes time. Don’t expect instant openness or change. Just showing up consistently can mean everything.

If you’re a man reading this, know that you’re not alone, and your mental health is just as important as your physical health. And if you care about the men in your life, start the conversation—even if it feels uncomfortable. Asking “How are you really doing?” might seem small, but it can be the first step toward real change. This month, let’s break the silence and build a stronger, healthier future—for ALL of us.

Here are some trusted tools and organizations offering support, education, and connection surrounding men’s mental health:

• HeadsUpGuys – A leading resource tailored for men, offering self-check tools, therapy directories, and over 100 real recovery stories. HeadsUpGuys
  

• Man Therapy – Blends humor with evidence-based mental health tools, including a “Therapy Connecter” and resources for men and their supporters. Man TherapyNAMI HelpLine
  

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Provides comprehensive information on mental health topics, including specific resources for men. National Institute of Mental Health
  

• SAMHSA – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a national helpline and treatment locator. SAMHSASAMHSA
  

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan – Offers mental health resources and support options for members in Michigan. BCBSMBig Rapids Pioneer+1BCBSM+1