When is Mens Mental Health Month

June is Men's Mental Health Month in the U.S. – a time when we specifically focus on the unique mental health challenges faced by men and work to break down the stubborn stigma that keeps too many guys from seeking help they need.

If you're reading this, you probably already know that men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than women. 😔

You might also know that most men struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions don't get the support they need… because they don't ask for it.

Why? Because we've built a society that tells men to "suck it up" and "be a man" when they're struggling.

Let's dive into what Men's Mental Health Month is all about, why it matters so much, and how we can actually support the men in our lives (or ourselves).

The origin of Men's Mental Health Month comes from National Men's Health Week, which was first established back in 1994 when Senator Bob Dole sponsored a resolution that President Clinton later signed into law. This designated the week before Father's Day (June 12-19) as a time to focus on men's health issues.

Over time, this expanded into a month-long campaign covering both physical and mental health challenges that guys face.

Why We Need a Whole Month for Men's Mental Health

Look, I get it. Some people roll their eyes at all these "awareness months." But the stats on men's mental health are pretty shocking:

• Men account for the majority of suicide deaths despite reporting lower rates of depression
• Millions of men experience symptoms of depression without ever seeking professional help
• Many men use alcohol or substances to self-medicate rather than talk to someone

The truth is, men's mental health often flies under the radar because of the intense societal pressure to appear strong, independent, and emotionally bulletproof. 💪

This toxic expectation doesn't just hurt men – it devastates families and communities when men's mental health issues go untreated until they reach crisis points.

How to Actually Support Men's Mental Health (Without Being Weird About It)

So what can we actually DO during Men's Mental Health Month (and, you know, the other 11 months too)?

1. Start normal conversations about feelings

You don't need to ambush the men in your life with a therapy session. Just normalize talking about emotions in everyday conversation. "That project at work sounds really stressful. How are you handling it?" goes a long way.

2. Share resources that don't feel clinical or preachy

Resources like HeadsUpGuys offer practical, non-judgmental tools specifically designed for men. Their self-assessment tools help guys identify if what they're experiencing might be depression.

3. Challenge the "man up" messaging when you hear it

When someone tells a boy or man to "man up" or "stop being a girl" about their feelings, gently push back. These seemingly small comments reinforce the exact attitudes that keep men from seeking help.

4. Advocate for better services and policies

Support organizations and policies that improve mental health services and work to destigmatize seeking help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a great resource to share.

The Bottom Line on Men's Mental Health

If you want to learn more about managing stress in everyday life (which is a huge part of mental health), check out our article on stress management techniques that actually work.

And if you're interested in how we can collectively overcome the stigma around mental health for everyone, our piece on breaking down mental health stigma is worth a read.

Men's Mental Health Month isn't just about awareness – it's about action. It's about creating a world where men don't have to choose between their mental wellbeing and their masculinity. 🧠❤️

The good news? We're making progress. More men are talking openly about their mental health struggles. More resources are becoming available. And slowly but surely, the cultural expectation that men should suffer in silence is being challenged.

So this June (and every month), let's keep the conversation going. Because real strength isn't about hiding your struggles – it's about having the courage to face them.