Men’s Health Month: Breaking Barriers to Mental and Physical Wellness

June 2025

Every June, Men’s Health Month raises awareness of preventable health issues and encourages men and boys to prioritize their well-being. While physical health often gets the spotlight, mental health is just as vital—and too often ignored.

It’s time to change that.

🚹 The Silent Struggle: Men's Mental Health

Men are less likely than women to seek mental health care—even when struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, or substance use. Cultural norms that equate masculinity with toughness and emotional suppression often prevent men from opening up or getting the support they need.

• More than 6 million men in the U.S. suffer from depression each year (Mental Health America, 2024).

• Men die by suicide nearly 4x more than women, with middle-aged and older men at the highest risk (CDC, 2023).

• Black, Indigenous, and Latino men often face compounded barriers due to stigma, lack of access, and cultural disconnect with providers (APA, 2022).

🧠 Why Men Don’t Seek Help

• Stigma: "Real men don’t cry" is a harmful belief that discourages vulnerability.

• Misunderstood Symptoms: Men may express mental distress through anger, irritability, or withdrawal—often misdiagnosed or missed.

• Lack of Representation: Few male or culturally competent therapists may leave men feeling unheard or misunderstood.

✅ Ways to Promote Mental Health During Men’s Health Month

1. Start the Conversation

Check in with the men in your life. Ask, “How are you really doing?” and be ready to listen.

2. Normalize Therapy

Remind others—and yourself—that therapy is not weakness. It’s health care.

3. Encourage Health Screenings

Mental health is deeply tied to physical wellness. Encourage routine check-ups for heart health, diabetes, and depression.

4. Practice Healthy Coping

Support healthier outlets for stress like:

• Physical activity

• Meditation or breathwork

• Creative hobbies

• Talking to a friend or professional

5. Model Openness

Men leading by example—especially public figures, dads, teachers, and leaders—can reduce stigma and empower others.

💪 Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Men’s Health Month is also a reminder to care for the whole self. Good physical health supports good mental health:

• Exercise boosts mood and cognitive function.

• Nutrition affects mood and energy.

• Sleep is essential for emotional balance.

• Managing alcohol and substances can prevent mental health spirals.

📚 Resources for Men’s Mental Health

• Mental Health America – Mental Health for Men

• HeadsUpGuys – Depression resources for men

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• Man Therapy – Humor and help for men dealing with mental health issues

🔵 Final Thoughts

This Men’s Health Month, let’s break the silence around men’s mental health. It’s not just about avoiding disease—it’s about creating a world where boys and men feel safe, strong, and supported in mind, body, and spirit.

Taking care of your health is not a sign of weakness—it’s a mark of wisdom and strength.