toolkit
Guidance
We Need to Talk About Men’s Mental Health
June is Men’s Mental Health Month, which gives us a chance to focus on an often overlooked topic: men’s mental health in the US. Mental health issues can affect anyone, but social expectations and stigma sometimes make it harder for men to ask for help. Now is the time to speak up, offer support, and make conversations about men’s mental health more open and welcoming.
The Facts
- Six million men are affected by depression in the United States every single year. (NIH)
- Men were two times less likely than women to seek out help and take a screen. (MHA)
- Men are more than four times more likely to die by suicide than women. (NIH)
Understanding the Unique Challenges
Men are often conditioned to adhere to traditional notions of masculinity, which prize constricting ideas of strength, stoicism, and self-reliance. While these traits in themselves can be positive, they can also contribute to a culture that sees expressing vulnerability as a weakness. As with any one-note stereotype, traditional ideas of “what it means to be a man” are limiting, leaving no room for human complexity and individuality. These stereotypes can set men and boys up to feel like failures when they have very normal and reasonable human reactions to challenges like stress or loss. With emotionality being frowned upon in men, many suffer in silence, reluctant to share their struggles or seek professional help.
All people, regardless of their gender, can experience challenges like anxiety, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. However, we don’t often think of men when we think about these issues, which can feel incredibly isolating for those experiencing them.
The National Institute for Mental Health reports that men are less likely to get mental health treatment or support. Peer groups and therapy are more common among women and queer people, and many online services focus on these groups. This progress is great, but it’s important to make sure men are included too.
How You Can Help
You can help support the men in your life, no matter who you are. Here are some ways to make a difference:
- Listen: Just being willing to listen is incredibly powerful. Let the men in your life know that it’s okay to talk about their feelings, and when someone decides to share, provide a judgment-free space.
- Encourage: If you know a man who is struggling, encourage him to seek help. There are online resources, like Man Therapy, that use humor and practical advice to make mental health support more approachable for men. It may take a few tries to find the right therapist or support group, and that’s okay.
- Advocate: Advocate for mental health resources in your community and help spread the word about the importance of men’s mental health, using simple resources like this overview graphic from NAMI. If you are in a position of power within your family, faith community, or workplace, you can bring this important conversation to the forefront.
By working together, we can build a community where men feel comfortable talking about their mental health and getting the support they need. Let’s aim for a future where no one has to struggle alone.
