June is Men’s Health Month: Spotlight on Men’s Mental Health & Changing the Conversation
When we talk about mental health, men are often left out of the conversation. Men's health tends to be framed almost exclusively around physical well-being, with mental health needs frequently overlooked or minimized.
Many men struggle to communicate how they feel or what they’re going through, often lacking the comfort, language, or experience to articulate their challenges. The “man up” mentality further perpetuates the myth that real men can handle everything life throws at them. I’ve heard men express concerns that keep them from reaching out for help—fear of judgment, shame, and embarrassment—which can make seeking mental health support feel impossible.
As a result, many men suffer in silence, carrying the weight of generational expectations—passed down by fathers, uncles, mentors, and others—that they should be able to manage without help. This internalized pressure raises the question: “If those who came before me managed without help, why should I need support?”
This cultural pressure to meet unrealistic ideals often leads to feelings of failure when we inevitably fall short. The expectation to be strong, stoic, and emotionless creates a difficult landscape for men to navigate, particularly when stress from jobs, relationships, or other life challenges builds up.
The “man up” mindset is two-fold. It can serve a form of resilience, but it can also be harmful. While perseverance is valuable for survival and success, it's important to remember that resilience isn’t just about powering through—it’s also about recognizing when it's okay to ask for help.
The Unique Mental Health Challenges of Men
In 2023, approximately 1 in 5 men experienced a mental or behavioral health condition. However, men are diagnosed and treated at much lower rates, often because they don't seek professional help or communicate their struggles in a way that aligns with traditional ideas of mental illness.
Substance use is another common challenge, with nearly 9% of men facing alcohol use difficulties each year. U.S. suicide rates are four times higher for men than women, yet men are far less likely to reach out for help.
What We Can Do
While shifting the narrative around men’s mental health will take time, we can begin by fostering open and honest conversations. Here’s how we can help change the conversation:
- Encourage honest, vulnerable conversations: Whether with a friend, family member, coworker, or professional, talking openly can make a big difference.
- Create community spaces: Men need places where they feel understood and supported by others who share similar experiences.
- Dispel myths: Help eliminate the false idea that asking for help means something is wrong with you. Seeking help is not a weakness—it’s a step toward strength.
- Recognize the signs of struggle: Men’s struggles may manifest differently than women’s. For example, increased substance use, irritability, anger, or lack of sleep are often mistaken for “anger problems,” but they can indicate depression or anxiety.
- Remind men of the benefits of seeking help: Getting support can lead to better emotional control, reduced stress, and a happier, more balanced life.
Actions Men Can Take
As men, we need to be proactive in both recognizing our own mental health struggles and helping others. Here’s what we can do:
Be honest about our feelings
It’s common for men to internalize their problems, but opening up is the first step. You don’t have to carry the weight alone.
Be trustworthy and reliable
Let the men in your life know that you're a trustworthy person to talk to. Vulnerability is a two-way street.
Learn to recognize how masculinity influences mental illness in men
Get trained in community support
Programs like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), Mental Health First Aid, or de-escalation training can empower you to help those in need.
Encourage professional support
Reaching out for help is a powerful skill to build. North Range’s Counseling Centers can offer valuable resources.
Resources:
Community Trainings at North Range
Man Therapy | Nationwide Resources Hub
Tedx Talks | Breaking the Silence: Why Men Need to Talk About Their Mental Health
Mental Health America: Take a quick, online self-assessment and mental health screening
Blog Contributor:
Bennett Edgerly, Ph.D., LPC-S
Clinical Network Director of the Adult Outpatient Network
North Range Behavioral Health
