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Men’s Mental Health Month is observed every June in North America—a dedicated time to bring attention to an issue that’s been ignored for far too long.
While conversations about mental health have become more common in recent years, men’s mental well-being still remains in the shadows.
June isn’t just about awareness; it’s about starting real conversations that can save lives.
June is Men’s Mental Health Month
Men’s Mental Health Month takes place throughout June, coinciding with Men’s Health Week, which typically falls during the week leading up to Father’s Day. This timing makes it a powerful opportunity to honor the fathers, brothers, sons, and friends in our lives by encouraging them to prioritize their mental well-being alongside their physical health.
Though there isn’t an official government designation for the specific term men’s mental health month, the growing use of this phrase signals an important cultural shift. More people are recognizing that mental health isn’t just a side issue—it’s central to overall health and quality of life. This shift has also led to increased demand for specialized support options, such as men’s therapy in Toronto, designed to address the unique emotional challenges men face.
Why Men’s Mental Health Month Matters?
The statistics are sobering. According to National Health Data, Men are almost 4 times more likely to lose their lives to suicide compared to women. Every year, more than 6 million men in the United States experience symptoms of depression. Yet despite these alarming numbers, men remain far less likely than women to seek help for their mental health struggles.
Why? Because society has taught many men that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Traditional ideas about masculinity often emphasize strength, self-reliance, and emotional restraint. While these qualities have their place, they become harmful when they prevent someone from reaching out during their darkest moments.
Around 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health. That silence can be deadly. When men feel they must handle everything alone, problems that could be treated become crises. Depression goes undiagnosed. Anxiety builds without release. And tragically, suicide becomes the only option some men see.
What Are the Common Mental Health Challenges Men Face?
Men experience the full range of mental health conditions—depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse. However, these conditions may show up differently in men than in women.
Depression in men, for instance, might not always look like sadness. Instead, it may appear as irritability, anger, or aggressive behavior. Men might complain of physical symptoms like headaches or digestive problems rather than discussing feelings of hopelessness. They might throw themselves into work, exercise excessively, or turn to alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms.
Warning signs to watch for include:
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Talking negatively or expressing hopelessness
- Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Experiencing changes in sleep or appetite, and
- Engaging in reckless behavior
If you notice these patterns in yourself or someone you care about, it’s time to take action.
What’s Stopping Men from Getting Help?
The stigma surrounding men’s mental health creates real barriers to getting help. Many men fear being judged, worry about appearing weak, or believe they should be able to solve problems on their own. Some workplaces still don’t support mental health discussions, making men reluctant to take time off for therapy or counseling.
Cultural factors also play a role. In some communities, seeking mental health treatment is viewed with suspicion or seen as a family embarrassment. These attitudes keep men isolated and prevent them from accessing services—such as mental health counselling—that could change or even save their lives.
But here’s the reality: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes real strength to acknowledge you’re struggling and to do something about it. Just as you would see a doctor for a broken bone or heart problem, seeing a therapist for depression or anxiety is a sign of taking responsibility for your health.
How to Support Men’s Mental Health?
Whether you’re a man struggling with mental health or someone who cares about the men in your life, there are concrete steps you can take:
Start conversations. Ask the men in your life how they’re really doing. Create space for honest answers. Sometimes just knowing someone cares enough to ask can make all the difference.
Listen without judgment. If a man opens up to you, don’t minimize his feelings or rush to fix things. Sometimes people just need to be heard and validated.
Share resources. Let people know that help is available. This could be a therapist’s contact information, a support group, a crisis hotline, or mental health apps. Normalizing these resources makes them easier to access.
Challenge stereotypes. When you hear people say things like “man up” or “real men don’t cry,” speak up. These harmful attitudes contribute to the crisis we’re facing.
Be a role model. If you’re comfortable doing so, talk openly about your own mental health experiences. When men see other men prioritizing mental wellness, it permits them to do the same.
Taking Action Beyond June
While Men’s Mental Health Month in June provides a focused time for awareness, the work doesn’t stop when July begins. Mental health is a year-round priority. Regular self-care, maintaining connections with friends and family, getting enough sleep, exercising, and seeking professional help when needed should all be ongoing practices.
I, Ayen Mabor , a Registered Social Worker at AM Counselling, understand the unique challenges men face when it comes to mental health. I provide a safe, judgment-free space where men can explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and work through difficult experiences. Whether you’re dealing with stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or just feeling stuck, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Men’s Mental Health Month is more than just a calendar observance; it’s a call to action and an invitation to take a moment to check in with yourself. If you or a man in your life is struggling, please reach out. Your life matters. Your mental health matters.
The conversation starts with us. Contact AM Counselling today to begin your journey toward better mental well-being.
