We’re talking about mental health more than ever. People are speaking more openly about their mental health, and we’re all learning to better support each other.
But people often underestimate men’s mental health, failing to seek out the support they need. And that’s where Men’s Health Awareness Month comes in, bringing attention to men’s mental health.
To learn all about Men’s Health Awareness Month, from when it takes place to how to show your support, read on.
When is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month?
Health America (MHA) recognizes June as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, as does the International Men’s Health Month website.
But it’s worth remembering that not all countries recognize June as Men’s Health Awareness Month.
For example, November is Men’s Health Awareness Month in the UK. It’s also known as Movember because men grow moustaches to raise awareness of men’s health issues. These include health issues, but also diseases such as prostate and testicular cancer.
How To Support Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month
If you’d like to support Men’s Health Awareness Month, there are several ways you can do so. You can host an event to raise awareness and funds for a health charity or organization.
You can raise money through a garage or bake sale, ask people to sponsor you for a race or competition, or reach out to your workplace or your child’s school to see if they can do something to raise awareness.
There are many charities, organizations, and groups doing important work around men’s health and health in general. Men’s health organizations in the United States and abroad include:
- Face It
- menliving
- HeadsUpGuys
- Next Generation Men
- Campaign Against Poverty
MHA, the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness are not only focused on men’s mental health, but are worth supporting. These are helpful resources if you want to learn more.
It’s also important to listen to the men in your life if they reach out to you and let them know you’re there. Of course, this isn’t limited to just Men’s Health Awareness Month. Men’s health remains a major concern year-round, not just in June.
Understanding Men’s Mental Health Issues
There is still a stigma around men’s health, which makes it harder for men and boys to seek help. Some men may still feel like people expect them to hide their emotions and act like a man or be strong for others. Having or acknowledging a health issue is still seen as a sign of weakness or lack of masculinity for some men.
But health issues are not signs of personal weakness: they are health issues like any other. You wouldn’t feel embarrassed to seek medical help for a broken arm, and reaching out to a therapist is no different.
Mental Health Statistics for Men
The National Institute of Health says mental health issues are more common among women than men, but that may be because men aren’t opening up or reaching out. And while 51.7% of women with a mental health issue in 2021 received support from health services, only 40% of men with a health issue did.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source says the suicide rate among men in 2021 was about four times higher than the suicide rate among women. The organization also states that men account for nearly 80% of all suicides. Men may also be more likely to abuse substances rather than receive mental health care.
And when men do get help, it can sometimes be difficult for them to get the help they need. In the United States and around the world, mental health care is often underfunded and people often do not prioritize it.
Intersectionality and men’s mental health.
Although a health issue can affect any man, sometimes these issues affect men disproportionately. For example, the CDC reports that LGBTQ+ men are more likely to experience health issues than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts, while adults with disabilities are nearly five times more likely to report frequent health issues than adults without disabilities.
Black, Indigenous, and Men of Color, or BIPOC, are just as likely to experience health issues as white men, but have less access to health care. They are more likely to rely on community support instead of (rather than in addition to) health professionals.
Conclusion
While Men’s Health Awareness Month is important, we need to consider men’s mental health all year round. While it’s more acceptable than ever for men to express their emotions and seek help, it’s still important to combat the persistent stigma that men shouldn’t need health support.
Talk to the men in your life, and if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, or other health issues, there are plenty of places you can turn to for help. You’re not alone, and that doesn’t make you any less of a man.
