June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

By Lena Canu MA, LLC, NCC

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—a great opportunity to open up the conversation about men’s mental well-being. While mental health is more prevalent, many men are still facing unique challenges that aren’t always recognized or understood. This post is here to broaden our awareness and to share helpful information about how mental health issues show up in men, why some may be more reluctant to seek support, and what signs to look out for so we can better support the men in our lives.

By the numbers: In 2022, approximately 19.7% of U.S. adult males experienced AMI (Any Mental Illness) Young adult men aged 18–25 reported the highest prevalence at 36.2%, followed by those aged 26–49 at 29.4%, and men aged 50 and older at 13.9%. Among men, 4.8% experienced SMI (serious mental illness) in 2022. The highest prevalence was again among young adults aged 18–25 at 11.6%, with rates decreasing in older age groups. Other stats include: 

-Over 6 million men in the U.S. experience depression annually.

-Approximately 26% of men will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.

– Men die by suicide at a rate 3.5 times higher than women.

-Between 2011 and 2021, suicide rates among Black Americans increased by 58%. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Black individuals aged 15–24.

-Gay and bisexual men are four times more likely to attempt suicide across their lifetime compared to the general population.

-Approximately 35.1% of Hispanic or Latino adults with any mental illness received treatment, compared to 51.8% of non-Hispanic White adults.

-Approximately 60% of men suffer at least one trauma in their lifetime, often related to physical assault, combat, accidents, or witnessing injury and death.

-Over 3 million men in the U.S. have a panic disorder, agoraphobia, or another type of anxiety disorder.

-Men account for 10% of individuals with anorexia or bulimia and 35% of those with a binge-eating disorder.

Men often experience and express mental health concerns differently than women, which can sometimes make it harder to spot when they’re struggling. Being aware of these signs can help you better support the men in your life. Here are some common indicators to watch for:

• Irritability or Anger: Instead of openly expressing sadness or feelings of depression, men may show increased irritability, frustration, or even anger. This can sometimes be mistaken for just a “bad mood,” but it may signal deeper emotional distress. 
• Substance Use: Men are more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with difficult emotions, stress, or anxiety. This can sometimes mask underlying mental health issues and create additional challenges. 
• Physical Symptoms: Symptoms of depression in males can be physiological, such as a racing heart, digestive issues, or headaches. Males may be “more likely to see their doctor about physical symptoms than emotional symptoms, Mental health challenges often manifest physically. Unexplained headaches, digestive problems, muscle pain, or disruptions in sleep patterns can all be signs that something more is going on beneath the surface.
• Social Withdrawal: Men struggling with their mental health may pull away from friends, family, and social activities they once enjoyed. This isolation can further impact their mood and well-being.
• Risky Behavior: Some men may engage in impulsive or risky behaviors—such as reckless driving, unsafe sex, or excessive risk-taking—as a way to cope with emotional pain or numbness.

As prevalent as mental health difficulties exist in men, only about 12% of men were reported to seek out mental health treatment or counseling in 2021. Because of this, it is helpful to find ways which we are still able to support the men in our lives who are not engaged in therapy services. Some ways to support men’s mental health include: 

1. Start with Listening, Not Fixing: Let men know they don’t have to have everything figured out. Be available to simply listen without judgment or jumping into solutions. A supportive presence can go a long way toward helping someone feel seen and heard.
2. Normalize the Conversation: Talking openly about mental health reduces stigma. Share your own experiences if you’re comfortable, and use casual check-ins (“How’ve you been holding up lately?”) to open the door to deeper conversations.
3. Encourage Healthy Outlets: Support activities that promote emotional regulation and stress relief—such as physical exercise, creative hobbies, or group-based outlets like sports, volunteering, or men’s circles. These spaces can offer connection and relief without the pressure of traditional talk therapy.
4. Promote Access to Help: If someone is struggling, gently encourage seeking professional support. Offer to help with research, finding a culturally competent provider, or even just offering a ride to their first session. Remind them that getting support is not a sign of weakness—it’s a courageous step toward healing.

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than just statistics—it’s about seeing, hearing, and supporting the men in our lives. While many men may be hesitant to seek help, we can each play a role in creating space for honest conversations and emotional well-being. By staying informed, reducing stigma, and simply showing up, we send a clear message: it’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to ask for help. Let’s continue moving toward a world where all men feel safe, supported, and empowered to care for their mental health.