June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to understanding the mission of raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. While mental health affects everyone, too many men continue to struggle in silence.
For generations, men, young men, teens, and boys, have been taught to suppress feelings and pursue a version of masculinity often defined by silence and toughness. Too often this means enduring struggles and battling mental health issues alone instead of seeking support. Over time, this has created a nationwide stigma that connects openness with weakness, contributing to declining mental health among men and preventing thousands from seeking help.
Suicide data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2023 alone, more than 49,000 Americans died by suicide. Men accounted for over 39,000 (80%) of that total (CDC). Additionally, the Anxiety & Depression Association of America reports only around 40% of men actively struggling with mental health seek help (Anxiety & Depression Association of America). The severity of this data cannot be ignored.
The stigma surrounding men’s mental health does not just affect individuals; it affects entire communities. Fathers, brothers, classmates, coworkers, roommates, and friends are impacted every day, even if their struggles are not always visible.
Many people want to help their loved ones who may be struggling, but the signs are often overlooked. Men do not always show depression the way people expect. Instead of sadness, it may appear as anger, withdrawal, lack of motivation, substance abuse, exhaustion, or risky behavior. Because these warning signs are frequently misunderstood, men often reach their breaking point before receiving support.
Change begins with a shift in culture. Being open about difficulties is tough. But it does not have to be. Society needs to stop treating openness as a sign of weakness. Asking for help should not be intimidating. Going to therapy should not be embarrassing, and simply checking on a friend should not be awkward. Speaking up is one of the strongest things a person can do, and our community should encourage each other to do so.
There is a lot of work to do, but change begins when people speak up. Fathers teaching their sons that emotions are normal, schools treating mental health with the same importance as physical health, and communities creating spaces where men are not afraid to seek support can make all the difference.
No one should feel like suffering in silence is their only option. Sometimes just being willing to listen or simply checking on a friend can make a life-changing difference.
Strength is not pretending everything is fine; strength is about having the courage to admit when it is not.
For suicide and crisis 24/7 lifeline, text or call 988.
The Montgomery County Health Department contributed this column to the Journal Review.