Real Talk: It’s Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month – Let’s Ditch the Stigma
If you’re reading this, June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and before you scroll past, hear us out. We know the “man up” mentality has been drilled into us for generations, but let’s be real: that outdated script isn’t doing anyone any favors. In fact, it’s actively hurting us.
Stats are showing trends are not slowing down…
The stats don’t lie. While nearly one in five men lives with some type of mental health condition, men are less likely to seek help [1]. Research shows that while fewer men are diagnosed with depression, they’re more than twice as likely to die by suicide compared to women [2]. Let that sink in. This isn’t about weakness; it’s about a cultural barrier that tells us to bottle things up until they explode.
So, this month, we’re cutting through the noise. It’s time to normalize conversations about mental health, just like we talk about physical health. Because your mind? That’s part of your body, and it deserves care and attention too.
Why the Silence?
A lot of it comes down to societal expectations. From a young age, many men are taught that expressing emotions beyond anger or stoicism is a sign of weakness. This can lead to:
* Internalizing struggles: We push down feelings like sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm, hoping they’ll just disappear. Spoiler alert: they don’t.
* Avoiding professional help: Therapy? “That’s for other people.” But going to a therapist is literally no different than going to a doctor for a broken arm. It’s about getting expert help for something that’s not working right.
* Coping in unhealthy ways: Turning to substances, excessive work, or risky behaviors to numb the pain, which only makes things worse in the long run.
Breaking the Cycle: It Starts with You
It’s on us to redefine what strength looks like. True strength isn’t about ignoring your feelings; it’s about acknowledging them, understanding them, and taking action to feel better.
Here are a few things you can do, starting today:
* Check in with your crew: That group chat isn’t just for memes. Ask your buddies how they’re really doing. Sometimes just knowing someone’s listening can make a massive difference.
* Be honest with yourself: If you’re feeling off, anxious, perpetually tired, or just not yourself for an extended period, pay attention to those signals. Your body and mind are trying to tell you something.
* Seek professional help: If you’re struggling, talking to a therapist is a powerful step. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are evidence-based approaches that can help you develop coping mechanisms and change unhelpful thought patterns [8]. Don’t know where to start? Check out resources like Psychology Today or the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) [3, 8].
Level Up Your Well-being:
3 Exercise Hacks for Your Mind
You know exercise is good for your body, but it’s also a powerhouse for your mental game. It can reduce stress hormones and boost mood-improving chemicals in your brain [4]. And no, you don’t need to become a gym rat overnight. Here are 3 practical, evidence-based exercise tips to help you de-stress and feel better:
* Walk it Out: The “Active Recovery” Stroll. Seriously, just a 30-minute brisk walk can make a huge difference [4]. This isn’t about hitting your maximum heart rate. It’s about getting fresh air, moving your body, and giving your mind a break. Pop on a podcast, listen to some tunes, or just enjoy the silence. Aim for 3-4 times a week. Pro-tip for the competitive souls: Try to beat your previous day’s step count or explore a new route to keep it interesting.
* Lift Your Mood, Literally: Strength Training. Bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or hitting the weights – it all counts. Strength training releases endorphins and can significantly boost self-confidence [6]. You don’t need a huge gym setup. Think push-ups, squats, planks, or even just using household items as weights. Start with 2-3 sessions a week, focusing on proper form over heavy lifting. No-pressure challenge: Find a 15-minute bodyweight routine on YouTube and just give it a shot.
* Find Your Flow: Mind-Body Practices. Yoga, Tai Chi, or even just mindful stretching can be game-changers. These practices combine physical movement with mental relaxation techniques, helping to reduce stress and improve focus [6]. You don’t need to be super flexible or zen. There are tons of beginner-friendly tutorials online. Experimentation encouraged: Try a 10-minute guided meditation before bed or a simple yoga flow in the morning. See what resonates with you.
The Bottom Line
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t just a hashtag; it’s a call to action. It’s about breaking down the walls that have kept us from prioritizing our well-being. Talking about mental health, seeking help when needed, and incorporating simple, effective habits like exercise are not just beneficial – they’re essential. Let’s build a future where asking for help is seen as the ultimate sign of strength.
References:
[1] Verywell Health. (2025, April 3). Men’s Mental Health: The Facts and Real Risks. https://www.verywellhealth.com/mens-mental-health-11683194
[2] Wildflower LLC. (2024, October 21). Men’s Mental Health: ‘Man Up’ Is Not the Answer. https://www.wildflowerllc.com/mens-mental-health-man-up-is-not-the-answer/
[3] National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Men and Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
[4] Calm Blog. (2025, February 24). How to support the mental health of the men in your life. https://www.calm.com/blog/how-to-support-mens-mental-health
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Managing Stress. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/index.html
[6] Skin Inc. (2023, September 14). 5 Exercises that Improve Men’s Mental Health. https://www.skininc.com/wellness/therapies/news/22873016/5-exercises-that-improve-mens-mental-health
[7] Mayo Clinic. Stress relievers: Tips to tame stress. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257
[8] Psychology Today. Find a Men’s Issues Therapist. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists?category=mens-issues
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