Supporting the Men in Your Life During Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

When we think of strength, we often imagine resilience, courage, and perseverance. But too often, our definition of strength—especially for men—excludes vulnerability, emotional openness, and asking for help. This June, as we observe Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s time to challenge those outdated narratives and actively support the mental and emotional well-being of the men in our lives.

Men face unique mental health challenges and are often under tremendous pressure to suppress emotion and “tough it out.” As a result, they are less likely to seek help when they need it most. This stigma is not just outdated—it’s dangerous. Suicide rates among men remain alarmingly high, and many struggle with untreated depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use.

We all have a role to play in shifting the culture around men’s mental health. Whether you’re a family member, friend, partner, or colleague, your support can make a meaningful difference. Here’s how to be there for the men in your life—this month and every month.

Recognize the Signs That Something’s Off

Not all mental health struggles look the same, and men often express emotional distress differently than women. Rather than showing sadness or tearfulness, they may exhibit:

Increased anger or irritability
Withdrawal from family or social activities
Changes in sleep or appetite
Loss of interest in hobbies or work
Escalating use of alcohol or drugs

It’s important to pay attention to these changes and approach them with compassion rather than judgment. Often, these behaviors are signs of deeper emotional pain.

Challenge the “Be a Man” Mentality

From an early age, many boys are taught not to cry, not to complain, and never to show weakness. This outdated version of masculinity has left generations of men feeling isolated and unable to process their emotions in healthy ways.

This June, be intentional about challenging toxic masculinity in conversations and cultural norms. Praise emotional honesty. Normalize therapy. Support men who are choosing to be vulnerable and real.

Being strong doesn’t mean going it alone. True strength is knowing when to ask for help.

Create Opportunities for Honest Conversation

Sometimes, the men in your life just need someone to open the door to a deeper conversation. Make a habit of checking in—not just about logistics and daily life, but about feelings and stressors.

You don’t need a big, dramatic setup. Even casual conversations during a walk or drive can be ideal moments to ask:

“How’s your headspace lately?”
“Is anything weighing on you right now?”
“What’s been the hardest part of your week?”

Offer your full attention and a listening ear. Avoid trying to fix things right away—just being present and validating their feelings can go a long way.

Lead With Empathy, Not Advice

When someone opens up, it can be tempting to jump in with solutions. But often, people don’t want immediate answers—they want to feel heard and understood.

Try responding with:

“That sounds really difficult. I’m glad you told me.”
“I can’t imagine exactly how that feels, but I’m here.”
“Thanks for trusting me with that.”

Let empathy lead the conversation, and save advice for when it’s asked for.

Encourage Professional Help, Gently

Therapy can be life-changing—but only if the person seeking it feels safe and in control. If the men in your life are hesitant, don’t push or shame them into it. Instead, plant the seed gently:

“Talking to someone might help sort this out.”
“A lot of people I know found therapy helpful—even if it felt weird at first.”
“If you ever want help finding someone, I’d be happy to look with you.”

You can also offer to help them explore different types of support—some might feel more comfortable starting with a support group, a podcast, or a book on men’s mental health.

Celebrate Emotional Intelligence

Too often, we praise men for stoicism and self-sacrifice but ignore the emotional labor of processing feelings, apologizing, or seeking support. Let’s flip the script.

Celebrate emotional growth the same way we celebrate career wins or athletic milestones. Say things like:

“I really admire how honest you were about that.”
“It takes courage to share what you’re going through.”
“I’m proud of how you’re taking care of your mental health.”

The more we reinforce that emotional intelligence is a strength, the more permission men feel to express themselves.

Be the Support System They Might Not Ask For

Some men may not know how to ask for help—or feel uncomfortable doing so. That’s why it’s important to show up even when they don’t explicitly say they need you.

Support can be simple:

Invite him to do something relaxing or low-stress
Offer a distraction when he seems overwhelmed
Send a check-in text after a tough day
Make space for silence and companionship

Sometimes the most powerful message is: You don’t have to carry this alone.

Prioritize Connection and Community

Isolation is one of the biggest threats to men’s mental health. Foster community by helping the men in your life stay socially connected. Encourage friendships, group activities, and support networks.

If you’re a partner or family member, support—not control—these connections. It’s healthy for men to have spaces where they can talk to other men openly, too.

If you’re a man reading this: consider reaching out to a male friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. You never know who might need it.

Use June as a Launchpad, Not a Deadline

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is a great catalyst for conversation—but supporting mental health should be a year-round commitment.

Use June as a chance to start a new tradition:

A regular check-in ritual with your dad, son, or friend
Reading a book together on emotional health
Going to therapy yourself and talking openly about it
Organizing a wellness activity like hiking, journaling, or a fitness goal

Change happens in everyday moments. Awareness begins the journey—but action sustains it.

Resources to Share

Here are a few mental health resources specifically tailored to men:

HeadsUpGuys.org – Practical tools for men dealing with depression
Therapy for Black Men – A culturally sensitive therapist directory
Man Therapy – A creative mental health resource using humor and honesty
Movember – Focuses on men’s health, including mental well-being
Veterans Crisis Line – 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
Crisis Text Line – Text “HELLO” to 741741

Even if someone doesn’t use them immediately, sharing these resources sends a clear message: You’re not alone, and help is available.

Final Thoughts

Every man is someone’s son. Someone’s brother. Someone’s friend. And behind many quiet smiles or calm exteriors may lie stress, anxiety, or pain that hasn’t found a voice yet.

This June, be intentional about looking out for the men in your life—not with pity or pressure, but with presence and compassion. Let them know that emotions are human, that asking for help is honorable, and that you’re in their corner.

Together, we can reshape how we think about masculinity. We can redefine strength. And we can build a world where every man feels safe to care for his mental health—without fear, shame, or silence.