What Men Should Know About Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

Every June, “Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month” shines a light on issues that men often keep hidden. Many men grow up hearing, “Be a man—don’t complain.” Over time, this leads to hiding emotions. When stress builds up, it can cause serious problems.

In the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, the suicide rate among males was approximately four times higher than that among females.. These are not just numbers—they represent fathers, brothers, friends, and coworkers who felt they had no one to turn to.

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month (MMHAM) encourages men to speak up, find help, and support one another. It reminds us that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

In this blog, you will learn:

• Why men’s mental health matters—simple explanations of pressures men face
• Warning signs—easy to spot clues that something is wrong, either for yourself or a friend
• Helpful resources during June—free screenings, virtual support groups, and more
• How to make mental wellness a habit—everyday steps you can take year-round

By the end, you’ll know how to recognize when you or someone you care about needs help. You will also see how MMHAM can be the first step toward lasting mental wellness.

Why Men’s Mental Health Matters

Many boys are taught to stay strong and “handle it yourself.” Over time, this pressure can lead to isolation, anxiety, or depression. Here are a few key facts:

• Suicide Rates Are High
  Men in the U.S. die by suicide nearly three times more often than women. This makes men’s mental health a critical issue.
• Underdiagnosed Depression & Anxiety
  The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that in 2021, approximately 6.2% of U.S. adult males experienced at least one major depressive episode. Men often chalk persistent low mood or worry up to “just stress.”
• Substance Use as a Coping Tool
  Men are more likely than women to use alcohol or other substances when feeling down. This can create dependency and mask underlying mental health conditions—what starts as “a few drinks to unwind” can quickly spiral out of control.
• Workplace Stress
  Many men feel pressure to succeed professionally and provide for their families. Long work hours, deadlines, and job insecurity can contribute to chronic stress.

These facts show why “Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month” matters. Breaking the silence can save lives and improve relationships.

Spotting the Warning Signs

Men often ignore mental health struggles until they escalate. Here are simple warning signs to watch for—whether it’s you or a friend. If you notice several of these lasting more than two weeks, it’s time to consider professional help:

1. Ongoing Low Mood or Irritability 

• Feeling sad, angry, or edgy most days rather than just occasionally.
• Snapping at people over small things, as if frustration builds quickly.

1. Social Withdrawal 

• Skipping plans with friends or family repeatedly, even if you once enjoyed those outings.
• No longer caring about hobbies or activities that used to bring joy.

1. Disrupted Sleep 

• Trouble falling asleep, waking up often at night, or sleeping too much.
• Waking up feeling tired despite a full night’s rest.

1. Difficulty Concentrating 

• Struggling to focus on work tasks or simple chores, re-reading the same email multiple times.
• Taking much longer than usual to make decisions that once felt easy, like paying bills or planning weekend activities.

1. Increased Use of Alcohol or Substances 

• Drinking more than usual, such as daily “unwinding” with several drinks.
• Feeling unable to cope without substances, rather than using them sparingly for enjoyment.

1. Physical Complaints Without Clear Cause 

• Frequent headaches, backaches, or stomachaches that persist despite medical tests.
• Muscle tension, chronic fatigue, or changes in appetite.

1. Expressions of Hopelessness or Suicidal Thoughts 

• Saying things like “What’s the point?” or “I feel worthless.”
• If a friend mentions hoping they won’t wake up or hints at self-harm, take it very seriously.

Recognizing these signs is the first step toward seeking help.

Key Resources & Strategies During June

Throughout June, many organizations and providers highlight free or low-cost services aimed specifically at men. Below are easy-to-use resources you may see promoted during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month:

Free Online Screenings & Self-Assessments

• PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) for depression
• GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) for anxiety
• These quick questionnaires take 5–10 minutes. If scores are high, they recommend seeking professional care.
• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) offers free online screeners.

Telehealth Discounts & Special Offers

• Many telepsychiatry providers, including Aura MD, give complimentary virtual consultations in June to encourage men to seek help.
• Virtual appointments eliminate the need to drive to an office and protect privacy.
• A study found more than 80 percent of men find telepsychiatry comfortable, with outcomes similar to in-office sessions.

Peer Support Groups & Workshops

• Local or online men’s mental health chapters host group meetups—no charge or low cost. These safe spaces let men share experiences and coping strategies.
• Workshops may focus on stress relief, anger management, and building healthy habits.
• Talking to other men who understand can reduce feelings of shame or isolation.

Storytelling Campaigns & Social Media

• During men’s mental health awareness month, you’ll see stories from male athletes, musicians, and community figures sharing their journeys.
• Hearing a public figure say, “I struggled too,” can make it easier for men to admit they need help themselves.

Workplace Initiatives

• Many employers host June-themed seminars on mental wellness. Topics include recognizing burnout, balancing work and life, and details on Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
• Some workplaces designate a “Mental Wellness Day” in June, allowing men to schedule a short virtual check-in with a counselor or join a guided breathing session.

Text-Based Support & Mobile Apps

• Text lines like Crisis Text Line often run special codes, such as “MENSTEXT”—during June. Men can simply text that code to connect with a counselor via SMS.
• Guided mindfulness and meditation apps like Calm or Aura MD offer treatment to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

Use these resources during June to start conversations and find help.

Making Mental Wellness a Habit

Men’s mental health awareness month can serve as a springboard. Lasting change comes from simple, consistent habits you maintain throughout the year. Here are actionable steps:

1. Weekly Self-Check-Ins 

• Set aside five minutes each Sunday—ask yourself, “How am I feeling?” Rate mood, stress, and sleep on a scale of 1–10 in a journal or app.
• Tracking patterns helps catch issues early—if you notice persistent low mood or irritability, consider professional support.

1. Build a Support Network 

• Choose one or two people you trust—friends, family, or coworkers—to check in with regularly. A simple monthly text—“Hey, how’s life?”—can make a big difference.
• Knowing someone will ask how you’re really doing reduces isolation and encourages openness.

1. Develop Healthy Coping Skills 

• Aim for at least 20 minutes of physical activity three times a week. Physical exercise—walking, jogging, or even push-ups—releases endorphins that boost mood.
• Practice deep-breathing exercises before stressful moments—three deep breaths in for four counts, out for four counts—calms the body and mind.

1. Identify & Manage Triggers 

• Note situations when stress peaks—like Sunday evenings before a busy workweek or monthly bills arriving. Writing these down helps you prepare coping strategies in advance.
• If you find certain conversations or chores trigger anxiety, plan to tackle them with a trusted friend or at a time when you have support.

1. Make Telepsychiatry a Regular Option 

• If in-person visits feel challenging, consider virtual check-ins. Many telepsychiatry platforms offer quick 15-minute video appointments to adjust medications or discuss therapy goals.
• Visit Aura MD’s new patient page. Use it to message your provider if warning signs resurface—no need to wait weeks for an appointment.

1. Check in on Friends 

• If you notice a friend pulling away, ask in a caring, direct way: “I’ve noticed you’ve been [quiet, stressed, offline] lately. Are you okay?” Research shows men respond best when others are straightforward and nonjudgmental.

By weaving these practices into daily life, you build resilience. When stress arises, you have tools and support rather than turning away.

How to Actively Engage in Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

If you’ve never participated in MMHAM before, here’s how to make the most of this June:

1. Complete a Free Screening 

• Visit a trusted nonprofit like Mental Health America for PHQ-9 or GAD-7 screeners. If scores suggest moderate-to-severe symptoms, take the next step to schedule a telepsychiatry evaluation with Aura MD.

1. Join a Peer Workshop or Group 

• Look for local men’s mental health chapters hosting virtual workshops on stress management, anger control, or healthy habits. Talking with other men facing similar struggles can feel unexpectedly freeing.

1. Share Your Story 

• Write a brief social media post or record a short video about your own mental health journey. Use hashtags #MensMentalHealth and #MensMHMonth so others know they’re not alone.

1. Check In on Friends or Family 

• Send a text: “June is men’s mental health awareness month—how are you, really?” Your simple check-in can be the spark someone needs to open up.

1. Support Mental Health Organizations 

• Donate or volunteer for groups like Movember or Men’s Health Network. Their programs provide free screenings, peer support, and community events year-round.

1. Encourage Workplace Participation 

• Suggest your company host a brief June-themed mental health seminar or share weekly mental health tips in the staff newsletter. When leaders talk openly, it sends a message that seeking help is okay.

Participation is personal. You don’t have to do everything. Even completing one screening or checking in on a friend makes a positive difference.

Conclusion

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month offers an important reminder: You don’t have to face your struggles alone. Admitting you need help shows real courage.

If you notice warning signs—ongoing low mood, social withdrawal, increased drinking—take action today. Schedule a confidential telepsychiatry evaluation with Aura MD. Their board-certified psychiatrists understand men’s unique pressures and offer personalized care online to anyone in Texas.

By speaking up, seeking support, and practicing simple daily habits, you can build stronger mental health for life. Let this June be your starting point.