Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. This month aims to combat the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and raise awareness surrounding the mental health challenges faced by men by encouraging open conversations about their well-being. Societal expectations often lead men to suppress emotions and avoid seeking help, postponing treatment of mental health conditions. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing severe mental health crises.

Men may face barriers to accessing mental health services due to stigma, lack of awareness, and financial or logistical difficulties. We can help by leading open communication about mental health and create safe spaces for men to share their feelings, learn about the signs and symptoms, and dispel myths surrounding men’s mental health.

Encourage men to seek help and remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Encourage them to reach out to a mental health professional or support network. Provide support resources by sharing information about mental health resources and organizations that provide assistance for men.

Let them know they are not alone and have your support through their journey to wellness. We are in this together.

Here is a list of Organizations and Resources to help:

Crisis Text Line: Offers free, confidential support via text. 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families dealing with mental illness. NAMI offers peer-led support groups and has a helpline for assistance. 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Offers 24/7 support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call, text, or chat to connect with a trained counselor. 

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Provides information about treatment and support for mental health and substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U). 

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): Offers peer-to-peer online communities for people experiencing mental health challenges. 

The Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ young people. 

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): Offers resources and support for survivors of sexual assault. 

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Provides information about mental disorders, research, and treatment options. 

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Focuses on research related to drug use and addiction. 

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Provides information and resources about alcohol use and alcoholism. 

World Health Organization: Offers mental health resources, including fact sheets, databases, and tools. 

Disaster Distress Helpline: Provides support to individuals affected by disasters.