June is more than the start of summer and LGBTQ+ Pride Month—it’s also Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the unique mental health challenges men face. While awareness is the first step, action is what makes a lasting impact. One of the most powerful things we can do during this month is to offer support to the men in our lives.

Mental health doesn’t discriminate. Men of all backgrounds—regardless of race, age, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation—can face depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and emotional burnout. But due to long-standing societal pressures, many suffer in silence.

Supporting the mental well-being of your fathers, brothers, partners, sons, and friends doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means showing up, staying engaged, and helping break the stigma. Here’s how you can do that meaningfully during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—and beyond.

Understand the Unique Pressures Men Face

The first step in offering support is understanding the context. Men are often raised with messaging like:

• “Man up.”

• “Don’t cry.”

• “You have to be strong.”

• “Keep it to yourself.”

These messages may seem harmless, but they teach men to bottle up emotions, avoid vulnerability, and internalize pain. Over time, this can lead to unresolved trauma, isolation, substance use, and even suicide.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women. Yet, they are far less likely to seek therapy or talk about their feelings.

Understanding these pressures helps you see your loved one’s silence or defensiveness not as coldness or avoidance—but as a coping mechanism learned over time.

Create a Judgment-Free Space

The biggest gift you can give a man in your life is a safe space to open up without fear of judgment or shame. Let him know you’re available to listen—not fix, advise, or interrupt.

Say things like:

• “I’m here if you ever want to talk—no pressure.”

• “It’s okay not to be okay.”

• “You’re not alone in this.”

You don’t need to be a therapist. Just be a compassionate listener. Silence, nods, and validation can be more powerful than words.

Check In—Genuinely

Many men are conditioned to say “I’m good” even when they’re struggling. That’s why routine, genuine check-ins matter.

Ask:

• “How have you really been feeling lately?”

• “Is there anything on your mind that’s been heavy?”

• “How’s your stress level these days?”

These questions go beyond small talk and create opportunities for real conversation.

And don’t just check in when something seems wrong. Normalize emotional conversations all year long—not just when there’s a crisis.

Encourage Healthy Outlets

Mental wellness isn’t just about talking—it’s also about daily habits that support emotional regulation. Encourage the men in your life to engage in activities that promote mental well-being:

• Exercise – Movement is a proven stress reliever and mood booster.

• Creative outlets – Writing, music, art, or building something with their hands can be therapeutic.

• Social connection – Isolation is a major risk factor. Invite him to group hangouts or low-pressure social activities.

• Journaling – For men who find talking difficult, writing their thoughts down can be a helpful release.

If therapy seems like too big a leap, suggest other first steps—support groups, podcasts, or books by men discussing mental health.

Model Vulnerability

Want to help a man open up? Start by modeling what it looks like.

Talk about your own struggles, emotions, or experiences with therapy or anxiety. When men see that being open doesn’t diminish your strength, it makes it safer for them to do the same.

Men often feel they need to appear stoic and unaffected. But vulnerability breeds vulnerability. Showing yours can be the bridge they need.

Support Therapy Without Pushing It

While it’s important to encourage professional help, avoid pushing too hard. For men raised to be self-reliant, suggesting therapy may trigger defensiveness—especially if it feels like a judgment.

Instead of saying, “You need help,” try:

• “I’ve seen therapy be really helpful for people who’ve gone through this.”

• “If you ever want to talk to someone, I can help you find someone.”

• “It’s brave to get support. Everyone deserves it.”

Normalize therapy in everyday conversations and celebrate others who are taking care of their mental health.