Stigma, Silence and Suicide: Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

“Man up.” “Be tough.” “Boys don’t cry.” These are just a few of the messages men often hear when they express sadness, hopelessness or depression. Over time, these responses can suppress emotional expression and discourage men from seeking help— leading to lower rates of diagnosed depression but higher rates of suicide.

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time devoted to breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, promoting open and honest conversations and encouraging help-seeking behavior. It is a reminder that mental health matters for everyone, regardless of gender. Too often, men are taught that expressing vulnerability is a sign of weakness, when it is a sign of courage and strength.  

Dealing with emotions can be difficult, but believing you should not feel certain things or ignoring them because of your gender is not only unhealthy, but it is dangerous. Neglecting mental health can lead to serious consequences, including increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, aggression, violence and social isolation. If left unaddressed, these struggles can impact relationships, job performance and overall well-being.

Anxiety, fear of judgement or simply not feeling safe are just a few reasons why men avoid opening up about their emotional struggles. However, no one should face those challenges alone. By creating supportive, judgement-free environments at home, in the workplace and in our communities, we can help more men feel safe enough to speak up and seek help when needed.