By Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is a great reminder that emotional well-being is no less important than physical well-being. For many men, asking for help or opening up about mental health is one of the hardest things to do—often because of how society defines masculinity.
There are many expectations placed on men that are outdated, restrictive, and sometimes entirely false. Too often, men are expected to be strong, stoic, and silent about their struggles. These expectations create barriers to seeking help and barriers to acknowledging that they need help.
The 2025 theme for Men's Health Month and Men's Health Week is "Closing the Empathy Gap". This theme focuses on addressing the societal barriers that prevent men from seeking help and prioritizing their mental health. It encourages everyone to advocate for, listen to, and support men in their lives.
Why is this month important?
This awareness month is about breaking that silence. This is a month to remind each other, and ourselves, that there is strength in speaking up and that there is no shame in asking for help. Everyone should feel supported, understood, and mentally well, irrespective of gender.
Why Men Struggle in Silence
Men are often under pressure from different societal expectations, be it from family responsibilities, work pressure, or emotional isolation that weighs on them more than we can see. Many men are taught to just "suck it up and deal with it,” and with that advice comes bottled-up emotions and silent suffering.
We often expect mental health struggles to look like sadness or low mood, but they can show up in less obvious ways—like anger, numbness, or fatigue.
How You Can Help
Encourage Open Conversations
Start simple. Ask someone how they’re doing and be ready to listen. Just having a safe space to talk can make a big difference.
Offer Support Without Pressure
Let the men in your life know it’s okay to seek help. Remind them that needing support is human, not a sign of weakness.
Share Resources
Whether it’s a counsellor, psychologist, an online community, or a helpline, knowing where to reach out can help and feel better.
Check on Them Whenever Possible
Have a conversation by creating a safe space for them, and check on them with a “How are you doing?” A small conversation about emotions can ease things, or a simple presence can make a difference.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about changing culture. Every conversation, every moment of support, and every step toward openness makes a difference. Let’s create a world where men feel safe to express themselves and strong enough to ask for help.
Globally, men are nearly twice as likely to die by suicide, yet far less likely to seek mental health care.