Wellness Wednesday: Men’s Health Awareness Month

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month 

Mental Health in men often goes without mention.

Men’s mental health covers emotional, psychological, and social well-being. While many mental health challenges affect people of all genders, men are often less likely to seek help due to social expectations, stigma, or difficulty recognizing symptoms.

Common mental health concerns in men

• Depression

  • Irritability, anger, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating.

• Anxiety Disorder

  • Excessive worry, restlessness, muscle tension, panic symptoms, trouble sleeping.

• Substance Use Disorder

  • Sometimes used as a way to cope with stress, trauma, or emotional pain.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Can occur after traumatic experiences and may involve flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.

• Stress, burnout, relationship difficulties, grief, and loneliness can also have significant impacts.

Signs that someone may need support

• Feeling down, hopeless, or empty for weeks

• Increased anger, irritability, or aggression

• Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities

• Changes in sleep, eating, or energy levels

• Increased alcohol or drug use

• Difficulty functioning at work, school, or home

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

What can help

• Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or partner

• Working with a mental health professional such as a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist

• Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet

• Stress-management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation exercises

• Joining support groups or community organizations

• Reducing isolation by maintaining social connections

Organizations and resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness — education, support groups, and mental health information. (https://www.nami.org/who-we-are/what-we-do/)

• Mental Health America — screening tools and educational resources. (https://mhanational.org/)

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — suicide prevention education and support.  (https://nationalhealthcouncil.org)

If there is an urgent safety concern

If someone is having thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or feels unable to stay safe, contact emergency services or a crisis line immediately- 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/.

International Men’s Health Week is June 14 to June 21, 2026, culminating on Father's Day. The campaign aims to heighten awareness of preventable health problems, promote healthier lifestyle choices, and encourage the early detection and treatment of illnesses in men and boys.

Submitted by Jimmie Cooper