June marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the often-overlooked emotional well-being of men. Mental health doesn’t discriminate—but when it comes to seeking support, men face unique barriers that too often leave them suffering in silence. Whether you’re a friend, partner, sibling, parent, or coworker, knowing how to recognize when the men in your life are struggling can help you take meaningful action and possibly save a life.
Understanding the Landscape: Men and Mental Health
In the U.S., millions of men experience mental health challenges each year. According to the National Institute of Mental Health:
- Over 6 million men suffer from depression annually.
- Men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
- Substance use disorders are more prevalent among men.
Despite these statistics, men are far less likely to seek therapy or discuss emotional issues with others. Why?
The Role of Masculine Norms
From an early age, many men are socialized to value strength, independence, and emotional control. Phrases like “man up” or “don’t be weak” discourage vulnerability. As a result, men may interpret depression or anxiety as personal failures, leading to shame, isolation, or denial.
The Silent Struggle: What Mental Health Issues Look Like in Men
Mental health conditions don’t always show up as sadness or crying. In men, symptoms can present differently, often masked or minimized. Here are several mental health issues and how they might manifest:
Depression
Rather than seeming “sad,” men with depression often appear:
- Irritable or angry
- Fatigued or low energy
- Disinterested in hobbies or relationships
- Prone to escapist behavior (excessive work, exercise, or gaming)
Anxiety
Men with anxiety may:
- Seems tense or “on edge”
- Avoid social situations or commitments
- Have trouble sleeping or focusing
- Use substances to self-soothe
PTSD or Trauma
For veterans, first responders, or men who’ve experienced violence or abuse, symptoms might include:
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Hypervigilance
- Outbursts of anger
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
Substance Use Disorders
Alcohol and drug misuse are often coping mechanisms for underlying distress. What may appear as a “bad habit” may be an unspoken cry for help.
10 Key Warning Signs to Watch For
Let’s dive deeper into behaviors that might suggest a man is struggling:
- Isolation or Social Withdrawal
Avoiding friends, canceling plans, or spending long hours alone. - Increased Aggression or Irritability
Frequent arguments, road rage, or disproportionate reactions to small stressors. - Neglecting Appearance or Responsibilities
Skipping hygiene routines, letting work performance slip, or avoiding household tasks. - Sleep Changes
Trouble falling asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping all day. - Substance Use Escalation
More frequent drinking, secretive drug use, or reliance on substances to relax. - Loss of Pleasure
No longer interested in hobbies, sex, or family life. - Risk-Taking Behavior
Reckless driving, unprotected sex, or financial gambling. - Physical Complaints Without Cause
Chronic back pain, headaches, or digestive issues that don’t resolve. - Negative Self-Talk or Hopelessness
“I’m worthless,” “I’ll never get it together,” or “Everyone would be better off without me.” - Suicidal Thoughts or Plans
Talking about death, giving away possessions, or saying goodbye unexpectedly. This is a mental health emergency. Call 988 or take them to the nearest emergency room.
How to Help: Actionable Tips for Supporting Men’s Mental Health
Seeing someone you care about struggle can be painful, but your support can make a difference. Here’s how to be an ally:
1. Open the Door for Conversation
Use low-pressure language that invites sharing:
“You’ve seemed different lately. Want to talk about it?”
Avoid judgmental or dismissive phrases like “You’re being dramatic” or “Just snap out of it.”
2. Validate Their Feelings
Acknowledge that emotional pain is real and worthy of attention:
“It makes sense that you’re feeling overwhelmed right now.”
Let them know it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling.
3. Encourage Professional Help—Without Pressure
Mention therapy as a normal and effective option. Normalize it:
“I’ve been to therapy before—it really helped me sort through things.”
Offer to help research providers or schedule an appointment together.
4. Be Present and Consistent
Check in regularly. Send a quick “Thinking of you” text. Invite them out for lunch or a walk. Show up—and keep showing up.
5. Know When It’s Serious
If you suspect they’re at risk of self-harm or suicide:
- Ask directly: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
- Don’t leave them alone
- Contact 988 or a local crisis service
- Encourage immediate help from professionals
Real-Life Example: When One Conversation Saves a Life
Consider this true account:
“I noticed my brother was drinking more and avoiding our family. One night, I asked him if he was okay—really okay. He broke down. He’d been thinking about ending his life. We got him into therapy the next week. That conversation saved him.”
Your concern could be someone’s turning point.
When Support Means Structure: How Transitional Living Helps
At New Roads Behavioral Health, we understand that healing often happens in a community. Our Supported Housing and Transitional Living Programs provide safe, structured environments where men can heal while still developing real-world skills.
Our programs offer:
- Nicely furnished, shared apartments
- On-site staff for 24/7 support
- Daily wellness checks and case management
- Medication monitoring and transportation
- Group therapy and recreational activities
This setup balances accountability with independence, empowering men to manage their recovery while building life skills, peer relationships, and confidence.
Recommended Resources for Men’s Mental Health
Encourage the men in your life to explore these tools:
- HeadsUpGuys.org – Mental health support tailored for men
- Therapy for Black Men – Directory and resources for Black men
- Movember.com – Men’s health awareness campaigns
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free, confidential support 24/7
Apps like Calm, Headspace, or Moodfit can also help men manage stress and track emotional well-being discreetly.
Final Thoughts: You Can Make a Difference
When a man is hurting, he may not always say it out loud—but the signs are there if we learn how to see them. Silence, withdrawal, anger, or overworking may be coping mechanisms, not character flaws.
Let Men’s Mental Health Month be more than a date on the calendar. Use this time to reconnect, check in, and support the men you love. Your compassion, your patience, and your voice might be the very thing that helps them take the first step toward healing.
New Roads Behavioral Health is Here to Help
We specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care for men struggling with mental health and substance use. If you’re concerned about someone or need help yourself, reach out.
📞 Contact us now or call to speak with a caring professional.