6 Powerful Ways to Support Men’s Mental Health
Each June, Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month encourages open conversations about the challenges men face and the stigma that keeps many from seeking help. Social expectations to be “tough” or to hide their feelings can make it hard for men to ask for support, even when they really need it.
In this blog, we’ll share six simple, compassionate ways you can support the men in your life. Small steps can lead to big change, and no one should have to face mental health struggles alone.
1. Understand the unique mental health challenges men face
From a young age, many boys are taught to “tough it out,” “be strong,” and “never cry.” Phrases like “man up” send the message that showing vulnerability is a weakness. Over time, this can lead men to hide what they’re going through instead of asking for support.
Because of this pressure, men often express mental health struggles differently than women. While women are more likely to show sadness, talk about their feelings, or seek support, men might show anger, irritability, withdrawal, or even risky behaviors like drinking, reckless driving, or fighting. These signs are often missed or misunderstood, leaving men without the help they need.
What do men struggle with the most?
Men are at high risk for depression, suicide, and substance abuse. But they often go untreated.
The numbers tell a powerful story. According to CDC statistics, men are almost four times more likely than women to die by suicide. They also have higher rates of substance abuse and are less likely to seek treatment for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This shows not just the seriousness of the problem, but how often men’s mental health needs are left untreated.
Even with the progress we have made in destigmatizing mental illness, even today, many mental health campaigns don’t always speak directly to men or consider how stigma affects them differently. As a result, countless men continue to struggle silently, feeling like no one understands or cares.
By recognizing the unique challenges men face, we can better support them. It’s not about treating men and women the same—it’s about understanding the different pressures they experience and offering the right kind of help. Men deserve spaces where they feel safe, respected, and heard when it comes to their mental health.
2. Normalize conversations about feelings
One of the biggest challenges to men’s mental health is the stigma around asking for help. Many grow up hearing that “real men” don’t cry or talk about what they’re going through. For older generations, especially, this mindset runs deep—it was common to stay silent and just push through. But keeping things bottled up doesn’t make someone stronger. In fact, it can make the struggle even harder over time.
How do we get men to talk about their feelings?
Listen without judgment and lead by example.
Whether you’re a friend, partner, parent, or coworker, being open about your own feelings helps others see that as both normal and healthy. You don’t have to overshare—just admitting when you’re having a rough day or feeling stressed can make a big impact.
Creating safe, supportive spaces for men to open up is another key step. That means listening without judgment, giving them time to talk, and resisting the urge to “fix” things unless they ask. Often, the most meaningful support is simply being present and showing you care.
Talking about feelings isn’t weakness—it’s courage. And when we normalize these conversations, we help men realize that speaking up is vital to healing and being truly well.
3. Educate yourself about men’s mental health
One of the best ways to support men is by learning the facts. A lot of people still believe stereotypes, like thinking guys don’t struggle or that they’re supposed to be tough all the time. But that’s not how real life works. Men deal with serious challenges, and ignoring that only makes it harder for them to speak up or get help.
Understanding what men go through starts with listening to real stories and looking at the facts, not just opinions or old beliefs. When you know more, it’s easier to notice when someone’s struggling and to be there in a way that actually helps.
What are some good mental health resources for men?
Some great places to start include:
Movember Foundation
Focuses on men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and overall well-being.
HeadsUpGuys
Provides tools, tips, and support specifically for men dealing with depression.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Offers research-based information about men’s mental health statistics and treatment options.
Man Therapy
A creative and approachable site aimed at helping men tackle mental health issues with humor and honesty.
Taking time to educate yourself shows that you truly care. When we are informed, we can better support men, speak out when we see someone struggling, and help change the way society talks about mental wellness. Knowledge is power—and when it comes to men’s mental health, it could even save lives.
4. Advocate for changes that support mental wellness
Personal support is essential, but lasting change comes from improving the systems around us. Mental wellness isn’t just an individual issue—it affects families, workplaces, and entire communities.
One powerful step is building stronger education around self-regulation and well-being in schools. Boys should learn early on that feeling, expressing, and asking for help are normal. Teaching coping skills and emotional awareness builds healthier habits for life.
Workplaces also play a key role. Encouraging open conversations and creating male-focused wellness initiatives can make a huge difference. When mental well-being is prioritized on the job, people thrive—both personally and professionally.
Public awareness matters too. During awareness months, campaigns, events, and outreach help break stigma and remind people they’re not alone.
When men are supported in their overall well-being, they’re more present at home, more engaged in their communities, and better equipped to lead. Everyone benefits when we make space for real support and healing.
5. Watch for less obvious signs of struggle
Men don’t always show their struggles the same way women do. If we don’t know what to look for, it’s easy to miss the signs—and that’s part of how men’s struggles often fly under the radar.
What are the signs of mental illness in men?
Here are some common but often missed warning signs:
- Increased anger or irritability: Seeming short-tempered, easily frustrated, or quick to snap.
- Risky behaviors: Driving dangerously, substance abuse, or taking physical risks.
- Isolation: Pulling away from friends, family, hobbies, or activities they once enjoyed.
- Changes in sleep or appetite: Sleeping too much or too little, eating much more or much less than usual.
- Suicidal ideation: Talking about being a burden: Making comments that hint at feeling worthless or hopeless, even if said jokingly.
We might assume they’re just “having a bad day” or “acting distant,” when really, they are hurting inside. Understanding the subtle signs is key to making sure fewer men fall through the cracks. With compassion, attention, and early action, we can help men feel seen, supported, and safe enough to ask for help.
6. Encourage seeking professional help
Many men avoid therapy because of the stigma. They’re often taught that asking for help means they’re weak or should handle things on their own. Shifting this mindset helps to reframe therapy as a tool, not a last resort, like going to the gym or seeing a doctor. Therapists offer strategies to manage stress, anger, trauma, and deep inner pain in a healthy way.
Different options can also make support feel more approachable. Some men prefer group settings, goal-focused sessions, trauma-informed approaches like EMDR, or private virtual appointments. There’s no one-size-fits-all—what matters is finding the right fit.
Avoiding treatment can lead to drug or alcohol use, health problems, and a higher risk of suicide. But getting help early can lead to better relationships, improved focus, and a stronger sense of well-being.
Encouragement matters. Offer support without pressure. Be patient. When men feel safe, they’re more likely to take that first step—and discover that real strength comes from healing, not hiding.
What does therapy do for men?
Counseling can help men navigate their feelings, improve communication, and develop coping skills.
Counseling can help men navigate their feelings, improve communication, and develop coping skills. But it’s more than just talking—it’s about learning how to show up for yourself, even when life feels overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with stress at work, relationship tension, past trauma, or just feeling stuck, therapy gives you tools to manage it all in a healthier way. It’s not about being fixed but feeling heard, understood, and supported.
Here are some specific things men can work on in therapy:
- Managing anger or frustration in healthier ways
- Reducing anxiety, panic, or constant overthinking
- Coping with grief, loss, or major life changes
- Working through relationship or marriage issues
- Healing from childhood trauma or past abuse
- Finding a better balance between work and life
- Building confidence and self-worth
- Understanding feelings instead of bottling them up
- Learning how to set boundaries without guilt
- Breaking cycles of substance abuse
- Processing shame, guilt, or self-criticism
- Exploring identity, masculinity, or societal pressure
- Learning how to ask for support and accept help
Pacific Health Group has the support you need
Pacific Health Group offers comprehensive mental health services tailored to support men’s unique needs.
Men’s mental health is just as important as physical health, but it’s often ignored. Outdated ideas about masculinity and pressure to stay quiet leave many men facing their struggles alone. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
By learning the signs, speaking openly, and pushing for change, we can build a world where men feel safe and supported. Most importantly, we need to remind the men in our lives—and ourselves—that asking for help isn’t weak. It’s one of the strongest choices a person can make.
