Men’s Health Awareness: Prioritizing Mental Health in Every Season

When we talk about men’s health, physical fitness and disease prevention often take center stage. But there’s a critical dimension that’s too often overlooked: mental health. During Men’s Health Awareness Month—and every month—it’s time to challenge stigma, normalize emotional wellness, and empower men to seek support without shame.

Why Mental Health Matters for Men

Men face unique pressures that can impact their mental health: societal expectations of stoicism, reluctance to express vulnerability, and limited culturally affirming spaces for emotional support. These factors contribute to underdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and tragically, higher suicide rates among men.

Mental health is health. Anxiety, depression, burnout, and trauma are not signs of weakness—they’re signals that deserve attention, compassion, and care.

Common Signs Men May Overlook

Mental health symptoms in men can show up differently than expected. Instead of sadness or crying, men may experience:

• Irritability or anger

• Withdrawal from relationships

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Risk-taking behaviors

• Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue

Recognizing these signs is the first step toward healing.

Breaking the Silence: Culturally Affirming Support

Whether you're a father, son, partner, or friend—your mental health matters. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Libélula Primary Care offers inclusive, affirming care that recognizes the full spectrum of men’s experiences, including bilingual support and trauma-informed approaches.

We encourage open conversations about stress, grief, identity, and emotional wellness. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

What You Can Do Today

Schedule a mental health screening with your primary care provider

• Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling

• Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7

• Share this post to help normalize mental health care for men

References:

1. Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center emphasizes the importance of validating men’s emotions and creating safe, judgment-free spaces for open conversations during Men’s Health Awareness Month.

2. Family and Children’s Services highlights that men are statistically less likely to seek help for psychological distress, despite experiencing higher rates of suicide and substance-related harm.

3. Movember Foundation reports that globally, 60 men die by suicide every hour, underscoring the urgency of mental health advocacy and support for men.

4. Mental Health America (MHA) states that nearly 20% of American adult men—about 24.6 million—experience a mental health condition each year, yet stigma often prevents them from seeking help.

5. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) notes that men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, reinforcing the need for early intervention and culturally affirming care.

6. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) explains that men often express mental health struggles through irritability, anger, or physical symptoms, which can lead to underdiagnosis.

7. GoodRx Health outlines how societal expectations around masculinity contribute to men’s reluctance to seek mental health treatment, despite the prevalence of anxiety and depression.