Angelle Bourgeois is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who resides in New Orleans. When she isn’t counseling, she can be found enjoying watching sports especially College baseball! Angelle can be booked through our website ngbhsolutions.com.
When we think about mental health, it’s often easy to imagine the challenges faced by women,
but men’s mental health is just as important—and often overlooked. June is recognized as Men’s
Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting open conversations, and addressing the stigma that surrounds mental well-being for men. Historically, men have been socialized to maintain a stoic, strong, and unemotional persona, which can lead to the dismissal or suppression of mental health struggles. This month provides an opportunity to break down those barriers, encourage men to seek help, and normalize conversations about mental health.
The Silent Struggles
According to the American Psychological Association, men are less likely to seek help for
mental health problems than women. This is particularly concerning because mental health
challenges—such as depression, anxiety, and suicide—affect men at alarming rates.
Suicide Rates
Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The reasons behind this discrepancy are complex, but many experts believe that traditional gender norms, which discourage men from expressing vulnerability, play a significant role.
Depression and Anxiety
Men often display symptoms of depression and anxiety differently from women, leading to misdiagnosis or under-diagnosis. Men may experience irritability, anger, or even physical symptoms like fatigue or back pain, rather than the more traditionally recognized signs of sadness or hopelessness.
Substance Use
Men are more likely to turn to substance use as a coping mechanism for their emotional struggles. Alcohol and drugs can mask pain in the short term but often exacerbate mental health problems over time.
Breaking the Stigma
The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly for men, is still prevalent in many cultures. The idea that “real men don’t cry” or that asking for help is a sign of weakness has kept countless men from seeking the support they need. But things are changing. High-profile advocates like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Prince Harry, and mental health organizations like Men’s Health Forum are working tirelessly to shift the narrative around men’s mental health. The message is clear: it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Steps Toward Mental Wellness for Men
While men’s mental health remains a challenge, there are several ways to support mental wellness and improve outcomes:
Normalize Conversations: One of the most important things we can do is create an environment where talking about mental health is seen as normal, not taboo. Whether it’s within friendships, families, or workplaces, men should feel safe to discuss their feelings and struggles without fear of judgment.
Encourage Therapy and Counseling: Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating. There are many
forms of therapy today, from traditional face-to-face counseling to online therapy and group
support options. Therapy can offer a safe space to express emotions, develop coping strategies,
and receive expert guidance.
Foster Emotional Resilience: Men should be encouraged to develop emotional resilience
through practices like mindfulness, journaling, and physical activity. Mental wellness is about
building tools to manage stress and emotions before they become overwhelming.
Support Groups and Peer Networks: There’s power in shared experiences. Men who feel
isolated in their struggles often benefit from connecting with others who understand what they’re going through. Support groups, either in person or online, can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
Promote Healthy Masculinity: Redefining masculinity to include emotional intelligence,
vulnerability, and openness can have a profound impact on mental health. Men can embrace
being strong and emotionally open at the same time—strength isn’t about suppressing emotions, but about facing them.
Celebrating Men’s Mental Health Month
Men’s Mental Health Month isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about creating real change.
It’s about empowering men to take care of their mental well-being and encouraging those around them to be part of the solution. By starting open conversations, showing empathy, and providing resources, we can help break the cycle of silence and stigma that surrounds men’s mental health. Let’s use this month as a springboard to create a lasting impact, making mental health care accessible, understood, and celebrated for men everywhere. Together, we can make sure that no man has to fight his mental health battles alone.
If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to us at Neutral Ground Behavioral Health Solutions to schedule an appointment today!
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