When Men Thrive, We All Do.
June: Men’s Health Month
Established in 1994 by the U.S. Congress when President Clinton signed the observance into effect, Men’s Health Week over time has expanded into the month of June. This observance is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the health challenges men face and promoting strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Despite advances in healthcare, men continue to experience higher rates of certain health conditions and are less likely to seek mental health support. This disparity underscores the importance of addressing the "empathy gap"—the societal tendency to overlook or minimize men's health issues. By fostering empathy and understanding, we can create a more supportive environment that encourages men to prioritize their health.
The Empathy Gap: Recognizing and Addressing Disparities
The "empathy gap" refers to the lack of societal attention and understanding regarding men's health issues. This gap manifests in various ways, including:
Underrepresentation in Health Campaigns: Men's health issues often receive less media coverage and public health promotion compared to women's health.
Stigmatization of Vulnerability: Cultural norms discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking help, leading to untreated mental health conditions.
Limited Access to Tailored Services: Healthcare services may not be adequately equipped to address the unique needs of men, particularly in mental health.
Bridging this gap requires concerted efforts to promote empathy, challenge stereotypes, and develop male-focused health initiatives.
Myth #1: ”Men Don’t Need Regular Doctor Visits Unless They're Sick."
Truth: Routine check-ups and preventive screenings are vital for catching health problems early—even if a man feels fine.
Many men delay or avoid doctor visits, believing that they only need medical attention when symptoms are obvious or severe. This approach can be dangerous because numerous health conditions—such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prostate issues, and certain cancers—can develop silently for years without noticeable symptoms.
Delaying preventive care may lead to late-stage diagnoses that are harder to treat and more costly in terms of both health outcomes and finances. According to the Cleveland Clinic's 2023 MENtion It® survey, 44% of men do not get an annual physical. Those that do go often withhold information from their doctors—often because of fear or embarrassment.
Avoidance of routine healthcare contributes to men's shorter life expectancy. In the U.S., men live an average of 5.4 years less than women. This myth perpetuates silence and inaction, increasing preventable deaths due to untreated conditions.
Myth #2: "Men experience mental health issues less frequently than women.”
Truth: While data indicates that women report higher rates of certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, this does not necessarily mean that men experience mental health issues less frequently. In fact, men are equally susceptible to mental health challenges, but societal and cultural norms along with stigmas often discourage them from acknowledging or seeking help for these issues, leading to underreporting and underdiagnosis.
According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 22.8% of U.S. adults aged 18 or older experienced Any Mental Illness (AMI) in the past year. While the prevalence was higher among females (27.2%) compared to males (18.1%), it's important to consider that these figures may not fully capture the true extent of mental health issues among men due to underreporting.
Believing that men experience mental health issues less frequently can have detrimental effects. This myth may prevent men from recognizing their own mental health struggles and deter them from seeking necessary support. Consequently, mental health conditions may go untreated, leading to worsening symptoms and potentially severe outcomes, such as substance abuse or suicide.
It's crucial to challenge the misconception that men are less affected by mental health issues. Recognizing that men are equally vulnerable and promoting open discussions about mental health can encourage more men to seek help, leading to better outcomes and overall well-being.
Myth #3: "Seeking help is a sign of weakness.”
Truth: Seeking assistance for mental health concerns is a proactive and courageous step toward well-being. Acknowledging the need for help demonstrates self-awareness and strength, not weakness.
In the United States, men are significantly less likely than women to seek mental health treatment.
According to data from the National Health Interview Survey, in 2021, 18.1% of men aged 18–44 received any mental health treatment in the past 12 months, compared to 29.3% of women in the same age group.
In 2021, approximately 14.9% of children aged 5 to 17 received mental health treatment, encompassing both medication and counseling services. In 2022, approximately 3.3 million male adolescents aged 12 to 17 received mental health treatment, compared to 4.4 million females of the same age group.
According to data from the National Health Interview Survey, in 2021, 18.1% of men aged 18–44 received any mental health treatment in the past 12 months, compared to 29.3% of women in the same age group.
This misconception can lead boys and men to suppress their emotions and avoid seeking help, increasing the risk of chronic mental health issues and reducing the likelihood of recovery. The reluctance to seek help may contribute to the higher suicide rates observed among boys and men.
Addressing this myth of "seeking help is a sign of weakness" is crucial for improving men's mental health outcomes. Encouraging open conversations, promoting mental health education, and challenging societal norms can help boys and men feel more comfortable seeking the support they need. These statistics underscore the critical need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems men in general.
Men’s Physical and Mental Health Across the Lifespan
Across the lifespan—from childhood through older adulthood—men face unique challenges and risks that require attention, awareness, and action. Despite increasing conversations about mental health and preventive care, many men continue to face significant barriers to support, often due to stigma, gender norms, or lack of access.
Adolescence and Teen Boys: Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Health
Adolescence is a pivotal stage for psychological and emotional development. It is during this time that many long-term mental health patterns are first established. Boys, in particular, face specific barriers and challenges that can complicate their access to care.
Mental Health in Teen Boys:
Increased Risk of Depression and Anxiety: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, combined with evolving social dynamics and academic stress, place adolescent boys at increased risk for mental health issues. According to Mental Health America, nearly 10% of adolescent males (ages 12-17) report experiencing a major depressive episode in a given year.
Reluctance to Seek Help: A report by Calm Sage notes that stigma and fear of judgment often keep teen boys from discussing or seeking help for emotional struggles. Boys are more likely than girls to exhibit externalizing behaviors—such as anger or aggression—rather than verbalize sadness or anxiety.
Physical Health Considerations:
Boys are at higher risk for accidental injuries, sports-related trauma, and are less likely to engage in preventive care like vaccinations or regular physicals.
Adult Men: Navigating Pressure and Underutilized Care
As men enter adulthood, they often take on new roles as providers, partners, and professionals. While these roles can be fulfilling, they also bring stress that may go unaddressed.
Mental Health in Adult Men:
Work-Related Stress: High-pressure work environments, job insecurity, and financial responsibilities significantly contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in men.
Relationship and Family Struggles: Challenges in romantic or family relationships often impact men’s mental health, especially when societal expectations discourage emotional expression.
Underutilization of Mental Health Services: In 2022, only 17% of men in the U.S. reported receiving mental health services, compared to 29% of women, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Suicide Risk: Adult men are at increased risk of suicide. In 2021, males made up nearly 80% of all suicides in the U.S., with men aged 25–54 accounting for a significant portion of those deaths.
Physical Health Considerations:
Obesity: Approximately 40% of men aged 20 and older in the U.S. were classified as obese from 2017 to 2020.
Hypertension: Over 50% of adult men have high blood pressure, a risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
Prostate and Lung Cancer: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among U.S. men, and lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in men.
Older Adult Men: Facing Isolation, Illness, and Mortality Risks
Later in life, men may experience health shifts due to retirement, loss of social roles, and aging-related illnesses. These changes can result in both physical and psychological decline.
Mental Health in Older Men:
Isolation and Loneliness: As men retire and face the loss of friends, spouses, or community ties, they may become increasingly isolated. Studies show that loneliness has been linked to increased depression and cognitive decline.
Suicide Risk: Alarmingly, older men have the highest suicide rates of any age group. In 2021, men aged 85 and older had a suicide rate of 55.7 per 100,000, significantly higher than the rate for women in the same age group.
Dementia and Cognitive Decline: With advancing age, men are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Physical Health Considerations:
Chronic Diseases: Older men are more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Mobility and Independence: Falls, arthritis, and frailty can compromise physical independence, contributing to depression and reduced quality of life.
Tips for Men’s Healthy Lifestyle at Any Age
Whether you're a teen, adult, or older man, it’s never too early—or too late—to build habits that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Below are practical and timeless tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle at any age:
Schedule Annual Checkups—Even If You Feel Fine
Preventive care saves lives. Routine physicals, screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer (like prostate and colorectal), help catch problems early—often before symptoms appear.
Prioritize Mental Health
Mental health is health. Don’t ignore signs of stress, depression, or anxiety. Seek professional help when needed, and talk to someone you trust. Emotional expression is a strength, not a weakness.
Move Your Body Daily
Physical activity improves mood, heart health, strength, and longevity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity (like walking, cycling, or weight training) most days of the week.
Fuel Your Body with Balanced Nutrition
Eat a variety of whole foods: lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Reduce processed foods, added sugars, and excessive alcohol. What you eat directly affects your energy, focus, and disease risk.
Get Enough Sleep
Men often underestimate the power of sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours each night. Poor sleep increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, depression, and impaired concentration.
Stay Connected
Strong relationships buffer against stress and mental health struggles. Whether it’s family, friends, or faith groups, prioritize time with people who uplift and support you.
Manage Stress Proactively
Practice stress-reduction strategies like deep breathing, mindfulness, hobbies, or counseling. Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure, anxiety, and substance use.
Challenge Health Myths and Stereotypes
Reject the idea that "toughing it out" is healthier than speaking up. Normalize seeking help—whether for a sprained knee or overwhelming emotions. Real strength lies in self-awareness and action.
Know Your Numbers
Track key health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI. Discuss your family health history with your doctor to tailor your screenings and preventive care.
Be a Role Model
Whether you’re a father, friend, coach, or colleague—how you care for your health influences others. Show younger generations that caring for your body and mind is part of being strong and responsible.
Supporting the Men in Our Lives: Wear Blue Day and Beyond.
Empowering men to take charge of their physical and mental health begins with creating an environment where support, understanding, and proactive care are the norm. Despite growing awareness, many men still struggle with internal and external barriers to accessing the health services and emotional support they need. Cultural norms, stigma, and a lack of targeted outreach often prevent men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help.
Whether you’re a partner, family member, friend, or community ally, you have a powerful role to play in encouraging the men around you to prioritize their well-being. Here’s how we can support men more meaningfully—every day, not just during Men’s Health Month.
Wear Blue Day: Raising Awareness with Intention
Each year during Men’s Health Month, Wear Blue Day (typically recognized on the Friday before Father’s Day) invites communities across the country to wear blue in support of men’s health awareness. This simple act serves as a conversation starter about preventable health issues and encourages men to prioritize their well-being.
How to Make Wear Blue Day Meaningful:
Participate visibly: Wear blue to work, school, or out in the community and tell others why.
Use social media: Share posts, facts, or personal stories with the hashtag #WearBlueDay or #MensHealthMonth to amplify awareness.
Host or join events: Some workplaces and community groups host lunch-and-learns, health screenings, or fitness events to mark the occasion—consider organizing or joining one.
Start conversations: Use the day as a launchpad to talk with the men in your life about their health—physical checkups, mental health support, or just how they’re really feeling.
Five Practical Steps to Support Men’s Health
1. Initiate Conversations—Gently and Regularly
Open and non-judgmental communication can be the most effective way to show support. Normalize discussions about health, emotions, and stress. Instead of waiting for a crisis, check in during everyday moments: on a walk, over a meal, or while doing an activity together. Use simple, open-ended prompts like:
“How have you been feeling lately?”
“How have you had a chance to take care of yourself this week?”
“Is there anything stressing you out that you want to talk about?”
These small moments of curiosity and care help men feel seen, heard, and safe to share more.
2. Promote Regular Check-Ups and Screenings
Routine medical and mental health check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention. According to New York University Health Services (NYUHS), many men delay doctor visits until symptoms become serious. Encourage the men in your life to treat their health proactively—not reactively.
Some key appointments to advocate for include:
Annual physical exams
Blood pressure and cholesterol screenings
Mental health assessments
Cancer screenings (e.g., prostate, colorectal)
Dental and vision check-ups
Frame these check-ups as a normal, responsible part of adulthood—not something to be avoided or feared.
3. Encourage Healthy Lifestyles
Long-term health is built on daily habits. Offer encouragement and support—not criticism—when talking about physical activity, diet, sleep, or stress. Even small adjustments can make a big difference.
Here’s how to help:
Invite men to join you in physical activity, like going for walks, playing a sport, or taking a fitness class.
Cook or share healthy meals together to model balanced eating habits.
Help build routines that support consistent sleep and downtime.
Suggest trying stress-reducing practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, or hobbies that offer a mental break.
Remember, it's not about being perfect—it's about making consistent, sustainable choices together.
4. Provide Emotional Support
Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Men often feel pressure to appear "strong" and self-sufficient, making it harder to acknowledge emotional distress or ask for help.
Here’s how to show emotional support:
Be present without judgment—sometimes just sitting in silence can be comforting.
Listen actively without jumping in to “fix” things.
Validate their feelings, even if you don’t fully understand them:
“That sounds really tough—I’m here for you.”
If you notice warning signs like increased irritability, withdrawal, hopelessness, or substance use, gently suggest professional support. Normalize therapy as a tool for growth and healing, not weakness.
5. Educate on Resources
Access to the right tools and information can make all the difference. Share relevant and accessible resources about health, therapy, support groups, and wellness services.
Suggestions include:
Local therapists or clinics that offer male-focused or culturally sensitive care
Helplines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Having these resources ready makes it easier for men to explore options when they’re ready.
What Not to Do
Even with the best intentions, certain actions can make men feel dismissed, judged, or isolated. Avoiding these common missteps can preserve trust and openness:
Avoid Dismissiveness: Saying things like “You’ll be fine” or “Tough it out” may seem harmless, but they minimize genuine struggles. Instead, acknowledge the seriousness of what they’re feeling.
Refrain from Stereotyping: Phrases like “Man up” or “Real men don’t cry” reinforce harmful gender norms. Let go of outdated beliefs that equate masculinity with emotional suppression.
Don’t Pressure or Control: While encouragement is helpful, avoid pushing or coercing men into seeking help before they’re ready. Respect their timing while offering ongoing support.
Final Thoughts
Men’s physical and mental health is not a one-size-fits-all conversation. From adolescent boys grappling with identity and emotional growth to older men facing isolation and illness, tailored approaches are vital at each stage of life. Preventive care, open conversations, and the dismantling of stigma are key to helping men thrive. And while June is recognized as Men’s Health Month, men’s health deserves attention every single day of the year. Together, we can foster a culture that embraces wellness, resilience, and support across the entire lifespan.
Real Strength Starts With Self-Care.
Whether it’s emotional pain, stress, or something physical, your symptoms are signals—not weaknesses. Don’t put off what your mind and body are trying to tell you. Struggling in silence isn’t strength—it’s a gamble. Take one small step today—your future self will thank you. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to face this alone. Reach out. Let’s walk this path together.
Further Reading and Resources
For Adolescents:
The Stress Reduction Workbook for Teens by Gina Biegel
A practical guide introducing mindfulness techniques to help teens manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.
Stuff That Sucks: A Teen’s Guide to Accepting What You Can’t Change by Ben Sedley
An empowering book using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles to help teens navigate difficult emotions and embrace personal growth.
For Adults:
I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression by Terrence Real
A groundbreaking exploration of male depression, challenging societal norms and offering pathways to healing.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
A profound memoir and psychological exploration emphasizing the human capacity to find purpose amidst suffering.
For Older Adults:
Aging Well: Surprising Guideposts to a Happier Life from the Landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development by George Vaillant
Insights from a decades-long study revealing factors that contribute to a fulfilling and healthy aging process.
The End of Old Age: Living a Longer, More Purposeful Life by Marc E. Agronin
A fresh perspective on aging, highlighting the potential for growth, purpose, and resilience in later life.
Disclaimer: The suggestions provided above are solely for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized support.s. Neither I nor this platform has any financial or other affiliation with the authors, publishers, or distributors of these materials. Please choose resources that best suit your unique needs and preferences. The links to external websites that are not maintained or controlled by ACM, LLC. These links are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of the content, accuracy, or safety of the linked websites. By clicking on any external link, you acknowledge and agree that ACM, LLC is not responsible for the privacy practices, security, or content of external sites. We encourage you to review the terms, conditions, and privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.
Reference(s):
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
https://www.nami.org/family-member-caregivers/5-myths-that-prevent-men-from-fighting-depression/
https://www.wjcl.com/article/children-mental-health-treatment/44186947
https://mhanational.org/the-state-of-mental-health-in-america/
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-detailed-tables
Join the Conversation
What challenges do you think men face most when it comes to health? How can we as a society better support the boys and men in our lives? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we want to hear from you!
