June is Men’s Mental Health Month as per Mental Health America (MHA). The month is dedicated to supporting and creating awareness of men’s mental health. The idea behind this month is to make men understand that mental health is not a weakness, it is to be acknowledged and treated like any other physical health issue.
Although July is a special month to bring the attention of the general masses to men’s mental health issues, there is a need to support their mental health throughout the year.
It’s high time that men’s mental health should be given equal importance in society as women. It’s a social assumption that mental health issues such as depression and anxiety have a direct link to the women only which is not true.
Due to societal expectations, gender discrimination, toxic masculinity and stereotypical thinking, men are not able to gather the courage to come forward and talk about their mental health issues freely.
Men fear that they might be called as a coward if they discuss their problems with each other. They have always been taught that a real man is strong, stoic, cool, patient, less emotional and self-sufficient who never cries or feels pain in any circumstances.
All these pressures have led to an increase in number of suicides among men in the United States of America as compared to women in the past few years.
Struggling with oneself without discussing with others, makes their mental condition even worse. With time, they gain anger issues, irritability, aggression, reckless behavior, lack of focus & confidence, disinterest, insomnia, and various others.
When was Men’s Mental Health Month created?
Men’s Mental Health Month is celebrated in June with the objective to shed light on the mental health struggles faced by men. Embrace open conversations about men’s mental well-being as well as dismantling deeply ingrained societal stigmas.
A variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicide, are raised awareness, educated, and supported during this observance. As part of Men’s Mental Health Month, we are highlighting available resources, destigmatizing mental health seeking, and cultivating a culture that values men’s mental health to improve men’s overall well-being.
Why there is a need for a Men’s Mental Health Month?
On average, approximately 6 million American men are added to the list of depressive people after every passing year. We can reduce this rate only through open conversation and by highly discouraging the traditional stigma surrounding men’s mental health and gender-centric cultural norms.
As per the National Institute of Mental Health, men are not coming out for help that’s why they have more psychological issues than women in America.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDP) reported that the rate of suicide among American men was 4 times higher than that of American women in 2021.
Hence, every June, the men are motivated to talk about their mental problems and take as early treatment as possible.
How do supporters of Men’s mental health contribute to Men’s Mental Health Month?
- Most of the supporters organized the men’s mental health awareness campaign this month. Through this campaign, men are encouraged to work and take steps for the well-being of their mental health.
- Some donate money to men’s mental health organizations and groups such as Face It, Men Living, Gen Men, Campaign Against Living Miserably, and Heads Up Guys These organizations and groups work to improve their mental health not only in July but the whole of the year.
- Mental health organizations and groups conduct free counseling and therapy for men.
- Some decide to wear green ribbons to promote self-love and care among men.
- Supporters sponsor great personalities to raise voices for men suffering from mental issues.
- Some conduct free yoga classes and meditation to help men with psychological issues.
- Healthcare providers decide to do screening and understand the mental issues of men at workplaces, schools, and universities.
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