June is recognized as Men’s Health Month in the United States and has been observed since 1994, when it was officially established under President Clinton’s leadership. The national theme for 2026 is “Partners in Care: For Better Lifespans Across the Lifespan.” This year’s theme emphasizes caregiving and advocacy as shared responsibilities, education that supports men and boys at every stage of life, and community health that begins with one relationship and continues to grow outward (Men’s Health Network).
The mission of Men’s Health Network (MHN) is: “To close the Lifespan Gender Gap by strengthening care partnerships that support men’s physical & mental health, safety, & social well-being through education, outreach, advocacy, & greater empathy. Improving men’s health is not an individual responsibility alone—it is a shared commitment that strengthens families, workplaces, & communities” (Men’s Health Network, 2026).
As the Resilient Communities of Southwest Georgia Coalition, we recognize that men’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. Improving men’s overall wellbeing requires a collective effort to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage meaningful conversations surrounding mental health.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states, “There is a silent crisis in men’s mental health—one that too often goes unnoticed or unspoken. Men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, underscoring the urgent need to break this silence and seek support.”
NAMI further explains that “small steps to care for mental health can lead to significant change. Let’s build a culture where men feel safe speaking up and reaching out. As a community, we can break the stigma, support one another, and ensure no one struggles in silence.”
You may be wondering, “What can I do?” or “How can I help?” According to NAMI, something as simple as starting a conversation and checking in with the men in your life can make a meaningful difference. You can also share resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and local mental health services, so that the men in your life know that support is available and that they do not have to face challenges alone. Additionally, we must work together to foster safe, supportive environments where men feel comfortable opening up, sharing their experiences, and seeking help when needed.
According to the Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program (2026), several statistics highlight the importance of addressing men’s mental health. In the United States, 9% of men experience feelings of depression or anxiety on a daily basis. Among those men, one in three takes medication, while one in four has spoken with a mental health professional. Additionally, 30.6% of men in the United States will experience a period of depression during their lifetime.
As noted earlier by NAMI, the Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program also reports that the suicide rate among men is four times higher than that of women. While women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to die by suicide. On a global scale, a man dies by suicide every minute. These sobering statistics highlight the urgent need for continued education, awareness, and support for men’s mental health.
This raises an important question: Why don’t more men seek help?
According to Healing Springs Wellness Center (2026), research shows that only about 35% of men would reach out to a mental health professional when struggling, compared to 58% of women. The organization explains that this gap is not because men experience fewer mental health challenges. Rather, “a complex web of stigma, cultural expectations, and systemic barriers keeps them from getting help.”
Many men are taught from a young age to “man up,” “don’t cry,” or “toughen up.” Unfortunately, these messages often create internal beliefs that asking for help is a sign of weakness or failure. As the NAMI graphic featured at the beginning of this blog reminds us, it is not weak to speak.
Healing Springs Wellness Center notes, “These messages create an internal belief system that asking for help means you’re failing at being a man.” In reality, seeking help is a sign of strength, self-awareness, and courage. Men should be encouraged to speak up, ask for support, and access available resources when they are struggling. Doing so allows them to receive the care they deserve and reinforces the message that they do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
Men’s Health Month is recognized each June, but men’s health deserves our attention year-round. Together, we can continue raising awareness about the health disparities men face, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and promote a culture where seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength rather than weakness. By supporting the men in our families, workplaces, and communities, we can help create healthier futures for everyone.