There’s a quiet crisis happening behind many closed doors—one that often goes unspoken. Men are less likely to seek mental health support, more likely to die by suicide, and often carry the weight of emotional struggles in silence.

June is National Men’s Health Month, and while much of the conversation centers on physical well-being, emotional health matters just as much. Yet for many men, the idea of opening up still feels like breaking a rule. It's time to change that.

Why Men Struggle to Talk About Mental Health

From an early age, many boys are taught that emotions should be suppressed—not explored. Messages like “man up,” “don’t cry,” or “be strong” can stick with someone for life, even when those ideals no longer serve them.

As a result:

• Some men struggle to recognize emotional distress
• Others fear judgment or shame for showing vulnerability
• Many believe therapy is “not for them” or only for extreme situations

This internalized pressure can lead to bottling up emotions, coping through unhealthy habits, or feeling isolated—even when surrounded by others.

The Impact of Staying Silent

Avoiding mental health care doesn’t make struggles disappear. In fact, untreated mental health issues can quietly affect relationships, work, sleep, and overall quality of life. Research shows:

• Men are less likely to seek therapy than women, but are 4x more likely to die by suicide
• Depression in men may appear as irritability, anger, or withdrawal—not just sadness
• Stress-related health issues like high blood pressure, insomnia, or chronic pain are often linked to unaddressed emotional strain

Burying pain isn’t strength—it’s survival. But thriving takes a different kind of strength: asking for help.

Expanding the Definition of Strength

Redefining strength means breaking free from the outdated idea that showing emotion is a weakness. True strength lies in courage—the courage to face internal struggles head-on and to seek support when needed.

Many men find that therapy is a powerful tool for building emotional resilience, helping them understand their feelings without judgment. It’s a space where they can be honest without fear of being seen as less “manly.”

This shift also encourages healthier ways of connecting with others, fostering relationships that feel genuine and supportive.

How Therapy Meets Men Where They Are

Therapy doesn’t require oversharing or spilling your soul in one sitting. A good therapist knows how to meet clients where they are, build trust, and move at a pace that feels safe.

Here’s what therapy can look like for men:

• Working through stress from work, relationships, fatherhood, or aging
• Unpacking anger to understand what’s underneath
• Building healthier communication in romantic or family relationships
• Addressing burnout and redefining self-worth beyond productivity
• Exploring identity and masculinity in a non-judgmental space

Therapy isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about reconnecting with yourself.

Individual vs. Group Therapy: Finding What Fits

Some men find comfort in one-on-one sessions, where privacy and structure offer space to open up. Others benefit from group settings, where hearing from peers reduces isolation and normalizes shared struggles.

Group therapy can offer:

• Connection with others facing similar challenges
• A reminder that you're not alone
• A supportive space to practice vulnerability

Whether it’s individual or group support, the key is finding what feels right—and remembering that your healing doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.

The Role of Partners and Communities

Men’s mental health doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Partners, friends, and communities play a vital role in supporting emotional well-being. Encouraging open conversations at home, at work, or among friends can make a big difference.

Partners who understand and validate men’s feelings can help break down barriers that keep men from seeking help. Community programs that focus on men’s emotional health also create safe spaces for sharing and learning.

Collective support helps normalize vulnerability and reduces stigma.

Changing the Conversation Around Men and Mental Health

Healing isn’t just personal—it’s cultural. When men speak openly about therapy, vulnerability, or emotional growth, it creates space for others to do the same. And that ripple effect matters.

Here’s how we can all help shift the narrative:

• Model emotional openness in everyday conversation
• Check in on the men in your life—not just when something is wrong
• Encourage therapy as a strength, not a weakness
• Challenge outdated beliefs about masculinity and emotion

Every small conversation helps make it safer for men to speak up.

Final Thoughts

Men deserve more than silence. They deserve support, connection, and spaces where they don’t have to carry everything alone. Therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about freeing you from the idea that you have to do it all by yourself.

This Men’s Health Month, let’s redefine what strength looks like. It can look like honesty. It can look like healing. And it can absolutely look like therapy.