June is Men’s Health Month, a time to spotlight health issues specific to men with an emphasis on regular checkups, fitness, and screenings for prevention and early detection. The stigma surrounding men’s health, particularly mental health, has created what is referred to as a silent crisis. The goal is that creating a safe and open space where men feel comfortable speaking up and reaching out about the challenges they face will prevent men of today and future generations from suffering alone.
Men are notoriously and stereotypically known for being so stubborn, they won’t ask for directions. Similarly, they have a hard time asking for help. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately one in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but fewer than half seek help, while more than four times as many men as women die by suicide each year. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides per the CDC. Normalizing the conversation around men’s mental health can literally save someone’s life.
The National Institutes of Health reported that six million men are affected by depression in the United States every single year. And those numbers are probably much higher due to the fact that most men won’t admit to it. Rather than seeking help, many turn to drugs and alcohol for help, which only exacerbates the problem. Substance use disorders (SUDs) disproportionately impact men for this very reason. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published highlights from The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, revealing that 37 million adults 18 and older were reported with a SUD, the majority of whom were men.
Males are more likely to begin substance use earlier which can develop dependence, increasing their risk of overdose and other serious health consequences. Conversations can redefine strength and ignite transformation. It really can make all the difference in the world to let people know it’s okay not to be okay. Encourage the men in your life to express how they feel and be vulnerable. Normalize seeking help to minimize the shame and judgment attached to it. Let others know that support is available, necessary, and effective. As a community, we can break the stigma, support one another, and ensure that every single man who needs it has access to the help they so desperately need.
This month also celebrates Father’s Day to recognize and honor fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in our lives. While many spend the day enjoying time with their dad, it can also trigger grief, stress, or anxiety for those who have estranged or difficult relationships with their fathers — particularly for those who have lost theirs. If you are one of the people that finds Father’s Day stressful or isolating, whether it’s coping with the expectations of parenthood or navigating the emotions the day brings, make sure to find a positive way to face your feelings.
Check in with the men in your life, whether it’s a father, brother, uncle, friend, or colleague. If anyone you know is struggling with mental health or substance use, support is available. Hickory Recovery Network is a phone call away for affordable, confidential, and customized care. Call 800‑604‑2117 anytime for a free consultation. No one has to face it alone.
