June is Men's Mental Health Month

June is Men's Mental Health Month, and no one is talking about it. You probably never knew it existed.

It's time to start talking about men's mental health—and that includes being open about struggles that men face.

Mental health is a topic that's still not taken seriously enough in the United States—especially when it comes to men. You know that our culture has a long way to go when it comes to talking about men's mental health issues—women are most likely to be at the center of these discussions. It's time for us to start taking a stand against that stigma and make sure we're doing everything we can to help our brothers get the help they need.

What if you knew that your brother or son or husband was diagnosed with depression? Would you try to help them? Would you be able to do anything at all? What if they were suffering from an eating disorder? Would you know how to help them?

The truth is, if you're like most people, the answer is probably no. And that's because we don't talk about mental health issues—not even those affecting men! But it doesn't have to be this way. We can change the conversation around mental health by talking about it more often and making sure everyone knows what resources are available when someone needs them most.

The goal of Men's Mental Health Month is to encourage men to get help for their mental health problems and talk about them openly with friends and loved ones. This can be incredibly difficult for men who have been taught not to express their feelings or vulnerabilities, but it's important for everyone involved in their lives that they do so.

It's time to start talking about men's mental health—and that includes being open about their struggles.

Mental health is a difficult topic to discuss for many of us: the stigma around mental illness can make it hard to admit that we're struggling with anything. But there are lots of reasons why it's important to talk about mental health, especially in the context of men.

The first reason is that so many men are actually struggling with their mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 25% of American adults will experience at least one diagnosable mental disorder in any given year. And while men are less likely than women to seek treatment for these disorders, they still struggle with them at high rates: 52% of people who commit suicide (the number-one cause of death for young and middle-aged Americans) are men; only 13% of those who commit suicide have sought professional help prior to their deaths; and men are more likely than women to die by suicide using a firearm.

If you're someone who wants to support a friend or loved one through this month-long effort (or if you just want to learn more about why it matters), there are some helpful resources out there.

Sometimes, professional help isn't enough. Here are three resources that can help you find others who are going through similar experiences and provide support:

1. Men's Mental Health America: This organization has a national directory of men's mental health programs and resources in your area. It also has a list of local therapists with experience treating men.

2. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 if you or someone you know may be having suicidal thoughts, or to get help with a mental health crisis.

3. Your doctor: If you're feeling anxious or depressed—or worried about a friend or loved one who might be—talk to your doctor about treatment options (including medication).

Remember, you are not alone.

Other resources:

Men's Mental Health Month is here again! And we're celebrating with a list of resources for men seeking mental health help.

1. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

2. The National Eating Disorder Association: 1 (800) 931-2237

3. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-877-726-4727