November: Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

Each November, conversations around men’s mental health take center stage — and for good reason. As therapists, we’ve seen firsthand how deeply men can struggle beneath the surface, often in silence. While society has made great progress in breaking down mental health stigma, men continue to face unique barriers that keep them from reaching out for the help they deserve.

The Silent Struggle

Many men grow up hearing messages like “toughen up,” “don’t cry,” or “handle it yourself.” These lessons, often taught with good intentions, can create emotional walls that are hard to tear down in adulthood. The result is a generation of men who may appear strong and composed but are quietly fighting battles with anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma.

The statistics tell a sobering story:

• Men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women.

• Many men delay seeking therapy until they reach a breaking point.

• Conditions like substance use, anger management issues, and burnout often mask underlying depression or anxiety.

These numbers aren’t about weakness — they’re about expectations. Expectations that men should have all the answers, stay strong for everyone else, and never show vulnerability.

What Therapy Can Offer

Therapy provides something many men rarely experience elsewhere: a judgment-free space to be honest.

In that space, we work together to:

• Identify and challenge unhealthy thought patterns.

• Explore emotions without fear of being “too much.”

• Build tools for stress, relationships, and communication.

• Redefine what strength really means — not the absence of emotion, but the courage to face it.

It’s not about changing who you are — it’s about freeing yourself from the idea that you have to carry everything alone.

Signs It Might Be Time to Talk to Someone

Men often experience mental health struggles differently than women. Some common (but often overlooked) signs include:

• Increased irritability or anger

• Difficulty sleeping or constant fatigue

• Withdrawal from family or friends

• Relying more on alcohol or other substances

• Feeling “numb” or disconnected

• Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or stomach issues

If these sound familiar — even just a few — that’s your cue to check in with yourself or reach out for support.

Changing the Conversation

This November, let’s challenge the outdated idea that men must suffer in silence. Checking in on a friend, encouraging therapy, or simply saying “it’s okay not to be okay” can make a real difference. Healing starts with honesty, and honesty begins with conversation.

Men’s mental health isn’t a niche issue — it’s a human one.

And every time a man steps into therapy, opens up to a friend, or admits he’s struggling, he’s helping change the narrative for the next generation.

If you or someone you know is in crisis:

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free, and confidential.