When Is Men's Mental Health Month?

In the UK, Men’s Mental Health Month is observed in November, aligning with Movember—a global movement raising awareness of men’s health issues, particularly mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

While some sources mention June as Men’s Mental Health Month, especially in the US, November is the main awareness month in the UK, when national and local campaigns take place to start conversations and reduce stigma.

Why Is Men’s Mental Health Important?

Mental health is vital to overall wellbeing, yet for many men, it remains a subject that’s not openly discussed. Poor mental health affects relationships, job performance, physical health, and, tragically, life expectancy.

Untreated mental health conditions can lead to addiction, isolation, breakdowns in family life, and in the worst cases, suicide. Tackling men’s mental health means recognising signs early, challenging stigma, and creating safer spaces for men to speak up without judgement.

Men’s Mental Health: The Statistics (UK)

Three in four suicides in the UK are by men
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50
Men aged 40–49 have the highest suicide rates in England and Wales
Only 36% of NHS referrals for psychological therapy are for men
Men are less likely to talk to a GP about mental health and more likely to use harmful coping strategies, such as substance misuse

These figures are not just numbers—they highlight the urgent need to address mental health among men and boys across all age groups.

Why Don’t Men Talk About Their Mental Health?

There are several reasons why men often stay silent about their struggles:

Social conditioning: From a young age, many boys are told to “man up” or “get on with it”, discouraging emotional expression.
Fear of judgement: Men may fear being seen as weak, dramatic, or unstable if they admit to mental health challenges.
Lack of emotional language: Some men struggle to describe how they feel or don’t recognise symptoms as signs of a mental health issue.
Workplace pressure: In high-stress environments, men may feel they can’t show vulnerability or take time off for mental health reasons.
Poor access to support: Men are less likely to seek therapy, and when they do, they may feel existing services aren’t tailored to their needs.

What Are the Common Mental Health Struggles Among Men?

While anyone can experience poor mental health, men are more likely to suffer from:

Depression and anxiety (though often underdiagnosed)
Substance misuse, especially alcohol
Anger and irritability as a cover for emotional distress
Work-related stress and burnout
Social isolation, particularly among older men
Relationship breakdowns, which can trigger emotional crises
Gambling addiction and other compulsive behaviours
Body image issues, especially among younger men

A Brief History: How Have Things Changed?

Historically, men’s mental health wasn’t discussed. Mental illness in men was often associated with weakness or shame. Cultural norms encouraged silence, stoicism, and avoidance. It wasn’t until more recently—especially through movements like Movember and growing media coverage—that public conversations began to shift.

Today, awareness is growing. More men are speaking up, mental health services are becoming more inclusive, and there's increasing focus on early intervention and male-specific support.

But there’s still work to do.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Men’s Mental Health

The future of men’s mental health depends on:

Education from a young age: Encouraging emotional literacy in boys at school
Improved access to male-focused mental health services
More male voices in mental health advocacy
Workplace wellbeing initiatives that support mental and emotional health
Tackling inequality in access to services for men from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds

Technology, peer support networks, and social change are creating more pathways for men to get the help they need. But stigma remains a major barrier.

How Can Men Support Their Mental Health?

If you're struggling—or want to improve your wellbeing—here are some helpful actions to take:

Talk to someone you trust, whether it’s a mate, partner, family member, or therapist. Talking is strength, not weakness.
Keep physically active, as regular exercise can significantly improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Avoid numbing with substances like alcohol or drugs. These may provide short-term relief but worsen mental health over time.
Get enough sleep, which is vital for emotional regulation.
Find a daily routine to bring structure and purpose, even if it’s simple.
Challenge negative self-talk—many men internalise failure or pressure. Be kinder to yourself.
Consider professional help. Therapy or counselling can be life-changing.
Limit social media, especially if it increases stress, comparison, or anxiety.
Join support groups or charities, such as CALM, Andy’s Man Club, or Mind. Sometimes it’s easier to open up in a male-focused space.

Step-by-Step: What Happens to Your Body and Mind When You Prioritise Mental Health

Day 1–3
You may feel relief from simply acknowledging how you feel. If you've opened up to someone, expect mixed emotions—vulnerability, but also release.

Week 1–2
Better sleep, less tension, and improved focus can emerge once you start looking after your mental wellbeing. You might notice fewer mood swings.

Month 1
If you’re accessing therapy, exercising, or cutting back on alcohol, you may feel calmer and more motivated. People around you might notice a positive change.

Month 3–6
Healthier habits become routine. Emotional resilience improves. Relationships often strengthen as communication becomes more open.

Beyond 6 Months
A consistent focus on mental health can lower your risk of depression, anxiety, and even physical health issues like high blood pressure or heart disease. You begin to live with clarity, control, and confidence, not fear.

Final Word

Men’s Mental Health Month takes place in November, but the message should be year-round: you don’t have to suffer in silence. Mental health is part of health. Whether you’re facing daily stress, emotional overwhelm, or just not feeling like yourself—talk about it. Help is available, and recovery is possible.

The first step is often the hardest—but it’s also the most important.