When is Men's Mental Health Month?

June and November are very popular months in the USA & UK, respectively, for men's mental health. Men's mental health needs more year-round care. The importance of mental health is increasing daily as people are becoming more and more aware of their mental well-being and are learning better ways to support it. 

However, men's mental health is very underreported as men do not seek the necessary support they need. So, Men's Mental Health Month is celebrated to bring attention to this issue and raise public awareness about it. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Mental Awareness Month and where and when to seek support. 

Top 9 men's mental health tips are vital for those seeking good mental health. Visit our page to read it. Likewise, visit another article to read about the 14 most common men's health issues. 

Mental Health Awareness Month for men 

Mental Health UK recognizes November as the country's Men's Mental Health Month. Men experience considerably high rates of mental health issues, e.g., suicide, and deaths due to suicide are one of the major killers of men under 50 in the UK. Men are also much more likely to talk less about their mental health issues due to factors, particularly the societal expectations of masculinity. 

Each year, November is celebrated to encourage men to talk and handle this social stigma. In the UK, November is also known as Movember, as men grow moustaches to raise public awareness about their health concerns. Besides mental health conditions, the other conditions that affect men are testicular cancer and prostate diseases. 

Supporting Mental Health Month of Men 

There are many ways to offer support for Mental Health Awareness Month for men. One possibility is to raise money for mental health organisations or charities and hold a public event to raise mass awareness. 

Another good alternative is to raise money through bake sales or garage sales and to enrol people to participate in a competition or race. A third useful way is to contact your child's school or workplace for various options to raise public awareness.

Mental health organisations for men in the UK

Many organisations (both governmental and non-profit) in the UK work for men's mental health. These include; 

CALM (campaign against living miserably)

It is a UK-based charity that aims to prevent suicides in men, which is the single biggest cause of death in males below 45 in the UK. It offers various resources, e.g., web chat and helpline, to support men in the mental health crisis that leads to suicides. This charity runs various country-wide campaigns to challenge the social stigmas that surround the mental health of men and encourage them to talk. 

Movember Foundation  

This foundation is globally recognized for its efforts to raise public awareness about mental health issues of men and about other issues, e.g., testicular and prostate cancer in men. It runs numerous mental health projects in the UK that offer various services to men to manage their mental well-being. 

The campaign organised by this foundation encourages open talk about mental health issues of men and helps to break social stigmas.

Men's health forum  

Men's Health Forum is a UK-based registered charity that aims to improve the mental health of boys and men in the UK. This charity offers various services, e.g., online support, workshops, and guides for men's physical and mental health. 

It emphasises the intersection between societal pressure, work-related issues, substance abuse, and mental health issues and aims to make living better for men.

MenTalkHealth 

This charity is based in Brighton and organises workshops, podcasts, and open discussions to break the stigmas surrounding men's mental health. It aims to motivate men about their mental health and talk openly without any fear of judgement or shame. Its other objectives are similar to those of other charities and organisations.

Andy's Man Club  

It is a peer-to-peer support group that provides safe spaces to talk about men's mental health concerns. It started after the suicide of Andy Roberts and operates throughout the UK. It provides weekly meetings for men to talk about their mental health and receive necessary support whenever needed. 

Men's Mind Matter 

It is a non-profit organization that aims to improve mental health in men and works on suicide prevention and support. It focuses on mental health awareness and research and pays heavy attention to the suicide rates in men.  This organisation advocates for better access to men's mental health services and needs. 

National Health Services (NHS) 

It provides mental health services throughout the UK, e.g., counselling, crisis intervention, and talking therapy. The NHS has introduced numerous initiatives in recent years to target the mental health and wellness of men. These include supporting campaigns, encouraging men to speak about the issues, and improving access to therapies throughout the UK. 

Papyrus  

It is a UK-based charity that works to reduce suicide rates in young men at schools & colleges. It is not specifically related to men and offers numerous support services through its HOPELINEUK services, particularly to men who experience severe emotional stress and suicidal feelings. 

Movember Conversations 

It is a free online tool by the Movember Foundation that helps men and their close ones navigate difficult conversations and offers practical guidance and tips. It empowers men to engage in open conversations and stop feeling intimidated and unfortunate. 

Mental Health at Work 

It is Mind's initiative to support various employers in improving workplace mental health. Its guidelines are specifically tailored to the mental health challenges of men and help employers create a supportive environment at the workplace, particularly for struggling male employees. 

These government institutions, organisations, and charities help promote the mental health of men throughout the UK. By creating safe places for public discussion, raising awareness, and offering services, they help support men and reduce social stigmas related to the mental health of men. 

So, find these or other organisations close to you and work with them to better celebrate Men's Mental Health Month. Welzo's Mental Health page offers numerous products & services that are tailored to the mental health of both men and women. Visit this page for these services.

Mental Health Concerns of Men 

Due to social stigmas attached to men's health, it becomes difficult for boys and men to reach out for help. Men often feel that other people expect them to hide their emotions and force them to be strong for others. Acknowledging the existence of a mental health condition is perceived as a sign of poor masculinity or weakness by others.

However, this is not the case, and having mental health conditions is not a sign of poor masculinity or weaknesses. Contacting a therapist must not be more different than contacting a doctor with a broken arm. 

Men's health conditions and statistics 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women experience more mental health conditions than men, but many experts noted that it could be due to underreporting. So, while 51.7% of women suffering from mental health conditions received treatment in 2021, only 40% of men with mental health conditions received it in the same year. Likewise, according to Mind, 1 in 4 people in the UK experience mental health illnesses in the UK. 

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the suicide rates in men are almost 3.85 times more than those in women. The risk of substance abuse in men is also much higher than in women. If men did receive help, they were likely to receive inappropriate help. Men's mental health care is underfunded worldwide and is rarely prioritised.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is the mental health of men often ignored? 

Men often are unwilling to talk or refuse to do so due to societal expectations, shame, and stigmas. Men are often taught to be unemotional and tough from a young age, making it challenging to enrol in help when needed. These factors often mask the mental health conditions in men.

What colour is associated with the mental health month of men? 

The blue colour is associated with men's mental health. Men's Health Network introduced it to raise societal awareness about men's mental health. Likewise, some men wear green ribbons to support men's mental health, but they can be worn throughout the year. 

Which tattoo is associated with mental health? 

The men experiencing anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation use a semicolon tattoo on their bodies to show their commitment to continue life through difficult times. It attracts solidarity from various classes of society.

How do we know if a man is mentally okay? 

Mental health conditions have defined signs and symptoms. Professional help is necessary if one suspects any mental health conditions. Marked changes in sleeping patterns, eating, and personality are important to consider while focusing on mental health. 

Which animal is associated with mental health? 

Black dogs are thought to be associated with depression in men. The ancient Romans used to believe that having a black dog trailing behind a person was a sign of depression. It nevertheless varies according to local cultures and traditions.

Which mental health conditions are hardest to live and cope with? 

The hardest mental health conditions of men include severe bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar personality disorder (BPD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—immediate psychological treatment, if necessary, in these conditions.

Bottom-line 

Celebrating the mental health month of men is important, but it is still necessary to appreciate men's mental health throughout the year. Nowadays, it is becoming more acceptable for men to express their emotions than previously, but it is still necessary to address societal stigmas that men don't need mental health support. 

Talking to other people is advised. Suppose one experiences anger, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. In that case, it is necessary to remember that it doesn't necessarily make you a lesser Man; a person is not alone in the field. It is advised to consult the mental health experts for guidance and take the help of family & friends. Visit us to read another of our informative articles titled, 'Mental Health: Importance, Components, Related Problems & Disorders'. It is worth reading. Visit our page to read it.