WHAT IS MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH MONTH?


By bblouin
Group of men talking during mens mental health month.

In 1994, former President Bill Clinton designated June as Men’s Health Month to increase awareness of issues men have related to health while encouraging positive health practices among males. This has evolved to include more than just physical health with the establishment of Men's Mental Health Month occupying the same timeframe. These awareness efforts are an annual event within the United States, whereas other nations have their own months dedicated to such causes. Several studies have shown that women are more likely to seek help when it comes to both mental and physical health needs than males. Furthermore, most Veterans who are found to have mental issues didn’t believe there was an issue to begin with. Overwhelmingly, the Veteran community is made up of men, furthering the importance of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. While we’re looking at some of the details that make up the month, below, our guide is also helping men who have served our nation connect with important, life-saving, and changing resources for physical and mental health needs.

When Is Men’s Mental Health Month?

June is Men's Mental Health Month. It is an overall initiative to promote males getting the information and treatment they need for preventable illnesses and potential issues. In the middle of the month, Men's Health Week is an annual highlighted event with even more emphasis on similar themes, including providing men when resources, tips, and healthcare services around the country. While National Men’s Mental Health Month is an established summer awareness program, other initiatives have been popularized in other months throughout the year.

Is November Men’s Mental Health Month?

Every November, there is a consorted effort to raise awareness for the health of men overall. From showing support towards mental health issues within the community, to raising awareness by growing out facial hair towards things like prostate and testicular cancers, November is also highly aligned with similar goals. Truth be told, raising awareness about positive health practices for any gender at any time is important year-round. The more the merrier as healthcare resources are made more accessible through such causes.

More Than Just Mental Health

Men’s Health Month has thankfully grown to include more and more of a focus on the mental side of health; however, there are serious physical threats males need to remember throughout June and beyond:

  • Heart disease is a major issue for men causing heart attacks and strokes at an elevated rate. Every year, these are the leading reasons men die, killing almost 350,000 annually.
  • Men are also at an elevated risk of suffering from cancer than women.

June is a great time for men to remember that routine health screenings and doctor appointments are a great way to prevent and stop serious illnesses before they are fatal. Additionally, all month long, promotions focusing on making better lifestyle choices, such as exercising, eating right, getting enough sleep at night, cutting back on substances, and reaching out for mental health help are all examples.

Tools and Resources for Veterans During Men’s Health Month

Whatever you do this Men’s Mental Health Month, be sure to remember to take care of yourself and promote positive health choices from both a mental and physical standpoint. To help you get started, here are some important tips and resources male Veterans can benefit from:

Accessing healthcare resources is important and the VA has ample available. Learn more about them here:

Suggested reads:

Sources Evaluation of the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services., NIH. Accessed May 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499497/ Improving men’s health, USAGov. Accessed May 2024. https://www.usa.gov/features/improving-mens-health


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