June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. What steps can we take to support the people around us? Often, men’s mental health is deemed less important due to common misconceptions that men must be stronger emotionally. Seeking help or admitting to vulnerability are often culturally perceived as a weakness or a failure of traditional masculine identities. While these ideals are not true, many men frequently worry that expressing emotional or mental health struggles will harm their reputation.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), sixty percent of men report that societal expectations and stigma discourage them from seeking care. These are not just numbers, as men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. The societal barriers that discourage men from pursuing professional help require immediate, systemic changes in health care and education to address the escalating public health crisis.
To create systemic change, we must start within our own communities by changing how we interact with our peers every day. We can support not just men’s mental health, but everyone’s mental health around us by taking a few intentional steps, such as checking in on friends consistently and avoiding insensitive jokes regarding mental health.
If you or a friend are struggling, don’t be afraid to seek help. At IHS, we have so many resources available for all students! The support is completely confidential and always available through our school counselors and social workers. You can easily reach out to them by sending them an email or scheduling an appointment. Outside of school hours, our community offers a list of resources including the Tompkins County Mental Health Clinic, the Family and Children’s Service of Ithaca, and much more. And always remember you can text or call the Suicide and Crises Lifeline at 998, which is completely free, confidential, and offers 24/7 support. Taking care of your mental health is a priority, and these resources are here to help you.
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