June Is Men’s Mental Health Month—And It’s Time We Talk About Our Men
While mental health conversations are becoming more mainstream, one group continues to fall through the cracks: men. Societal expectations often tell them to “man up,” “push through,” or “stay strong.” The result? Many men suppress emotional distress until it manifests in silence, burnout, or breakdown.
As women—wives, girlfriends, sisters, and daughters—many of us notice the shifts long before they’re ever spoken. This Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s acknowledge the quiet signals and learn how to support the men we love with care, not confrontation.
Here are five subtle but powerful signs your man may need mental health support—and how to approach it with love.
1. He’s More Irritable or Withdrawn
It’s easy to mistake irritability for moodiness or a bad day. But when it becomes a pattern—short temper, snapping at small things, isolating himself—it’s time to dig deeper.
Why it matters:
For many men, anger is an expression of inner turmoil. Frustration, sadness, or stress often manifests outward when they don’t feel safe expressing vulnerability.
How to help:
Choose a calm moment and gently ask, “You’ve seemed a bit on edge lately—what’s been weighing on you?” Keep it non-judgmental. Let him know you’re listening, not diagnosing.
2. His Sleep or Eating Habits Have Changed
Pay attention to the physical cues: sleeping too much, lying awake at night, skipping meals, or emotional eating.
Why it matters:
Disruptions in sleep and appetite are early signs of anxiety, depression, or chronic stress. These behaviours often go unnoticed because they feel “normal” in busy lives.
How to help:
Support small, healthy habits without pressure. Cook together. Take a walk in the evening. Gently suggest seeing a doctor if patterns persist. Remember—it’s not about controlling him; it’s about showing up.
3. He’s Lost Interest in Things He Used to Love
Is he no longer interested in sports, hobbies, intimacy, or even spending time with the family?
Why it matters:
Losing joy in everyday life is one of the hallmark symptoms of depression. But unlike women, men often express this as boredom, fatigue, or “just not feeling like it.”
How to help:
Instead of pushing him to “snap out of it,” try this: “I noticed you haven’t played guitar in a while—you always looked so happy doing that. Want to jam together or go out for a bit?”
Offer companionship before suggestions.
4. He’s Using Substances More Than Usual
An extra drink here, more weed there, or heavier reliance on sleeping pills—if it’s happening more often, it may be an emotional coping strategy.
Why it matters:
Men are more likely to use alcohol or substances to numb emotions they don’t feel equipped to process.
How to help:
Avoid blame. Instead, ask with care: “Are you drinking more lately because you’re stressed? I’m here for you—let’s talk if you’re ready.” Reinforce safety, not shame.
5. He Keeps Saying “I’m Fine”—But You Know He’s Not
If “I’m fine” has become his automatic answer to everything, even when he seems disconnected or low, it’s a red flag.
Why it matters:
“I’m fine” often masks fear, hopelessness, or emotional shutdown. Many men simply don’t know how to articulate what they’re feeling.
How to help:
Try something soft but honest: “I get that you don’t want to talk right now, and that’s okay. But I’m here when you’re ready. You don’t have to carry everything alone.”
How to Approach the Conversation With Love
When you notice any of these signs, your next step matters. It’s not about pushing him into therapy or forcing an emotional talk—it’s about creating space where he feels safe to open up.
1. Don’t confront. Connect.
Avoid starting with “What’s wrong with you?” Instead, sit beside him, not across from him. Let the energy feel safe and warm.
2. Ask open questions.
Try: “What’s been on your mind lately?” or “What’s something you wish you could say out loud but haven’t?”
3. Normalize therapy.
Suggest couples’ therapy as a team approach, or even offer to help him find a therapist. You can say: “Lots of strong men go to therapy—it doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It means you care enough to feel better.”
4. Keep showing up.
Even if he doesn’t talk the first time—or the fifth—just being present is powerful. Love him through it, not around it.
Final Thoughts
Men’s mental health deserves the same care, compassion, and openness we give to everyone else. Let’s stop asking men to suffer in silence and start offering safe spaces to speak up, heal, and grow.
He doesn’t need to be “fixed.” He needs to be heard, supported, and loved—just as he is.
