I started this piece planning to write about toxic positivity, then found myself meandering toward taming our inner critic. But during a recent vacation, something I witnessed brought my focus to Men’s Mental Health.

At a campground, I saw two young kids — a girl around six and a boy maybe seven — tearing around their campsite at full speed. Like most campgrounds, the roads were dusty and rocky, and before long, both kids took a tumble. They ran crying to their older relative — I imagined he was their Grampie, though he could’ve been an uncle or a family friend.

He scooped up the little girl, dusted off her knees, offered her a napkin for her tears, and gave her a big comforting hug. She was back on her feet in no time. When the little boy came over, he got a “Shake it off, you’re fine,” and a quick pat on the back. After wiping his tears with his t-shirt, he stood around quietly kicking pebbles.

The former child therapist in me wanted to run over and validate the boy’s pain and fear. The family therapist in me wanted to gently chat with Grampie about how affirming and healing a hug could’ve been for the little boy— not just for the scrape, but for the hurt that was deeper than skin.

So this month, I’d like us to focus on Men’s Mental Health.

Every June, we shine a much-needed light on an often-overlooked topic. While mental health affects all genders, men often face unique challenges that make it harder — and sometimes more dangerous — to ask for help.

Many boys grow up being told to “man up,” “tough it out,” or “don’t cry.” These messages stick. They grow into adult pressure to bottle things up and pretend everything is fine. But here’s the truth: Mental health affects everyone. And June is the perfect time to change the conversation.

For generations, society has upheld toughness, stoicism, and independence as ideals of masculinity. But these same ideals can discourage men from expressing emotional struggles or reaching out for support. The results are sobering: men are significantly less likely to seek therapy — and far more likely to die by suicide.

This isn’t just a mental health issue. It’s a call to action.

I believe that mental health is health — and every person, regardless of gender, deserves compassion, connection, and care. Whether that’s through therapy tailored to men’s experiences, safe spaces for honest conversations, or community education about the signs of depression and anxiety in men — our job is to replace stigma with understanding.

Here’s how we can all take part this June:

· Talk About It: Have honest conversations with the men in your life. A simple, “How are you really doing?” can open a powerful door. It doesn’t have to be heavy. Let them know it’s okay to talk about stress, sadness, anxiety — whatever’s going on. A small check-in can make a big difference.

· Check In and Listen: Mental health struggles don’t always look the same. For many men, it may show up as irritability, isolation, or changes in sleep or work habits. If you notice something’s off, don’t look away. A kind word and a willing ear go a long way.

· Promote Access: Help normalize therapy and support. The more men see others seeking help, the more likely they are to do so themselves. Representation matters.

· Be Gentle With Expectations: Let’s challenge the idea that strength means silence. True resilience lies in vulnerability. Being real about your emotions? That’s strong. Reaching out for help? That’s strong. Supporting your friends? That’s very strong. Let’s redefine masculinity to include care — for yourself and others.

This Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s do more than raise awareness. Let’s make space, show up, and be part of a movement that honors the full emotional lives of men and boys.

Together, we can build a culture where mental health care isn’t a luxury, a weakness, or a secret — but a shared responsibility.