As we kick off #MensHealthMonth today, let's remember that raising awareness about men's mental health should be a year-round commitment. Prevention and de-stigmatization are key to empowering men to prioritize their well-being.
Speak up, share your story, and shatter the silence. Together, we can create safe spaces where seeking help and discussing emotions are encouraged. Join us in empowering men's mental health this month. The time is now.
Be Vulnerable
Michael Phelps, American former competitive swimmer, and most decorated Olympian
"As a male athlete, I always thought it was a sign of weakness if I showed I was being vulnerable. It's not weakness," he said. "If we're injured, they're going to fix our broken bones, but if we're mentally struggling, we have to get help and we have to get it in safe places."
Show Emotions
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, American actor, film producer, and former professional wrestler
"I found that with depression one of the most important things you could realize is that you're not alone. You're not the first to go through it," he told Oprah Winfrey in a Master Class discussion. "I wish I had someone at that time who could just pull me aside and [say], 'Hey, it's going to be okay.'"
Seek Help
John Green, New York Times bestselling author and internet personality
“I’ve known that I have this mental illness for a long time and I’ve had a lot of therapy and learned a lot of strategies for dealing with my illness. I know the benefits of exercise and meditation and CBT strategies…There is hope. There is treatment. You are not alone, and while I know the struggle feels at times completely hopeless and futile, there is a far shore for the vast majority of people, and I wish you the best.”
Talk About Their Mental Health
Lewis Howes, Former professional football player and two-sport All-American, New York Times bestselling author, and lifestyle entrepreneur
“A therapist once told me that you're only as sick as your secrets. The more I share the less sick I feel inside, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I think it's really important for all of us to find at least one male friend that we can have a conversation with about anything. It takes a lot of courage for a man to find another man to be able to talk to about these scary, intimidating topics. But that courage is going to give you more strength and more confidence when you find that person. So be willing to put yourself out there and have those hard conversations.”
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