Men Need Self-Care, Too: Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health

June is Men’s Health Month, a time to reflect on the mental health challenges men face and how we can help create space for healing. Research consistently shows that suicide rates are disproportionately high among men—but suicide is preventable, and healing is possible with the right support systems and awareness (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention [AFSP], 2025).

In a recent blog post for AFSP, Vic Armstrong, MSW, Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement, courageously shared his personal story. Growing up, he was often told to “man up,” an all-too-common message that discourages emotional expression and reinforces stigma. Vic’s reflection helps shed light on how these harmful beliefs can affect mental wellness. But it also offers a path forward. As Vic shares, “The reality is that men do cry, men do experience emotional pain, and men do experience mental fatigue. In short, men need self-care, too” (AFSP, 2025).

At CSBMG, we echo this message: self-care is not weakness—it’s wisdom. Whether through physical activity, mindfulness, or meaningful conversations, taking time to care for one’s mental well-being can be life-saving. We encourage everyone to take that first step—for themselves or the men they care about.

Reference:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2025, June). Men’s Health Month: Real stories, mental health tips, and the power of self-care. https://afsp.org