Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, accounting for about 79% of all suicide deaths in the United States.
Men often show signs of declining mental health through behavior — such as substance abuse and social withdrawal — rather than verbal expression.
Experts say one of the most effective ways to support men’s mental health is a simple check-in, even a text message.
JOPLIN, Mo. — June is Men’s Mental Health Month, a recognition period that draws attention to mental health struggles that often go unaddressed among men.
Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. About 79% of all suicide deaths in the United States involve men, according to data highlighted during the awareness month.
Dr. Jacob Hefner, director of psychiatric practices for the Ozark Center, said one reason men have a higher suicide rate is that they tend to use more lethal means.
Men also tend to express mental health struggles differently than women — often through behavior rather than conversation.
“Men’s health is different than women’s mental health. I suppose because men, they don’t like to ask for help. They tend to, instead of describing the challenges that they’re having with mental health, they show it,” Hefner said.
Cultural expectations play a role in that reluctance. Men are often raised with the expectation that they serve as protectors and providers — a mindset that can make seeking help feel at odds with that identity.
“I think mostly men are taught to just tough it out. You just rub a little dirt on it and you move on with life — that has been our mantra. And so, it’s harder to ask for help, I think,” one person said.
According to Hefner, men also have higher rates of substance abuse compared to women. Social withdrawal is another warning sign that friends and family should watch for.
“We know that one of the earliest signals of men who might be challenged to take good care of their mental health would be that they tend to isolate. When we see men isolating, that’s when we might start to check in with them. If I notice a friend that I haven’t connected with for a little while, I might reach out to them — just drop them a text message or drop by their home,” Hefner said.
Experts say being proactive about men’s mental health does not require a major effort. A simple text message to check in on someone can make a meaningful difference.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
