June is observed as Men’s Mental Health Month, and Bellevue Hospital is using the opportunity to raise awareness and help shift the conversation surrounding this important but often overlooked issue.
While mental health has increasingly become part of public discourse in recent years, particularly through the influence of social media, many men still find it difficult to speak openly about their struggles. Deeply rooted societal expectations around masculinity continue to discourage emotional expression, reinforcing the idea that vulnerability is a sign of weakness. This silence can have devastating consequences for men’s mental health and wellbeing.
Dr Roger Roberts, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital, explained that men are significantly less likely than women to seek help for mental health concerns.
“From a young age, many boys are taught to embody traits associated with traditional masculinity, such as strength, self-control and resilience,” Dr Roberts said. “Phrases like ‘man nuh cry’ and ‘man up’ reinforce the idea that expressing emotions is a sign of femininity and weakness. As a result, many boys grow up feeling pressured to suppress their feelings, leading to a lack of communication about their struggles.”
According to the World Health Organization, men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide. This troubling reality highlights the urgent need for open communication and support systems that are tailored to men. Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and chronic stress often show up differently in men, through substance misuse, aggression or social withdrawal, rather than the more visible emotional responses society typically associates with distress.
“This Men’s Mental Health Month, women are encouraged to be a support system where men can feel free to express their emotions openly,” said Dr Roberts. “Let us normalise these discussions
in the home, make them feel special and show them compassion and care, because it is okay to not be okay.”
Bellevue Hospital continues to offer free mental health care to the public. Located on the hospital grounds, the Oo Park has long been a quiet refuge for adolescent girls and women. This month, and going forward, the hospital is encouraging men to also use the space, to take a moment, breathe and look after their own wellbeing.
Men’s mental health is a critical issue that demands national attention and collective action. By breaking the silence, we can build a culture where men feel empowered to talk about their challenges and seek the help they need. Because the truth is simple but powerful, there is no good health without good mental health.