Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: A Real Conversation About Support, Stigma, and Tools That Actually Help
- emileekrupa
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and the numbers tell a clear story: men are struggling—but many aren’t reaching out. And the truth is, that silence doesn’t mean strength. It just means isolation.
This guide is for the men who’ve been white-knuckling it through the stress, burnout, anxiety, and anger. It’s also for the women who love them and want to help. And for those living in Utah, where culture, expectations, and accessibility all play unique roles in how mental health is handled—this guide is especially for you.
Let’s get into it—with honesty, not judgment.
For the Men: What If Something Feels Off?
How do I know if I need help? You might not call it depression. You might just feel tired, unmotivated, shut down, or irritable all the time. Maybe you’re drinking more, zoning out, or snapping at people you care about.
In Utah, where there's often pressure to appear successful, spiritual, and emotionally “together,” it can be especially hard to admit when something feels off.
Common signs that something’s off:
You feel angry more than anything else
You’ve lost interest in the stuff you used to care about
You feel numb or disconnected
You’re withdrawing from friends, family, or your partner
You’re constantly overwhelmed or burned out
You think things like, “What’s the point?” or “Everyone would be better off without me”
What do I do with these feelings? First—acknowledge them. You’re not weak for feeling this way. You're human. Then—talk to someone. A friend, a coach, a therapist. Anyone safe.
How can I cope in the meantime?
Get outside—Utah has incredible access to trails, mountains, and lakes. Movement matters.
Create routines that ground you—consistent sleep, real meals, time without screens.
Try journaling or recording voice notes.
Use anonymous or confidential resources (see below).
Remember: You don’t have to be in crisis to ask for help.
For the Women: How to Support the Men in Your Life
What are the signs that he might be struggling?
He seems angry, withdrawn, or “shut down”
He’s suddenly drinking more, staying up late, or constantly working
He’s not talking about what’s going on, but something feels off
He’s saying things like “I’m just tired,” but it’s persistent
How do I support him without pushing?
Be curious, not confrontational: “You seem different lately. Want to talk?”
Normalize emotional struggles: “I know a lot of people who’ve gone through something similar.”
Offer practical support: “Would it help to look at options together?”
Respect his timeline—but keep showing up
How can I create space for him to reach out?
Keep the conversation judgment-free
Ask questions that invite openness without pressure
Model your own emotional honesty—it gives him permission to do the same
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: Facts vs Fiction:
FICTION: Men don’t struggle with mental health
FACT: 1 in 4 men experience a mental health condition each year.
FICTION: Therapy is only for people who are falling apart
FACT: Therapy is most effective before things become unmanageable.
FICTION: Men are just bad at opening up
FACT: Men are often taught not to open up. That’s not the same thing.
FICTION: Talking about feelings won’t change anything
FACT: Emotional processing can improve everything from mood to relationships to sleep to physical health.
IN UTAH: Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death for men—and in younger men ages 15-44, it’s one of the top three. Access to care, religious stigma, and emotional isolation all play a role.
Tools & Resources That Actually Help
FREE or Low-Cost Apps & Tools
Headspace – Guided meditation, mindfulness, sleep support
Insight Timer: Great for stress, grounding, and emotional regulation
Mind Doc– Track how you’re feeling and connect dots
ManTherapy.org – Mental health with humor and relatability, built for men
Utah-Based Resources
I Love You, Bro Project -- Free support groups and workshops for men all over the state.
Utah Warm Line – Free emotional support: 833-SPEAKUT (833-773-2588)
NAMI Utah – Classes, support groups, family resources
Live On Utah – Statewide campaign for suicide prevention
Podcasts
The Art of Manliness – Talks about masculinity, purpose, resilience
Real Men Feel – Honest conversations about emotions and mental health
Modern Wisdom – Critical thinking, emotional health, lifestyle change
Therapy & Support
Therapists who specialize in working with men – Search PsychologyToday or use Open Path Collective for low-cost therapy
Men’s Groups & Retreats – Local and national, often grounded in connection, strength, and emotional honesty
Online Counseling – Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, or Real
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) When talk therapy isn’t getting to the root—or you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck—KAT can offer a new way forward.
At Koru Wellness, we work with men who are:
Emotionally shut down or numb
Holding on to trauma, shame, or anger
Feeling like “nothing helps” or “this shouldn’t feel this hard”
KAT uses low-dose ketamine, guided by licensed therapists, to:
Quiet the noise and overthinking
Access emotions without overwhelm
Help you reconnect to your core self—not just your coping parts
It’s not woo, and it’s not a last resort. It’s just a different path to healing.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether you’re a man who’s quietly struggling—or someone who wants to support one—this is your reminder: help exists. Healing is possible.
If you want to learn more about therapy, ketamine-assisted support, or just start the conversation, we’re here.
