Men's Health Week: Everting you need to know

Men’s Mental Health Week is an awareness week is designed to highlight the physical and mental health concerns men go through. It aims to encourage men to prioritise their health and wellbeing, as well as seek help when they don’t feel their best. Sadly, men’s mental health is still stigmatised, however, 12.5% of men in England have a mental health disorder – and that’s purely on reported numbers. In addition to this, Samaritans have identified that men are three times more likely to die by suicide in England than women.

So while everyday should be a chance to focus on our mental health for the better, how can we help raise awareness of men’s mental health and reduce the stigma associated with it?

When is Men's Mental Health Week?

Men's Mental Health Week was between the 9th and 15th June 2025. It is expected to schedule next year between the 8th and 14th June 2026.

This annual event is organised by the Men’s Health Forum and aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems that disproportionately affect men and encourage them to gain the courage to tackle their issues.

Previous men’s mental health weeks

The Men’s Health Forum has been running Men’s Mental Health Week for over a decade. Here are all of the themes they’ve planned throughout the years:

• 2025 (9th to 15th June) - Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Connecting for Health

• 2024 (10th to 16th June) – Prostate Health

• 2023 (12th to 18th June) – Men’s Health and the Internet

• 2022 (13th to 19th June) – Time for your Man MOT

• 2021 (14th to 20th June) – Mental wellbeing and Covid-19

• 2020 (15th to 21st June) – Men and Covid-19

• 2019 (10th to 16th June) – Men’s Health By Numbers

• 2018 (11th to 17th June) – Diabetes

• 2017 (12th to 18th June – Hazardous Waist

• 2016 (13th to 19th June) – Beating Stress

• 2015 (15th to 21st June) – Healthy Living

Men and mental health

According to the Mental Health Foundation, approximately 1-in-8 men have a common mental health problem such as anxiety, stress, or depression. When left unattended, these problems can worsen and be detrimental to those affected. This is highlighted in current statistics: for example, in the UK, four in five suicides are by men, with suicide being the biggest cause of death for men under 35. These statistics underline the importance of removing the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, helping men reach out, talk about their problems and seek treatment.

It is no secret that a stigma exists regarding men’s mental health, and sadly some men still feel uncomfortable discussing their problems openly. According to recent statistics, 40% of men won’t talk about their mental health with their friends or family. Therefore, many individuals suffer in silence. While the topic is becoming more prevalent with more awareness campaigns, there is still a need to help men feel comfortable enough to speak out about their mental health.

Identifying the symptoms of poor mental health in men

There may not always be clear signs you’re dealing with a serious issue, not just a bad day. A lot of men have been brought up to put on a strong face, which leads to a lot of internalised feelings and in turn, poor mental wellbeing.

If your life satisfaction seems to have taken a knock or feeling like you want to be alone a lot, there could be more going on. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms associated with mental illness:

• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness

• Noticeable changes in mood

• Difficulty sleeping

• Avoiding friends and social activities

• Constant low energy

• Drug or alcohol abuse

• Ignoring personal hygiene

Men often feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about their mental health. But the bravest thing you can do is tackle the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. You are not alone. Many other people are going through the same emotions and struggling to find the best way to cope.

How can you get involved?

There are several ways you can get involved with supporting men’s health. This could include:

Talk to the men in your life

While checking in on your friends and colleagues may be a natural part of your day – are there any particular individuals who could use additional support? Whether it’s simply being there to listen or encouraging them to open up about their struggles, this is just one way you can gently break someone’s internalised stigma on mental health.

Fundraising

You can hold a raffle in your community or workplace or take up a challenge such as cycling or running.

Educate yourself and those around you

The Men’s Health Forum have a vast array of downloadable material. These materials provide information about health issues that affect men in their everyday lives and can be used to help promote conversations/run events in your workplace.

Volunteer

There are plenty of different volunteer roles available. You can help at a local charity or help organise activities for those suffering from mental health problems. Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in your community. Volunteering can also have benefits for you as an individual. Research shows volunteering can help combat stress and depression by creating a solid support system.

How an Employee Assistance Programme can help during Men’s Mental Health Week

A good employee assistance programme (EAP) not only provides excellent counselling support, but they also help their clients out with additional resources that can be circulated internally. From blog posts to posters and guides, at HA | Wisdom Wellbeing, we provide content to help those who may need it most. Plus, we make our counselling service accessible 24/7, 365 days a year to help individuals who may be experiencing poor mental health in unsociable hours.