When Is Men's Mental Health Month UK

When Is Men’s Mental Health Month?

Men’s Mental Health Month is recognised in November, with a particular focus during the annual Movember campaign. While not an official health month in the same way as others on the calendar, November has become widely accepted as the key period for raising awareness of the mental health challenges faced by men. Campaigns during this time highlight depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, and the cultural barriers that often prevent men from seeking help.

Movember itself began as a prostate cancer awareness initiative but quickly grew into a broader men’s health movement. It now encompasses physical and mental wellbeing, with a large emphasis on tackling stigma and opening up conversations around men’s emotional struggles.

Why Men’s Mental Health Deserves Its Own Focus

Men are statistically less likely to seek help for mental health issues and more likely to die by suicide—particularly in the UK, where suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among men under 50. Many men still feel pressure to appear strong, unemotional or self-reliant, which can lead to silent suffering and untreated conditions.

By dedicating time and space to men’s mental health, November provides a platform to challenge these outdated ideas. It encourages men to speak openly, ask for support, and understand that mental health is not a weakness, but a core part of wellbeing. Campaigns often include stories, events, fundraisers, and community resources that bring the issue into the public eye.

Key Themes During the Month

Awareness efforts in November usually focus on suicide prevention, stress, depression, anxiety, and male-specific struggles such as relationship breakdown, loneliness, work pressures, and substance misuse. Many initiatives also highlight the importance of checking in with friends, offering peer support, and promoting the idea that vulnerability is not failure.

The month is not just about raising awareness, but also about driving action—encouraging men to attend therapy, speak to their GP, or simply open up to someone they trust. It’s also a time when workplaces, sports clubs, schools and community groups run campaigns to get men talking and feeling heard.

Other Dates That Highlight Men’s Mental Health

In addition to the full month of November, there are key days throughout the year that shine a light on the issue. International Men’s Day, held annually on 19 November, is another important moment, with one of its central pillars being men’s health and wellbeing. Mental Health Awareness Week in May and World Suicide Prevention Day in September also regularly include male-focused campaigns.

However, November remains the most concentrated period of advocacy, particularly in the UK where Movember has strong public recognition.

Movember Is the Anchor, but Not the Only Focus

While Movember is the central campaign associated with men’s mental health in November, it originally focused on prostate and testicular cancer. Over time, its scope expanded to include mental health and suicide prevention, particularly due to the alarming statistics around male suicide.

The visual symbol of the campaign—the moustache—has become a way to start conversations. Growing one in November is a social cue that opens space for difficult topics in a more approachable way. It’s not just about fundraising; it’s about creating visibility.

But Movember isn’t the only initiative. Many charities, including CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), Mind, Men’s Sheds, and Andy’s Man Club, use November to run independent or collaborative campaigns focused solely on mental health.

Men’s Mental Health Is a Year-Round Issue

While November draws attention, many mental health professionals and advocates stress that support must be continuous. One of the challenges with themed months is that they create spikes in awareness that fade quickly. For men—who often wait until crisis point to seek help—this approach can leave gaps when support is most needed.

That’s why some organisations focus on building year-round support structures: peer-led support groups, workplace initiatives, male therapy networks, and digital platforms where men can speak anonymously and without judgement.

Suicide Rates Among Men Remain High

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), men account for about three-quarters of all suicide deaths in the UK. The highest rates are often seen among men aged 45–49, although younger and older age groups are also at risk.

This ongoing crisis is a key reason for Men’s Mental Health Month. It highlights how mental health services, education, and social messaging still fail to reach men effectively. Emotional suppression, cultural expectations, and fear of being seen as weak continue to prevent many from getting help early.

Work and Identity Are Strong Triggers

Men often tie their identity closely to employment, productivity, and control. When these areas are threatened—through job loss, financial strain, or redundancy—mental health can decline sharply. November campaigns frequently address this, encouraging workplaces to recognise mental health as a business responsibility, not just a personal one.

Workplaces are encouraged to train line managers, promote mental health days, offer counselling or EAP services, and encourage openness around stress and burnout. For some men, the workplace might be the only place where they’re regularly seen and checked in on.

Conversations Are Changing — Slowly

There’s been clear progress in normalising male mental health discussions, especially among younger generations. Social media has helped create more open dialogue, and public figures—from athletes to musicians—have shared their own struggles, breaking down stigma.

However, the cultural shift is not complete. Many older men still feel conditioned to stay silent, and even young men sometimes mask struggles behind humour or avoidance. November serves as a reminder that creating real change takes time—and consistent effort.

Final Word

Men’s Mental Health Month in November is more than just a campaign—it’s a call to shift how society understands masculinity and mental health. With suicide rates still disproportionately affecting men, and stigma remaining a real barrier, this month offers space to listen, learn, and speak up. It reminds us all that mental health doesn’t discriminate—but support must be accessible, relatable and ongoing for everyone.

Add-On final Thought

While November is Men’s Mental Health Month in practice, what really matters is making that focus stick beyond the calendar. Mental health isn’t seasonal. The goal is lasting change: breaking stigma, opening dialogue, and ensuring men feel they can ask for help—without judgement, delay or shame.