BY JAY AQUINO

JUNE 3, 2026

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, which means it is probably time we had a word with the boys. Not in a dramatic, grand-gesture kind of way. Sometimes it is as simple as a DM on Instagram, a quick coffee, or asking, “How are you, really?” Because the truth is, most men are very good at saying they are fine, even when they are not.

We all carry things: pressure at work, family expectations, breakups, financial stress, or the weight of trying to keep everything together. And somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to deal with it alone and to not make a fuss. 

This month is a reminder that mental health is not something to deal with only when life falls apart. Sometimes strength is being honest, admitting you are struggling, or sometimes being the friend who notices when someone has gone quiet. So, here’s how to keep your (and your friends) mental health in check:

Prioritize Sleep

Aim for seven to nine hours of quality rest when you can. Keep a consistent sleep routine and try not to bring your phone into bed.

Move Your Body

You do not need to train like an athlete. Even a 15-minute walk can help clear your head, and give your mind the reset it needs.

Stay Connected

Message your friends, call your brother or check in on the friend who has been “busy” for three months. Human connection matters more than most men admit.

Eat And Hydrate Properly

Your brain needs fuel too. Make sure you’re eating balanced meals, drinking enough water, and giving your body what it needs to function properly. When you’re feeling stressed, try to minimise caffeine and alcohol, as they can sometimes make anxiety, sleep, and mood feel worse.

Create A Routine

A bit of structure can help you feel grounded, especially when life feels chaotic. Start small and keep it realistic.

Do Something You Enjoy

Make time for music, sport, cooking, reading, gaming, training, or anything that helps you feel like yourself again.

Ask For Help

Speaking to a therapist, doctor, or support service is not weakness. Getting the right support can help you process what you’re carrying, understand what you’re feeling, and find healthier ways to move through it.

So this month, check in on your mates, check in on yourself, and remember that strength does not always have to look like silence.