You might not know it, but June is ‘Men’s Mental Health Month’. If you were unaware of that, you wouldn’t be alone. And that is kind of the point. Simply put we, as men, still don’t talk about our mental health enough.
Despite the strides that the mental health movement has made over the past few years, men in the Middle East still seem to struggle with simple admission: “I’m struggling.” Whether it’s anxiety, ADHD, body image, or emotional eating – keeping quiet is often our response.
I started writing this article as a tribute to the month, a gentle nudge toward awareness, took on new urgency when I heard about a 46-year-old skydiver in Dubai: fit, active, seemingly surrounded, and yet, he took his own life.
How much would you pay for a perfect night’s sleep?
That same man once liked an Instagram story I shared about “zero male suicides.” Remarkably, suicide is a leading cause of death for men under age 50. A cause too often left out of conversations around what it means to be ‘tough.’ That hit differently. And reminded me why these conversations matter.
Let’s normalize expressing feelings, reaching out when we’re not okay, and making space for vulnerability. Let’s also normalize checking in with the men in our lives – asking a question we rarely do: “Is everything okay with you?”
In our culture, men are taught to provide, protect, and persevere; but not to pause, feel, or speak up. But maybe real strength isn’t about pushing through. Maybe it’s knowing when to ask for help. It’s okay to text a friend if you’re struggling, to share how you feel, or to reach out for professional support. Toughen up? No. Speak up.
Need support?
If you’re based in Dubai, check out Al Jalila Foundation, Emirates Foundation, or search for local clinics and helplines.
Listen to…
Man vs Mind Podcast is a raw, relatable series tackling the unspoken struggles men face -from anxiety and fatherhood to body image, stress, and everything in between. Hosted by two regular guys (J and Tim) navigating their own mental health journeys, the show breaks the silence with honesty, humour, and heart.
Each episode dives into a theme men are often told to bottle up, creating space for real talk and connection. No self-help gimmicks – just conversation that reminds you you’re not alone
Read…
If you’re looking to dig deeper, pick-up Man Down by Matt Rudd (AED58) or Of Boys andMen: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling by Richard V. Reeves (AED78). Both books are honest, moving, and necessary.
