Men’s Health Month: Taking Care of Yourself While Taking Care of Others

June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness around preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys. But beyond the stats and screenings, this month is also a powerful reminder that men—especially those in caregiving or peer support roles—need to take care of themselves too.

For peer support specialists, counselors, fathers, friends, and leaders who are constantly in the position of helping others, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. Yet, the truth is: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your own physical, emotional, and mental health isn’t just good for you—it directly impacts the quality of support you can offer others.

Let’s take a deeper look at why men’s health matters, the unique challenges faced by men in peer support roles, and practical ways to prioritize self-care while continuing to be a source of strength for others.

The State of Men’s Health: Why It Matters

Statistically, men are less likely than women to go to the doctor, more likely to engage in risky behaviors, and more likely to die younger. According to the CDC:

• Men die at higher rates from heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries.

• Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but fewer than half seek treatment.

• Suicide rates for men are nearly 4 times higher than for women, with middle-aged white men being most at risk.

While some of this stems from biological differences, a big part of the problem is cultural—many men grow up with messages like:

• “Tough it out.”

• “Don’t talk about your feelings.”

• “Real men don’t ask for help.”

These harmful ideas keep too many men silent, isolated, and suffering in the shadows.

Men’s Health Month challenges that. It calls on men—and the people who support them—to talk more openly, get proactive about their well-being, and break the stigma surrounding self-care.

When You’re the Helper: The Peer Support Perspective

Men working in peer support roles are in a unique position. They are often survivors of trauma, addiction, incarceration, or mental health challenges themselves—now using their lived experience to walk alongside others on the road to recovery.

The work is powerful, meaningful, and deeply human. But it also comes with weight:

• Emotional Load: Listening to others’ pain can reawaken your own.

• Boundary Blur: You want to be available—but are you giving too much?

• Burnout Risk: Supporting others can become overwhelming, especially if you’re neglecting yourself.

• Guilt: If you’re not always “strong” or struggling yourself, you might feel like you’re failing.

It’s important to acknowledge: being in a helping role doesn’t make you immune to stress, grief, depression, or health issues. Being strong doesn’t mean never needing help—it means knowing when to ask for it.

The Myth of the Invincible Man

For generations, men have been taught to associate their worth with what they do for others—being providers, protectors, problem-solvers. While these roles can be meaningful, they become dangerous when they leave no room for vulnerability.

The peer support model helps break that cycle by normalizing real conversations, including emotions, setbacks, and resilience. But even within peer support circles, the pressure to “be okay” can linger.

Let’s be clear: you don’t need to be perfect to help others. You don’t need to have it all together. You just need to be honest—with yourself, and with the people around you.

Men’s Health Month is an invitation to do just that.

6 Ways to Prioritize Your Health as a Peer Supporter

Here are six evidence-based ways men—especially those in caregiving roles—can take better care of themselves this month and beyond.

1. Book Your Checkups—Even If You Feel Fine

Prevention is key. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to see a doctor. A yearly physical can screen for:

• Blood pressure and cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Prostate health

• Mental health concerns

• Colon cancer (especially for men 45+)

Many men ignore subtle symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, or aches. Don’t dismiss them. Your body is talking to you.

2. Practice Emotional Hygiene

You brush your teeth every day, right? What about your mind?

Check in with yourself regularly:

• How am I feeling today?

• What’s been draining me?

• What’s bringing me joy?

Consider journaling, attending therapy, or joining a men’s group where you can speak freely without judgment. Peer supporters often focus on others’ emotional wellness—don’t neglect your own.

3. Set Boundaries to Prevent Burnout

You don’t need to say “yes” to everything.

Ask yourself:

• Is this request something I can realistically take on?

• Will saying “yes” serve both me and the other person?

It’s okay to set limits on your availability, workload, or emotional energy. In fact, it’s necessary.

4. Move Your Body—Even a Little

Exercise is one of the most effective tools for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. You don’t need to run marathons. Start with:

• A 20-minute walk

• Gentle stretching

• Shooting hoops

• Playing with your kids or dog

Movement releases endorphins, improves sleep, and strengthens your heart. It’s a triple win.

5. Fuel Up Right

Nutrition affects mood, energy, and long-term health. Try:

• Adding one extra serving of fruits or vegetables a day

• Swapping sugary drinks for water or herbal tea

• Eating meals instead of skipping or snacking constantly

You don’t have to overhaul your diet overnight. Small, consistent changes make a big impact.

6. Connect With Others—Really

Men often connect over sports, work, or hobbies—but may shy away from emotional openness.

Try this:

• Reach out to a friend and ask how they are, too.

• Be honest about your own challenges.

• Join a peer support network or recovery group for men.

Real connection isn’t just about being there—it’s about being real.

Your Well-Being Is a Service to Others

Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s strategic. When you’re rested, centered, and healthy, you can show up more fully for those you support.

Peer support is powerful because it’s human to human—not expert to patient. That humanity means showing up as a whole person: one who is still healing, learning, growing.

As one peer specialist put it:

“I learned the hard way that I couldn’t help anyone if I was running on empty. Once I started treating myself with the same compassion I offer others, everything changed.”

So this Men’s Health Month, commit to taking your own well-being seriously. Not in a performative way—but because you matter.

You are more than what you do for others. You are not invincible—and that’s okay. You deserve care, rest, and support, too.

Final Thoughts: Check In, Don’t Check Out

Let this month be a wake-up call and a reminder: you are needed, but not at the expense of your health.

Peer supporters are known for their courage in facing hard things and helping others do the same. That courage must extend inward.

So ask yourself:

• What’s one thing I can do today to care for myself?

• Who can I talk to if I’m struggling?

• What would I tell someone else in my shoes?

Then do that thing. Make that call. Have that conversation.

This Men’s Health Month, let’s redefine what it means to be strong.

Strong is being open. Strong is asking for help.

Strong is knowing you’re worth caring for.