Men are often encouraged to “man up” through stress, fear and emotional struggles, but local mental health professionals say those expectations can create lasting consequences when emotions are ignored rather than addressed.

June is recognized as National Men’s Mental Health Month, bringing attention to a stigma, emotional suppression and mental health struggles many men continue facing across the country and within local communities. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths nationally and die by suicide at nearly four times the rate of women.

Local therapist Robert Cox of Life Recovery Consulting said societal expectations often discourage men from openly discussing emotions or seeking support when struggling.