Every June, Men’s Health Month is honored as a way to shed light on topics that are very often overlooked and to show that health goes beyond physical fitness.

What started as a week-long movement from a bill passed in 1994 has transformed into a month-long global campaign. This month is designed to help break the stigma around “toughing it out” and encourage men to get routine checkups to tackle preventable diseases.

For years, young boys have been taught that they need to “act like a man” or told that crying makes them weak. This has caused a steady and concerning rise in men reporting mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation over the last decade. Since men tend to show different symptoms than women do, they are more likely to be overlooked and undiagnosed. Men are more likely to show depression through anger, aggression or substance abuse rather than sadness.

While the term “men’s health” may cause focus on the physical aspect, Men’s Health Month is designed to also highlight the importance of taking care of one’s mental well-being. Suicide rates for young men and boys have increased significantly over the years with men accounting for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths. During the month of June, there are various community health fairs, panel discussions, and workplace seminars that have been designed to help break the stigma around needing to appear “tough” at all times.

There are a number of things men can do in order to better their health, including having a primary care doctor, staying on top of preventive screenings, and having open conversations about their mental health and stress management.

Beyond mental health, Men’s Health Month is to raise awareness about heart disease, prostate and testicular cancer and high blood pressure or cholesterol concerns among other conditions. 65% of men have admitted to avoiding seeking medical help for as long as possible. One in 10 men globally experience one or more mental health concerns and less than half will seek professional help in their lifetime to treat these symptoms. Up to 40% of men avoid annual check-ups and only see a healthcare provider when they are severely ill.

Remember this month to tell the men and other loved ones in your life to take charge of their health, whether that be mental or physical. Making an appointment with a healthcare provider for an annual exam is a great first step.