International Men’s Day · November 19
International Men’s Day: How to Check In on the Men in Your Life
One day a year to say the quiet part out loud: men’s mental health matters, and most men won’t bring it up first.
By Rosie Acosta, mindfulness and mental health coach and Headspace mindfulness teacher · Last updated October 2026
Quick answerInternational Men’s Day is observed every year on November 19. Revived in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, it celebrates men’s positive contributions and draws attention to men’s health and wellbeing, including mental health.
Why It Matters
Why Mental Health Is Part of the Day
In the US, the suicide rate among men in 2024 was nearly four times the rate among women, according to the CDC. Men are also less likely than women to get mental health treatment, the National Institute of Mental Health notes. A lot of men are struggling quietly, and a check-in from someone who cares can be the thing that opens the door.
For the bigger picture, read men’s mental health: strong doesn’t mean silent.
For Men
Five Things to Do This Week
- Text one friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Keep it simple: “Been thinking about you. How are you doing?”
- Take a 10-minute walk without your phone.
- Breathe in for four, out for six, five times, the next time you feel your jaw tighten.
- Book the check-up you’ve been putting off.
- Say one true thing out loud to someone you trust: “I’ve been stressed.”
For Everyone Else
How to Check In on a Man You Care About
- Go side by side. A drive, a walk or a game is often easier than a face-to-face talk.
- Ask a real question. Skip “You good?” Try “You’ve had a lot on lately. How are you actually doing?”
- Listen more than you fix. Let the silence sit for a second. That’s often when the real answer comes.
- Follow up. Check in again in a few days. It tells him the first question wasn’t just polite.
For Workplaces
Mark the Day at Work
A short talk or workshop on stress and mental health gives people practical tools and permission to talk about it. Rosie Acosta offers keynotes and workshops in English and Spanish. If you’re planning ahead, Men’s Health Month is every June.
Book Rosie to SpeakWhen to Get Help
If Someone Is in Crisis
If you or a man in your life is thinking about suicide, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US, any time. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Coaching is not therapy or crisis care.
Support
Work With Rosie
Rosie Acosta is a mindfulness and mental health coach and a mindfulness teacher at Headspace. She works with women and men one-on-one, online, in English or Spanish, on stress, anger, burnout and the big changes of life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
International Men’s Day FAQ
When is International Men’s Day?
Every year on November 19.
Who started International Men’s Day?
An earlier version began in the United States in 1992. Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh revived it on November 19, 1999, in Trinidad and Tobago, and it has grown from there.
How is it different from Movember and Men’s Health Month?
International Men’s Day is a single day, November 19. Movember is a global men’s health charity whose moustache campaign raises money and awareness for causes including mental health and suicide prevention. Men’s Health Month is observed every June.
How can I support a man who’s struggling?
Check in side by side, ask a real question, listen more than you fix, and follow up a few days later. If he mentions suicide, take it seriously and call or text 988 together.
Where can I get help right now?
In the US, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
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