Florida State University experts available for interviews on Men’s Health Month

By Olivia Sanchez

Celebrated in June, Men’s Health Month encourages fathers to exemplify better living and seek preventative care.

The month raises awareness for more men to prioritize their overall health— both physically and mentally. According to the Indiana University School of Medicine, most men tend to neglect the importance of their health. Only 60 percent go to the doctor for a yearly, routine checkup, and 40 percent won’t go until something is seriously wrong.

Men are recommended to receive a physical at least once a year. For physical activity, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advises at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.

Men’s mental health has become a greater point of emphasis in recent years. Generally speaking, males experience anxiety or depression daily but are not comfortable confiding in others. According to a report by the American Psychological Association, 31 percent of men experience depression at some point in their lives, and nine percent report daily feelings of depression or anxiety. However, only 25 percent seek assistance from a mental health professional.

From a family dynamic, men’s health can impact everyone around them.

Florida State University’s Kristen Greene is the director of the FSU Center for Couple and Family Therapy at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. She is an expert in mental illness and how families overcome mental health challenges.

Greene’s research indicates the large effect that men’s mental health has on family dynamics.

“In the family system, every member impacts the others, and men’s mental health, whether nurtured or neglected, can ripple through the entire family system,” Greene said. “When a man is carrying unspoken anxiety, grief, or burnout, those unspoken parts often speak through his behavior, perhaps in withdrawal, irritability or silence. Families might notice tension without knowing its source and may begin to write their own interpretations of what that silence means.”

Michael Ormsbee, director of the FSU Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, specializes in research related to exercise training and nutritional interventions. He believes men should never undersell the importance of checking on their health, even if they are in good shape.

“Skipping your yearly screenings might not seem like a big deal — especially if you feel fine — but it’s one of the easiest ways to miss something that could impact your health down the road,” Ormsbee said. “One of the main reasons I emphasize early and regular checkups is so you can establish a personal baseline. You want to get tested when you feel your best. That gives you a clear picture of what ‘optimal’ looks like for you in terms of blood biomarkers, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep, nutrition status and general well-being.”

Media inquiries related to men’s mental health can contact Professor Greene at khgreene@fsu.edu.

Media inquiries related to men’s physical health can contact Professor Ormsbee at mormsbee@fsu.edu.

Kristen Greene, director of the Center for Couple and Family Therapy, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

What tips do you have for men to help them take better care of their mental health?
“According to the National Institute of Mental Health, only 35% of men with a mental health disorder sought professional treatment in the last year, compared to 54% of women. The gap is more pronounced when looking at men aged 18-29, with only 20% seeking treatment. There are multiple reasons for this disparity, many of them rooted in sociocultural messages. It is just as important for men to prioritize their mental health, whether seeking professional help is an option or not.

“One helpful practice is to take a moment and become curious about your inner world. Ask questions such as, ‘What am I carrying right now? Who or what has shaped how I respond to stress?’ Journaling or even open conversations with trusted friends can help uncover the stories that influence your mental health. Create small rituals of care. This might look like taking a quiet walk to process the day, or intentional processing of the day during the drive home from work. Saying ‘no’ when something doesn’t align with your values, or scheduling time to check in with yourself emotionally. These aren’t just self-care habits; they’re acts of reclaiming yourself.” 

What outcomes are possible when men prioritize their mental health?
“When men begin to name their emotions, seek support and make space for their mental well-being, they offer a powerful counter-narrative. They show that it’s possible to feel and still be grounded, to struggle and still lead, to love without needing to control. This reshapes not only their own journey, but the emotional literacy of the entire family.

“I often tell the men I work with that when you take care of your mental health, you’re not just caring for yourself, you’re interrupting cycles, healing generational wounds and modeling something new for the people you love most.”

Michael Ormsbee, director of the Institute of Sports Sciences & Medicine, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Do men’s specific needs differ from women’s when it comes to diet?
“Yes, but probably not in the oversimplified way you see online. I tend to frame nutrition more around individual goals — whether that’s body composition, strength, endurance or overall health — rather than just gender. That said, men typically have more lean mass and a larger body size, which means they often need more overall calories and protein to support muscle maintenance, energy demands and performance. Hormones like testosterone do play a role, but it’s one of many factors that influence how men respond to different training or dietary strategies. Still, the biggest advantage comes from knowing your own data. If you feel good on a certain diet with or without certain foods, pay attention to that!  That’s how you build a nutrition plan that actually works for you, not just for your gender. You must choose a plan that is sustainable. If you don’t think you can maintain something you are doing forever, then you should dial in a new plan.”

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