Men's mental health: breaking the silence

Two men chatting. (Photo by Connor Olson on Unsplash)

Conversations about mental health have become more common in recent years, but many men still find it difficult to talk openly about how they feel. While awareness campaigns have helped reduce stigma, the reality is that cultural expectations, personal pride and fear of judgement still stop a lot of men from seeking help when they need it.

Statistics show that men are less likely than women to be diagnosed with common mental health conditions, but this does not mean they experience fewer problems. Many men cope in silence or express distress in ways that are less easily recognised, such as irritability, workaholism, substance use or withdrawal from relationships. Suicide rates also remain higher for men, which shows that the cost of this silence can be devastating.

Social conditioning plays a role. From a young age many boys are taught, often without words, that showing vulnerability is a weakness. This can lead to emotional suppression and a tendency to power through difficulties alone. While resilience is valuable, carrying everything internally can increase feelings of isolation and make problems harder to resolve.

Improving male mental health begins with changing the narrative around strength. True strength is not about ignoring pain but about facing it directly and taking steps to address it. This might mean opening up to a friend, joining a support group, working with a therapist or engaging in coaching to build coping strategies and resilience. For some, it starts with small steps such as acknowledging stress, reducing harmful habits or making time for restorative activities.

Workplaces, communities and friendship groups all have a role to play. Normalising conversations about mental health, checking in on each other without judgement and making space for honest dialogue can help create environments where men feel safe to share what is going on beneath the surface.

Male mental health is not a niche issue, it is a vital part of overall wellbeing. By challenging outdated ideas about masculinity and creating spaces for openness, more men can access the support they need before reaching crisis point. Change starts with each conversation, each moment of honesty and the recognition that no one has to go through life’s challenges alone.