It’s International Men’s Health Week, and it’s more important than ever to open up conversations about male mental health. As a guy, it can be a bit harder to accept feelings of depression or anxiety, or you might feel inclined to try and push down these emotions. Unfortunately, ignoring the state of your mental health will ultimately make it worse.
Whether you’re already pretty comfortable with understanding mental health or you’re just getting started on your journey, it’s important to know there are resources out there and people who want to help you. No matter if it’s dealing with school, stress, anger management, break-ups, anxiety, depression, or any of the factors that impact mental health, your emotions are valid and there are always ways forward.
Here are some tips for dealing with mental health, and some resources you might find helpful.
Why don’t men talk about mental health?
Studies show that even though 77% of men suffer from mental health conditions, a massive 40% of men never speak to anyone about their issues. It shouldn’t be the case, but it’s true. So why is this? And what can we do to change it?
Mental healthcare provider Priory have made a list of the most common reasons men don’t talk about their mental health. Here’s some – and while we’re at it, let’s bust some myths.
“I’ve learnt to deal with it” (40%)
Note to self: ignoring emotions does not mean “learning to deal with it”. Unless you’ve learnt to deal with your mental health with direction and support from a mental health professional, chances are that what this really means is “I’ve tricked myself into bottling up dangerous emotions.”
You probably won’t be surprised to learn that this never works – in fact, it can make things worse. Instead of pretending everything is OK, talking to friends, family, a trusted adult, or a health professional can be a great first step to tackling your mental health issues head-on.
“I don’t want to be a burden” (30%)
First things first: you are never a burden. Think about it – if your mate didn’t talk to you about his issues because he thought you might think he was annoying or it might put extra pressure on you, you’d be horrified, right? Now reverse the roles. Your family and friends should never treat you like a burden.
If you’re really worried about that, why not talk to a mental health professional, or reach out to the places created specifically for anonymous or online conversations? There are loads of resources out there – here are a few to get started:
- Free, confidential phone help line for young people aged 5 – 25
- You can have a chat by phone, online or by email about anything that’s worrying you
- Phone: 1800 55 1800
- Free and confidential phone calls
- Staffed by trained telephone counsellors to assist people in crisis
- Open to people of all ages
- Phone: 13 11 14
- An anonymous, 24/7 chat service
- Heaps of facts and info, stories, videos, blogs and forums
- National youth mental health foundation
- Help with mental health, work and study, or any issues you may be having
- Chat one-on-one to a clinician online, or email
- Find a centre
- Phone: 1800 650 890
You can also check out our blog on 5 ways to get mental health support without talking on the phone.
“I’m too embarrassed” (29%) or “there’s negative stigma” (20%)
Mental health stigma is a huge reason why people don’t seek help. Would you be embarrassed about trying to improve your physical health? Probably not, because it’s a healthy, positive improvement to your life – and same goes for bettering your mental health.
Mental illness is just as valid as physical illness, and talking about it can help you connect with others who are going through the same thing (trust us, you’ll be surprised at how many there are).
There is absolutely no shame in recovery, and seeking help is important for everyone.
“I don’t want to appear weak”(16%) or “I don’t want to admit I need support” (17%)
News flash: mental health issues are not a sign of weakness.
A sign of weakness is not reaching out because you’re scared of what others might think. A sign of strength is having the bravery to talk about your issues and ask for the help you need.
Think about your favourite role-model – whether it be an athlete, musician, or someone you know. We can guarantee they would have had to ask for help at some point in their life, and you wouldn’t think less of them for that, would you? Be kind to yourself, and be empowered to make the changes you need in your life.
“I have no-one to talk to” (14%)
Another huge misconception. There is always someone you can talk to about the way you’re feeling. Even if you feel like you can’t talk to someone in your current every-day life, there are helplines, online communities, mental wellbeing apps, free counselling, local community health centres, and social support resources out there.
Everyone feels lonely sometimes, but it’s important to recognise that there are always ways to connect with others and break out of self-isolation.
What should I do if I’m feeling down?
There are a few signs that might help you notice that you’re feeling down. You could be feeling sad, hopeless, or empty; you could feel very tired, or be sleeping too much; you could have trouble sleeping; or you could find that you’re not getting pleasure from activities you usually enjoy.
There are lots of symptoms of depression, and these are just some of them. It’s important to get help when you need it, and it’s best to talk to a trusted adult or reach out to your doctor about these feelings.
If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call emergency services -triple zero (000) in Australia. To talk to someone now, call Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Some self-help strategies you can try at home include:
- Talking about it
- Seeking help from an online community
- Practising meditation and mindfulness
- Exercising regularly
- Eating healthy
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs
- Enjoying plenty of sunshine and outdoor activity
- Getting enough sleep
- Making time for things you enjoy
- Socialising in-person with supportive friends
- Trying a creative outlet
- Journaling for men
Where can I get help?
There are loads of resources in place targeted specifically for male mental health. As well as talking about it with your friends, family, and a mental health professional, we’ve put together some places you can seek help:
- Free telephone service – call 1300 78 99 78
- Online chat and video counselling
- Information and articles about mental health, for men
- Assisted referrals
- 24/hour support
- Male-targeted mental health resources
- Health service locator
- Tips and support
- Men’s mental health and suicide prevention
- Anxiety and depression checklist
- Mental health resources
- Lifeline toolkit for men
- Real experiences
- Online chat
- Trained crisis supporter – call 13 11 14
- Text message support – text 0477 13 11 14
- Recommended resources for men
- Mental health self-check
- Find a therapist
- Self-help articles and stories
- Self-guided courses
- Roadmap to recovery
- Crisis support
- Humour to get men thinking and talking about mental health
- Provider directory
- National resources hub
- Mental health check
- Suicide prevention and intervention
- Face-to-face and online intervention
- Men’s mental health blog
- Resources
- Self-help
Does the conversation end after IMHW?
Short answer: no way! Male mental health is a widespread issue that doesn’t just go away, and mental health among young people in particular is something we need to bring to the forefront of our discussions. There is always help out there, no matter when you decide to reach out.
We also have loads more health and wellbeing tips here, and are dedicated to keeping the conversation going about how we can better help young people in all aspects of life.
Whether you’re interested in studying, working, or growing, here at SWG we have it all.
To keep with the theme of wellbeing, you might like to check out how to handle an uncomfortable work environment or the importance of self-care for high school students.