Key takeaways
Mental health struggles are common for men and show up in different ways, including stress, anger, withdrawal or feeling overwhelmed.
Anxiety and depression are common, and support is available.
Looking out for mates and having honest conversations can make a real difference.
Everyone deserves support, and help is available at any stage of the journey.
Don’t wait until things get serious – reaching out early can help prevent things from becoming harder to manage.
Men's mental health statistics
While Australian men and boys are less likely to have a diagnosed mental health condition than women, they have higher rates of suicide.
- 42% of men have experienced a mental illness at some point
- Nearly 1 in 5 men had a 12-month mental disorder in 2020–2022
- Only 28% of men will seek professional mental health support (compared with 50% of women)
- Of the 9 people who take their own lives every day, 7 are men
- In Australia, people can delay seeking support for up to 10 years
The stigma around men's mental health
Stigma can make it difficult for men to acknowledge when they’re not doing too well, and even harder to reach out for the kinds of support they need.
Why many men don't reach out
When it comes to mental health, men are less likely than women to seek support - especially early on.
Often, this is because:
It feels easier to deal with it yourself
You don't want to burden others
You're not sure if it's "serious enough"
You're used to "pushing through"
There can also be a stigma around seeking help that makes it difficult to acknowledge when we’re not doing too well and can leave us feeling hesitant to reach out for support when we’re struggling.
Support can start earlier
Mental health is like any other medical condition, such as a broken leg. And, like other medical conditions, it’s important to seek support early for mental health issues rather than waiting for things to escalate.
Small steps taken early can make a real difference, such as talking things through with someone you trust, and staying connected with people, even in simple ways.
Support doesn’t have to be formal or heavy. It can start with everyday moments. Sometimes simply saying things out loud can make a huge difference and help lighten the load.
You might be surprised to hear there are others who understand what you’re going through.
You might be the reason someone gets help earlier
Support isn’t just about reaching out. It can also start from others reaching in.
Friends, teammates, partners and family members can play an important role in noticing when something’s not quite right.
You don’t need to have all the answers or say the perfect thing. What matters is showing up.
Anxiety and depression in men
Everyone feels sad, angry, or flat sometimes. However, if you’ve been feeling sad, down, miserable, or angry for more than two weeks, you may be experiencing anxiety or depression.
Behaviour
Spending time with friends is a great way for men and boys to maintain their mental health.
Withdrawing from social activities and spending more time alone can be a sign of depression:
Some examples of things you might notice
- Not going out anymore
- Not getting things done at work/school
- Withdrawing from close family and friends
- Relying on alcohol and sedatives
- Not doing usual enjoyable activities
- Inability to concentrate
Feelings
We all have good days and bad days.
But you may be experiencing early signs of depression if, for two weeks or more, you’ve felt down or:
Some examples of things you might notice
- Guilty
- Irritable
- Frustrated
- Lacking in confidence
- Unhappy
- Indecisive
- Disappointed
Thoughts
Men and boys often feel like they should solve issues by themselves but it shows courage to ask for help when you need it.
It’s important to talk to friends or support services about what you are going through if you’re having thoughts like these:
Some examples of things you might notice
- "I’m a failure."
- "It’s my fault."
- "Nothing good ever happens to me."
- "I’m worthless."
- "Life’s not worth living."
- "People would be better off without me."
Physical
Men and boys are likely to notice physical changes before anything else.
Depression can make it hard for you to get out of bed each morning, reduce your motivation to exercise and alter your appetite.
Some examples of things you might notice
- Feeling tired all the time
- Headaches and muscle pains
- Feeling sick and run down
- A churning gut
- Sleep problems
- Loss or change of appetite
- Significant weight loss or gain
What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety in men?
All men experience stress at different times in their lives.
It could be feeling overwhelmed by a busy work schedule, or struggling with money problems, or feeling nervous before giving a speech at a wedding. This type of "normal" stress is part of life and usually passes when the situation is overcome or goes away.
But anxiety is different. Anxiety is the fear that something terrible is going to happen.
Your worries "snowball" and you see catastrophes in everyday situations
Your worries make you feel panicked, tense, or on edge
Your worries stop you from getting the sleep you need
Your worries prevent you from doing normal things
Anxiety can be a serious condition, but you don’t need to let it control you. Like depression, anxiety is treatable.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it’s important to get support so you can start to get better. Have a chat to your GP or keep reading to explore ways to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
What causes anxiety and depression in men
It's not easy to say exactly what causes anxiety and depression in men and boys.
Reasons can be different for everyone and, in some cases, there may not be an obvious cause.
There are many reasons that can contribute to anxiety and depression in men.
Some men are more likely to develop a mental health condition due to their genetics, and big life changes in relationships, career, and loneliness can often contribute to anxiety or depression.
The reasons can be different for everyone, but we know that your risk may be higher if you're experiencing:
Problems or concerns with your physical health, such as coming to terms with a new diagnosis or an injury affecting your daily wellbeing.
Relationship challenges that can arise from general stress or ongoing tensions and arguments, or changing dynamics in a relationship such as new parenthood, separation and divorce.
Isolation from close friends, family, and loved ones, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and a lack of support.
Issues at work, financial stress or job loss impacting your sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
Problems with sleeping affecting your ability to manage your mood and stress. Struggling to fall asleep, difficulty staying asleep and oversleeping can also be symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Excessive use of drugs or alcohol is usually a sign of developing an unhealthy coping mechanism.
What can men do to improve their mental health?
Many men are used to putting work, family and other responsibilities first.
But looking after your own mental health is just as important.
Many of us aren’t great at looking after ourselves. Thankfully, there are many resources available and simple things you can do to support your mental health.
Taking small steps to stay connected, active and supported can help you manage life's challenges and maintain your wellbeing.
Here are some simple resources and easy things you can do to maintain your mental health and wellbeing.
Getting support
Seeking support isn't a sign of weakness.
It's one of the most important things you can do for your mental health and wellbeing.
There are many ways to get support:
Talk to a trusted friend, family member or partner.
Make an appointment with your GP to discuss how you're feeling.
Reach out to a mental health professional or support service.
No matter what's going on, you don't have to face it alone. Support is available, and reaching out can be the first step towards feeling better.
When to get help
You don't need to wait until things feel overwhelming before seeking support. If something is affecting your wellbeing or making it harder to get through everyday life, it's worth reaching out.
You may want to seek support if:
You've noticed ongoing changes in your mood, behaviour or energy levels.
You're feeling stressed, anxious, low or overwhelmed most of the time.
You're struggling to cope, feeling isolated, or finding it harder to do the things you normally do.
The earlier you reach out, the sooner you can find the support that's right for you.
