Men can be labelled with negative stereotypes that come with judgment and even told to literally “man up”. These archaic beliefs set a standard for men. They basically tell us that reaching out for professional mental health support is weak, pathetic, and not “manly”, contributing to toxic masculinity and stigma.
Stigmatisation makes us believe that support is off the table because if we do, we’ll be perceived as something other than the societal picture of what a man is. Quite frankly, these beliefs are wrong. They’re antiquated. They’re outdated. But stigmas are intrinsically sticky. Honestly, they’re not easy to shake—especially without access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or other mental health services for men.
I’m a 28-year-old male writing this article. I’m sure many of you read my previous article on my journey with mental health, so I apologise if you’re already sick of my story. But seeing as it’s Men’s Health Month and Men’s Mental Health Week this June, I thought we’d take a moment to explore the topical theme of “Closing the Empathy Gap.”
Why Should We Care About Men’s Mental Health?
A topical issue facing men in this day and age is mental health. But why should we care? Well, the statistics speak for themselves: 51% of Aussie men say they have suffered or are suffering from a mental health condition, Compare the Market reports.
Equally, low mood, issues with sleeping, and anxiety were common themes found in the study. Worryingly, Compare the Market’s Men’s Mental Health Report discovered that one in two men have socially withdrawn—highlighting the urgent need for accessible counselling services and EAP support in Australian workplaces.
Sadly, the same report identified that one in three men experience suicidal thoughts and ideation. Such concerning statistics have culminated in men disproportionately dying by suicide each day (7 out of 9 people who die by suicide each day are male, Beyond Blue reports). This makes suicide prevention in Australia a gendered crisis that urgently needs targeted mental health services for men.
Why Men Find Seeking Support Difficult & The Repercussions of Not Seeking Support
Based on these statistics, men’s health is a critical issue, and more needs to be done. I know over the years, my health has given me uncompromising anxiety. When I look back at health scares, my mental health journey, and everything in between, I was afraid of seeking support. Why? I couldn’t tell you. Perhaps it was societal stigmas, fears that those around me wouldn’t understand, or this persistent belief that I would be fine eventually.
Men’s Line says “social norms and cultural expectations” can place an element of toxicity behind seeking help. Other factors can include shame, embarrassment, and little understanding. We can be expected to appear strong, unwavering, and stoic. But why? It should be normal for men to feel vulnerable, emotional, and cared for—especially with access to confidential EAP counselling services through work.
What Happens When Men Don’t Speak Up: The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Mental Health
Mental health silence in men is a pressing issue, especially in the suicide prevention space. I know that I was in this boat: men avoiding therapy—whether that means talking to a psychologist, an EAP counsellor, or a GP—is a genuine issue. It’s also relevant in the physical health space, as we often suppress our health fears and delay physical check-ups.
According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, around two-thirds of men avoid seeking medical advice. Without visiting the GP for physical check-ups, we miss the often incidental opportunity to talk about our mental health challenges. This pattern of not visiting the GP can have severe physical and emotional repercussions.
Early detection is key for many types of cancers and health issues. They develop quietly and in the shadows. When left untreated…
Rapid treatment can be harder to access;
Life expectancy can be reduced;
And it could be too late to apply treatment.
With prostate and testicular cancers, if detected early, the five-year survival rate is 92% and 95%, respectively. With this in mind, how can we reduce the barriers to finding physical and mental health support and help men feel more comfortable being proactive about their wellbeing?
Closing The Empathy Gap: What This Means for Men’s Health
The theme for Men’s Health Month is closing the empathy gap. Sounds a little strange. You might be asking: What is the empathy gap? Why does it need closing? What does this mean for men’s health? A myriad of questions come to mind, but ultimately, the empathy gap looks like…
”“A lack of care, funding, and support for men’s issues, including health, education, and emotional wellbeing. Men’s challenges are often overlooked, leading to fewer resources, delayed care, and limited awareness.”
Men’s Mental Health Month Foundation
The mission behind this theme is to bring men’s health to the forefront, promoting and advocating for health literacy, prioritisation, safety, and social support avenues. MHM says that by addressing the ongoing challenges men face with their health, we could lay the foundation for creating healthier family units and communities, while reducing the toll placed on men’s wellbeing and alarming rates of suicide, cancer, and the gender lifespan gap.
The Empathy Gap: Why Men’s Health Deserves More Than Just a Month
I know that when I look back on when I first admitted that I had a mental health problem, it was met with resistance. Family members told me to man up, I was ashamed of needing to speak with a GP, and I felt isolated and alone. This shouldn’t be the case.
Being raw and honest about our feelings is the true path forward. When I spoke with one of my closest friends, who told me they were going through something similar, there was a collective sense of belonging. But why didn’t we talk about this before? Why couldn’t we be proactive? I’ve explored plenty of reasons why in this article, but realistically, there is an empathy gap regarding men’s emotional wellbeing.
Men’s health advocacy has made strides in recent years, but combating the ongoing stigmatisation men face isn’t an easy battle to win. Health inequalities for men are common, with Better Health Vic reporting that men are more likely to succumb to serious illness. Despite this, men’s GP appointments are shorter and less frequent – and we may only attend an appointment when something serious happens.
Real Strength Is Empathy: How Men Can Rewrite the Rules of Masculinity
Health inequalities for men need to be addressed, and it starts by reducing the barriers to seeking help. Toxic masculinity, and outdated ideas of what a man is, are some of the reasons why men think admitting that something is wrong is weak. We need to redefine what masculinity is.
Masculinity should be defined as being vulnerable, being open, being transparent, and not being afraid to speak up. We as men need to learn about emotional literacy by recognising, understanding, and managing our emotional wellbeing. But we all need some help! Here’s how you can help close the empathy gap in men’s mental health…
Have a conversation with the men in your life and allow them the space to speak candidly about their health.
Actively listen and ensure they feel heard.
They might be a little guarded to begin with, so consistently check in and demonstrate that talking about our health is nothing to be ashamed of.
I want to see a world where everyone lives happier, healthier lives. And something that resonates with me is the Men’s Health Month vision…
”“[A] world where empathy drives health equality, one where supporting men’s wellbeing is understood as a vital part of collective progress, not a competing cause. By embracing an empathetic approach to all life, we envision a future where all people thrive and live longer, healthier lives together.”
Men’s Mental Health Month Foundation
Tackling the Stigma Head-On: Why Telling Men to ‘Man Up’ Is Killing Us
There’s this old-fashioned belief that men are men if they are strong, stoic, and providers. This has hindered progress in men speaking up about their emotional state. Could this be derived from the nature vs. nurture argument? Our dads didn’t have support, so we’ve learnt from them that speaking up is unnatural.
A father and son mental health dynamic is something I’ve nurtured over time with my father. He suffers from anxiety, as do I, so we’ve been able to bond over these shared experiences, which has reduced the empathy gap between generations.
According to a study, intergenerational mental health can result in children developing a mental health disorder if their parent has a history of mental illness.
I hope we see a world where men are breaking the cycle. Stigmas aren’t new. They’ve pervaded society for hundreds of years. You may have heard: “Men don’t talk about their feelings,” “Being anxious is weak,” “Being vulnerable is weak,” and the age-old “Men don’t cry.”
These beliefs could be attributed to alarming statistics: only 35% of men said they’d reach out for help. In addition, men are more likely to form substance and alcohol abuse dependencies.
Breaking the stigma cycle is essential, so know the facts and understand that a stigma is usually based on falsehoods. Educate others and speak up when someone jokes, mocks, or promotes a stigma. Together, we can ensure everyone feels safe and supported when seeking help.
5 Myths About Men’s Mental Health – Busted
To keep things real (and a little lighter), let’s debunk some myths and answer the most common questions about men’s mental health. Because sometimes, the best way to tackle serious stuff is with a straight answer — no fluff, no judgement.
1. Do men really experience mental health issues as much as women?
Yes — but the numbers can be misleading. While women are more likely to report mental health concerns, 51% of Aussie men say they’ve experienced a mental health condition. The catch? Men often stay silent due to stigma, shame or the old “she’ll be right” mindset. Hint: talking helps.
2. Is therapy just talking about your feelings?
Not even close. Sure, feelings can come up — but therapy is also about solving problems, developing better coping tools, managing stress, and improving how you navigate work, relationships, and life in general. It’s more of a strategy session than a sob session (though crying’s fine too, just saying).
3. Isn’t it weak to ask for help?
Only if you think duct-taping your problems is a long-term solution. Asking for help is strength. Period. Holding it all in doesn’t make you strong — it makes you suffer in silence. Vulnerability is human, and connection is the antidote to isolation.
4. What are the benefits of therapy for men?
Plenty. Therapy can help you:
- Lower stress and anxiety
- Sleep better
- Improve your relationships
- Build confidence and emotional awareness
- Reduce the risk of burnout or physical health issues tied to stress
It’s not just crisis management — it’s mental maintenance.
5. Aren’t most therapists women? Will they even get me?
A fair question. Yes, many therapists are women — and plenty are men, too. But gender aside, a good therapist is trained to get you and your experience. If one doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can (and should) try someone else. This is about you, and the right support is out there.
