Men's mental health in Australia
1. Why men's mental health in the workplace should not be ignored
Men’s mental health is a critical workplace issue, with 43% of men experiencing anxiety or depression and 75% of suicides affecting men in Australia.
2. The role of a workplace in support men's mental health
Workplaces play a significant role, influencing men’s wellbeing through culture, workload, support systems, and leadership behaviours.
3. What workplaces can do
Simple, proactive actions create meaningful change, from normalising conversations and training managers to offering confidential support like EAP counselling for men.
The Importance of Men’s Mental Health at Work and Beyond
Men and mental health, it’s a stark reality that mental health challenges impact millions of men across Australia. Statistically, 43% of men experience anxiety or depression, according to Beyond Blue. That’s a significant number of Aussie blokes who are struggling with their mental health. We also can’t fail to recognise the disproportionate suicide rates among men. ABS data highlights that, each day, seven men take their own lives. Sadly, 75% of all suicides recorded are also men.
We all have a part to play in eliminating these rates and supporting the men around us. Equally, with 71.2% of Australian men in the workforce, organisations also have a leading role. But what can we do to make a difference? Similarly, what can workplaces do to offer support to their male employees? Well, there’s a whole range of efforts and simple measures that can be implemented. Let’s explore how to support men at work…
What is Men’s Mental Health and Why Does it Matter
We love a good definition at Converge EAP, so men’s mental health can be defined as the emotional, psychological, and social welfare of men. There’s a range of factors that can add to the mental burden many men face. For example, workplace stress, relationships, male help-seeking barriers, stigmas and pressure – the list is endless. But how do we recognise when a man in our life is experiencing poor mental health? Some signs of mental health issues in men could include:
- Irritability and frustration
- Social withdrawal
- Anger and aggression
- Increase or decrease in sleep and/or appetite
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or lonely
Now, it’s important to note that many people with mental health issues may seem fine on the surface. I can think of times when I never realised that the men in my home or office were struggling.
According to Priory, 40% of men conceal their mental health issues. Another worrying statistic is that some men feel embarrassed to share that they’re struggling. What does this tell us? We need to dig deeper, pay greater attention, and check in frequently.
That’s why it matters. Suicide and mental ill-health rates are significantly high in our male population. Something needs to be done.
The Hidden Crisis: Why Men Don’t Seek Mental Health Support
Society has an abundance of pressure. Women, just as much as men, experience compounding pressures. But some of the reasons why men particularly struggle seeking help include:
- Norms and beliefs
- Stigmas and stereotypes
- Male help-seeking barriers
- Poor or lack of role models
- Shame and embarrassment
- Little awareness around men’s mental health
As a male myself, I’ve experienced my fair share of stigmas and stereotypes. Some mean it, but many don’t. Some throwaway comments can be attributed to societal norms and jokes that, in reality, have a considerable impact. I remember trying to open up to friends and family, only to be dismissed. I was told to “man up”, I was told to “act like a man”, and I was told to “be a man”. As a result, this showed me why men don’t seek mental health support, or may struggle speaking up.
Regardless of whether these comments were said with intent or in jest, they make help-seeking significantly harder. Why? Because of intrinsic shame, embarrassment, and the internal thoughts (sometimes even external comments) that speaking up is weak – all because we’re told this is how things are. But they shouldn’t be.
At a glance
Men’s Mental Health at Work
Snapshot of why men’s mental health at work matters in Australia.
Mental health impact 43% of men experience anxiety or depression1
of suicides in Australia are men2
men take their own lives every day in Australia2
of Australian men are in the workforce3
1 Beyond Blue 2 ABS data 3 Workforce participation data (Australia)
Workplace Mental Health for Men: How Workplaces Can Support Men
In the workplace specifically, men may feel that speaking out could harm their chances of advancement. It could engender a fear of judgment and prejudice. The workplace can have both positive and negative impacts on men’s wellbeing. Let’s explore workplace mental health for men, and what helps and doesn’t help.
The positives:
- The workplace can provide a sense of purpose
- Give men feelings of self-worth and belonging
- Boost confidence and social connections
- Can increase financial stability
- Provides a sense of achievement
The negatives:
- Conversely, work can add high stress and burnout
- Cultural expectations that men need to provide
- Poor work-life balance
- Negative reliance on work (that work is their identity)
- Macho work culture
But what can we do to promote working environments that underpin men’s mental health in the workplace? In addition, how can workplaces better support men’s health?
What Workplaces Can Do to Support Men’s Mental Health
While encouraging employees to check in on colleagues to find out how they are going can be beneficial, the workplace should be looking to make a more impactful difference and intentionally drive supportive behaviours and culture. Indeed, workplace health-improvement initiatives explicitly tailored to men are not only more effective at engaging men but are also welcomed and valued by them.
The first, and perhaps the most crucial step, in addressing mental health challenges is promoting a workplace where:
- All staff members are supported,
- Communication is open,
- Help is accessible, and
- Positive mental health is actively monitored and promoted.
Here’s how workplaces can support men: promote an overall workplace culture where employees feel safe to disclose a mental health issue, which can aid both women’s and men’s mental health. Ultimately, the alternative is a workplace where problems are ignored and vulnerable individuals are in danger of spiralling into negative cycles of stress and dysfunction, culminating in more serious and intractable mental health conditions that can be time-consuming, expensive and difficult to treat.
Other Initiatives Workplaces Can Offer To Support Men
On-site support: Converge has a 60-year history of providing on-site support to male-dominated workplaces. Why? Because in many work environments, the trust built through regular support from the same individual or small team provides the opportunity to notice change in team members over time and allows opportunistic help-seeking that would not happen if it required some people to pick up the phone and ask for help. Being a trusted face around the workplace really matters and can make a life-changing difference.
Manager training: Line managers should be trained in looking out for the symptoms of poor mental health. Perhaps an extrovert becomes quiet and withdrawn in team meetings, or a highly productive person suddenly falls behind their peers. Whatever the case, spotting the signs of poor mental health can make a massive difference to someone who is suffering. Line managers can be trained to have difficult conversations about mental health.
Create safe spaces: From peer group discussions to ‘buddy programs,’ create a safe space for employees to talk about their mental health so they don’t feel alone in their experiences. Ensure these are well-advertised and easy to access.
Have an open approach: Having a CEO, leadership team, or manager be open about their mental health issues will help teams feel like they can be open too. Role modelling and normalising vulnerability, and overcoming challenges, can be compelling in male-dominated workplaces.
Clearly signpost places of support: For example, EAP counselling for men, including specific men’s mental health support, peer support, and buddy programs. Ensure all of these supports are clearly signposted throughout the workplace. It can also be beneficial to create email banners outlining where employees can go for specific, funded Men’s mental health support Australia.
Normalise conversations: An environment where men can open up about their feelings will help support conversations around mental wellbeing. Charities such as Movember make it easy for workplaces to raise awareness of male mental health issues by providing men’s mental health resources and event ideas that address more challenging topics in an engaging, light-hearted way.
Keep it confidential: In dealing with sensitive disclosures that arise from open discussions, ensure sound principles of privacy and confidentiality are understood by team members participating in these critical discussions.
Ultimately, both individuals and employers need to encourage men to share mental health experiences and challenges and let them know that it’s not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength – to address the issues we all face in life from time to time, that can, if left unchecked, deteriorate into depression, anxiety or more severe mental illness.
Practical Tips to Improve Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing
Simplicity is key. And there are many simple actions men can take to improve their mental health and wellbeing, such as, regular exercise and keeping active – this helps to reduce stress and improve both physical and mental health, but other ways include:
Sleep is a best friend! Advocate for prioritising a sleep routine, as it can improve mood and emotional regulation.
Try a Grounding exercise – such as the 5,4,3,2,1 exercise. This technique engages each of the senses as the person breathes deeply in and out. 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste. This is an excellent grounding exercise when someone feels anxious or stressed.
Try mindfulness – There are plenty of Apps available to assist you in scheduling a 1 to 10-minute mindfulness activity throughout the day, or use your commute or lunch break to engage with your surroundings mindfully
Talk! It isn’t weak to speak up. If something doesn’t feel right, reach out to a friend or family member. Talk to a colleague, or access professional help – a GP or workplace EAP – where they can receive EAP counselling for men.
Most importantly, make being proactive a staple. Reach out frequently and ask if they’re okay. If you’re a manager or leader, speak with your team about the importance of wellbeing and open communication.
Everyone can try the sideways conversation technique: do something while talking—go for a run, grab a coffee, or do some gardening. It’s a less confrontational approach, allowing walls to come down. In a work context, leaders and colleagues could go for a walking 1 2 1 or grab a coffee from a local café.
Where Men Can Find Support: EAP, GP, or a Friend
Before we get into men’s mental health support Australia avenues, the key message from this article is that men should never be ashamed, embarrassed, or judged about speaking up. It isn’t weak or pathetic. Speaking up could be the best thing a man ever does. Take it from me: I struggled for years, thinking I needed to “drink a cup of concrete and harden up”. The truth is: that wasn’t right. Speaking up changed my life. So, how do men get the help they need:
- Speak with a mate
- Speak with a colleague
- Speak with a manager
- Speak with a family member
- Speak with a GP
The keyword here is speak. Did you know men – and women – can also receive expert counselling support from their workplace – cue EAP. Employee assistance programs are a free, confidential support resource for employees struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. The support is delivered by experienced professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and counsellors. We’ve supported over 25,000 men this year, and we can help you!
If your organisation partners with Converge EAP, you can access confidential, expert support today — anytime, anywhere. Book a session now →
Men’s Mental Health Australia Questions & Answers
What is men’s mental health?
Men’s mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing of men. It includes how men cope with stress, relate to others, manage emotions, and make everyday decisions. Factors such as workplace pressure, relationship challenges, mental health stigma for men, and societal expectations can all impact men’s mental health.
Why is men’s mental health important?
Men experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide in Australia. Around 43% of men experience anxiety or depression, and 75% of all suicides are men. Supporting men’s mental health is vital to reducing stigma, encouraging early intervention, and improving overall wellbeing at home and at work.
What are common signs that a man may be struggling with his mental health?
Signs may include irritability, anger, frustration, social withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, or appearing sad, hopeless, or emotionally flat. Many men also hide their struggles, so changes in behaviour or mood should be taken seriously.
Why do men often find it hard to seek help?
Stigma, societal expectations, traditional beliefs about masculinity, embarrassment, and a lack of role models can all discourage men from seeking help. Many men fear being judged as weak or worry about how openness could affect their relationships or career.
How does the workplace affect men’s mental health?
Workplaces can positively influence men’s wellbeing by providing purpose, achievement, belonging, and financial security. However, work can also contribute to high stress, burnout, poor work–life balance, identity pressure, and cultural expectations to “provide” or “push through.”
What can workplaces do to support men’s mental health?
Workplaces can:
- Build a culture of open communication
- Make help-seeking safe and stigma-free
- Provide access to EAP services
- Train managers to identify signs of poor mental health
- Offer on-site support
- Create peer or buddy programs
- Promote confidentiality
- Encourage leaders to share their own stories
These actions help men feel safer to speak up and access support.
What simple actions can men take to improve their mental wellbeing?
Practical steps include exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, practising mindfulness or grounding exercises, talking openly about feelings, and reaching out to trusted people such as friends, family, colleagues, or professionals.
How can leaders support men’s mental health at work?
Leaders can support men by regularly checking in, creating psychologically safe environments, modelling vulnerability, encouraging open conversations, and directing employees to confidential support such as EAP services. Even small actions—like a walking meeting or coffee check-in—can help build trust.
Where can men seek support for mental health challenges?
Men can speak with friends, family, colleagues, managers, or a GP. Many workplaces also provide access to confidential professional counselling through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP services offer expert mental health support from psychologists, counsellors, and social workers.
How does an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) help men?
An EAP provides free, confidential counselling and wellbeing support to employees. It helps men access professional guidance without needing a referral, encourages early intervention, and offers a safe, judgment-free space to talk through personal or work-related challenges.
Why is creating safe spaces for conversations so important?
Safe spaces reduce fear of judgment and help men feel more comfortable expressing emotions. Whether through organised peer groups, buddy systems, or informal conversations, these environments help men open up before issues escalate into more serious mental health concerns.
