Talking about men’s mental health is more important than ever. Many men struggle in silence, often feeling pressure to stay strong and not show vulnerability. This June, as we focus on raising awareness, it’s a chance to break the stigma and encourage open conversations. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and getting support should never be seen as a weakness. By spreading awareness, we can help more men seek the help they need—not just this month, but all year round.

How Mental Health Affects Men in a Harmful Way

Mental health struggles continue to be a major issue, and while suicide is preventable, data from 2022 shows that 8.6 Australians take their own life every day. To put it in perspective, that’s more than twice the number of people who die in road accidents.

In 2022, there were 3,249 suicide deaths in Australia, with men making up about 75% of cases (2,455 deaths), while 794 were women. Lifeline data also reveals that the LGBTQIA+ community faces even greater challenges, with suicide attempts over a 12-month period being 10 times higher than the general population.

According to the AIHW, men aged 45 to 49 and those over 85 had the highest suicide rates in 2022, with 32.7 and 32.6 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively. However, the problem is widespread, especially for those over 40. Suicide has now become the leading cause of premature death for people aged 15 to 44, surpassing many other diseases and health conditions.

Mental Health Insight for 2025

Access to Mental Health Support for Men

A majority of men encounter too much stress and mental illness when they are at work. Long working hours, job insecurity, and difficult working conditions can contribute to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Stigma is another big hurdle. Society often expects men to be strong and independent, which can make them hesitant to ask for help. Cultural beliefs linking mental health struggles to weakness add to this problem, leading many to delay seeking support until their condition worsens.

Compared to women, men are less likely to use mental health services. To improve this, it’s important to break down stigma and make mental health care easier to access. By tackling these barriers, more men can get the help they need to take care of their well-being.

Mental Health at Work

A majority of men encounter too much stress and mental illness when they are at work. Long working hours, job insecurity, and difficult working conditions can contribute to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

One of the most prevalent problems is that there is not enough support in the workplace. A majority of employees feel that their companies do not have good mental health policies or resources, making it harder to handle stress while conducting their work.

To improve mental health at work, employers can offer counselling services, introduce health programs, and build a supportive environment. Encouraging open discussions and reducing stigma can also make a big difference. When workplaces prioritise mental well-being, employees can stay healthier and more productive.

Also read: The Importance of Mental Health at Work

How to Support a Mate with Mental Health Struggles

If you notice a friend who seems down or struggling, you can use the ALEC method: Ask, Listen, Encourage action, and Check-in.

• Ask: Start with simple questions like, “How are you?” or “Are you okay?” If they don’t open up right away, trust your instincts and ask again.
• Listen: Give them your full attention. It might be hard for them to talk, so be patient and show support.
• Encourage action: Suggest ways to cope, and if they need more help, encourage them to talk to a doctor, a support service like Lifeline, their workplace EAP, or a psychologist.
• Check-in: Keep in touch. A quick message, phone call, or visit can mean a lot and remind them they’re not alone.

Your support can make a big difference in their mental well-being.

How Men Can Improve Their Health

Making small changes in daily life can enhance health. Exercise, balanced diet, good sleep, and managing stress all play a role in creating a healthier lifestyle. Avoiding smoking, drugs, and excessive alcohol is also important. Studies show that staying active not only improves physical health but also boosts mental well-being.

Even with a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups are important since some diseases develop without noticeable symptoms. Here’s what men should do:

• Get screened for cancer – Most cancers go unnoticed until it is too late. Regular visits to the doctor can find them early, which makes it more likely to be able to cure them.
• Perform self-exams – Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 20 to 39, and early detection can save lives. Checking for lumps and other abnormalities regularly, along with doctor visits, helps stay ahead of potential health risks.
• Visit the doctor regularly – Studies show that almost half of men aged between 18 and 55 lack a regular physician. A yearly check-up can identify problems before they become major health issues.

Taking care of your health doesn’t have to be complicated. Prioritizing regular check-ups and making healthy choices can lead to a longer, healthier life.

Support Men’s Mental Health with D’Accord OAS

June is Men’s Health Month, a reminder that mental well-being matters. Many men struggle in silence, but help is available. At D’Accord OAS, we provide counseling, trauma support, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) to make mental health care accessible and stigma-free. Our professional team offers a safe space to talk and find support. This month, take a step toward better mental health—reach out and start the conversation. Visit D’Accord OAS to learn more.