Why Men Struggle to Talk About Mental Health | Support for Men

When Silence Becomes Heavy

When it comes to mental health, silence can feel incredibly heavy. And although awareness around wellbeing has grown, many men still find it difficult to speak openly about how they are truly feeling. Behind closed doors, men may be battling stress, anxiety, or depression, yet feel reluctant to share their experiences with even those closest to them.

This reluctance is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it reflects powerful cultural expectations and personal beliefs that shape how men are taught to express—or suppress—their emotions.

This blog explores why men often struggle to talk about their mental health, the impact of internalised stigma, and, most importantly, practical steps to make honest conversations easier for men and for the people who care about them.

The Cost of Silence

Research consistently shows that men are less likely than women to seek professional help for mental health difficulties. Men are also more likely to rely on unhealthy coping strategies such as alcohol, substance use, or emotional withdrawal.

In both the UK and Australia, men make up the majority of lives lost to suicide—highlighting the devastating consequences that prolonged silence can have.

Behind these statistics are countless men who may genuinely want support but feel unable to ask for it. Understanding these barriers is the first step towards meaningful change.

Why Men Find It Hard to Talk About Mental Health

1. Early Socialisation

From childhood, many boys receive messages that “real men” are strong, stoic, and unemotional. Comments like “boys don’t cry” or “man up” discourage the natural expression of vulnerability. By adulthood, withholding emotion can feel automatic and even necessary.

2. Stigma and Stereotypes

Despite progress, mental health difficulties are still sometimes viewed through a lens of weakness—especially in male-dominated settings such as workplaces, trades, or sports. Many men fear their honesty will affect how others see them, damaging their reputation or career prospects.

3. Pressure to Be the Provider

Traditional roles often position men as protectors and providers. While meaningful for some, these expectations can also become a source of pressure. Men may worry that admitting they are struggling will make them appear unreliable or incapable of supporting those they love.

4. Limited Emotional Vocabulary

For many men, emotional expression was never modelled or encouraged growing up. Without practice, men may lack the language to explain what they are feeling, making conversations uncomfortable—not because the feelings are absent, but because the words are unfamiliar.

5. Fear of Burdening Others

Some men avoid opening up because they do not want to “trouble” or worry the people around them. They may believe silence is protective, even if it leaves them struggling alone.

The Impact of Keeping Emotions Bottled Up

Although silence may feel safer in the short term, it often carries long-term consequences, including:

• Increased stress and anxiety, as unspoken worries continue to build.
• Strained relationships, where loved ones sense emotional distance but don’t know why.
• Unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overworking, drinking, or risk-taking behaviours.
• Physical health effects, with chronic stress linked to heart disease, sleep problems, and weakened immunity.

Talking about mental health is not about rejecting strength—it is about creating healthier, more sustainable ways to cope.

How to Make Conversations Easier for Men

The good news is that change is possible. Men can learn to open up, and those around them can help create environments where it feels safe to talk.

1. Start Small

Opening up does not need to involve sharing everything at once. Small disclosures—feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stressed—build comfort and make deeper conversations easier over time.

2. Choose Comfortable Settings

Some men find direct face-to-face conversations daunting. Talking while doing an activity such as walking, driving, or playing sport can reduce pressure and encourage natural openness.

3. Normalise Mental Health Conversations

Friends, partners, and colleagues can help by using warm, non-judgemental check-ins such as:
“How are you really doing?”
or
“You seem a bit quieter lately—want to chat?”

These invitations show care without forcing disclosure.

4. Model Vulnerability

When one person speaks openly about their own experiences, it creates psychological safety for others to do the same. Sharing a little of your own challenges can signal that emotional honesty is normal and welcome.

5. Challenge Unhelpful Beliefs About Masculinity

It is worth reflecting on internalised beliefs such as “men should always be strong” or “talking about feelings is weak.”
True strength often lies in honesty, courage, and connection, not in silence.

6. Encourage Professional Help

While loved ones play a crucial role, professional support can be transformative. Encourage men to speak to their GP or a qualified psychologist. Seeking help is not a failure—it is an investment in long-term wellbeing.

If you’d like to learn more, you might find our related articles helpful:

• What Is CBT?

What Loved Ones Can Do

If you care about a man who finds it difficult to talk about his mental health, patience and consistency are essential. Avoid pushing too hard, as this can increase defensiveness.

Instead:

• Offer regular check-ins to show you’re available and present.
• Listen without judgement—sometimes simply being heard is powerful.
• Acknowledge their courage when they share.
• Offer practical support, such as helping book an appointment or going along with them.

Small gestures can mean more than you realise.

A Hopeful Outlook

Cultural norms are gradually shifting. Community movements, sports role models, and public health campaigns are encouraging men to speak more openly about their mental health. Every honest conversation between fathers and sons, mates, partners, and colleagues contributes to that progress.

Many men were raised being told to “toughen up.” But lasting strength doesn’t come from silence—it comes from connection. No one should have to carry emotional struggles alone.

Talking about mental health may feel daunting, but silence does not have to be the norm. By starting small, challenging old beliefs, and creating safe spaces for honesty, men can learn to share their inner world more openly. Loved ones can support this by listening with compassion and encouraging help when needed.

Because mental health isn’t about being “strong” or “weak”—it’s about being human. And every human deserves to be heard, understood, and supported.

Call to Action: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you or someone you love is struggling, reaching out for professional support can be the first step towards healing.

At CBT Professionals, our psychologists in Brisbane and the Gold Coast offer a safe, supportive space to talk, explore, and recover.

Helensvale: (07) 5551 0251
Mount Gravatt: (07) 3102 1366
Nerang: (07) 5668 3490

Disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or registered health professional. Please consult a qualified practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any medical concerns.