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Supporting Men’s Mental Health
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Men’s mental health is a topic that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, yet it affects millions across the UK. Around one in eight men experience a common mental health problem such as anxiety or depression, but many struggle in silence, feeling pressure to “just get on with it” rather than reach out for support.
The truth is, mental health doesn’t discriminate. It can impact your mood, relationships, and even your physical health. When left unchecked, it can become overwhelming and, in some cases, life-threatening—suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. But you don’t have to face it alone.
In this article, we’ll explore what men’s mental health really means, the different forms it can take, why it’s so harmful when ignored, and—most importantly—how you can support men’s mental health.
Taking the first step towards understanding and support can make all the difference.
Mental Health & Mental Illness: What’s the Difference?
People often mix up mental health and mental illness, but they’re not the same thing. Knowing the difference is pretty helpful when supporting men in the workplace.
Mental health is about how you feel, think, and connect with others. It’s like physical health—it goes up and down. Stress at work, personal struggles, or social pressure can all affect it.
Mental illness is when someone has a specific condition that changes how they think, feel, or behave. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common examples. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others need professional help.
At work, looking after mental health means creating a space where men feel okay talking about their struggles. Small things help—encouraging honest conversations, sharing mental health resources, or allowing flexible work when needed.
Common Challenges Men Face with Mental Health
Men deal with unique pressures that can take a toll on their mental health, especially at work. Understanding these challenges makes it easier to offer real support.
Stigma Around Asking for Help
Many men grow up hearing that they should “man up” or “push through” tough times. Showing emotions is often seen as weakness, so they keep struggles to themselves.
Think about a guy like Jake. He’s always been the one his friends and family turn to for support. He’s reliable, strong, and never complains. But when he starts feeling overwhelmed, he keeps it to himself. He worries that if he tells his boss or mates that he’s struggling, they’ll see him differently. This fear keeps many men silent, even when they desperately need help.
Workplace Expectations
Long hours, high-pressure jobs, and the need to always perform can wear men down. In male-dominated industries, the pressure to handle everything without complaining is even stronger.
Imagine Liam, who works in construction. His job is physically demanding, the hours are long, and there’s an unspoken rule that you don’t show weakness. He’s exhausted, but speaking up feels like admitting he can’t handle the job. In high-pressure workplaces like his, the expectation to just get on with it can stop men from addressing their mental health before it turns into burnout.
Financial and Career Pressures
A lot of men feel a deep responsibility to provide for their families. Worries about job security or career success can lead to overworking and ignoring stress.
Tom is the main earner for his family. He’s proud of the life he’s built, but the constant worry about bills and job security weighs on him. He never calls in sick, even when he feels mentally drained, because he’s scared of falling behind or being seen as unreliable. Many men feel this pressure to keep pushing forward, even at the expense of their well-being.
Few Emotional Outlets
Men are often taught to stay strong and not show vulnerability. Without safe spaces to talk, stress goes up.
After a stressful day at work, Alex doesn’t know how to unwind. He’s never been great at opening up, so instead of talking about what’s bothering him, he pours himself a drink. One drink turns into several, and it becomes a habit. Without healthy ways to cope, anxiety can build up fast, leading men to shut down or turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking, overworking, or avoiding people.
Lack of Tailored Workplace Support
Many mental health programmes at work aren’t designed with men in mind.
Chris’s company has a mental health programme, but it mostly focuses on mindfulness and yoga classes—things he doesn’t feel comfortable joining. He doesn’t see resources that speak to him or his experiences, so he assumes the support available isn’t for him. If workplaces don’t make mental health support feel relevant and accessible, many men won’t use it.
Recognising Mental Health Struggles in Men
Many men find it hard to talk about their mental health, so the signs are easy to miss. They might not say they’re struggling, but their behaviour often changes in ways that show something isn’t right. Spotting these signs early can help them get the support they need.
- Changes in Behaviour
A man who’s struggling might not talk about it, but his actions can speak for him. He might seem more irritable than usual, snapping at colleagues over small things. Maybe he used to be chatty and sociable but has started keeping to himself.
You might also notice a drop in his work—tasks take longer, deadlines get missed, or he just seems less engaged.
- Physical Signs
Stress and anxiety don’t just affect the mind—they can take a toll on the body too. A man dealing with mental health issues might complain of constant headaches, tense shoulders, or unexplained aches and pains. He might always seem tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
If he keeps mentioning feeling run-down but can’t pinpoint why, it could be linked to stress or depression.
- Absences or Being There But Not Really There
Some men start taking more sick days, often blaming physical illnesses when the real issue is stress or burnout.
Others do the opposite—they keep showing up but aren’t really present. They stare at their screens, zone out in meetings, or seem distracted and unfocused. If someone’s attendance or work habits change suddenly, it’s worth checking in.
- Trouble Focusing or Making Decisions
Mental health struggles can make it hard to concentrate. A man who used to be sharp and decisive might start second-guessing everything or forgetting things he normally wouldn’t. He might seem overwhelmed by simple tasks or struggle to finish what he starts.
- Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
When stress builds up, some men turn to unhealthy ways to cope. You might notice someone drinking more than usual, staying at work late every night, or taking unnecessary risks. These behaviours can be a way of avoiding their feelings, and they often make things worse in the long run.
How to Talk About Mental Health With Men
Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, especially for men. Many worry about being judged or don’t know how to put their feelings into words. If you want to support a colleague or friend, the way you start the conversation can make a big difference.
Make It Casual
A formal sit-down chat can feel intimidating. Men are often more comfortable opening up in relaxed settings—like during a coffee break, a walk, or after a meeting. A casual chat feels less like an interview and more like a natural conversation.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Instead of asking, “Are you okay?”—which can lead to a quick “Yeah, I’m fine”—try something that invites more of a response:
- “How have things been at work lately?”
- “You’ve seemed a bit quiet—everything alright?”
- “Anything I can do to help?”
These questions give them space to share without pressure.
Listen Without Trying to Fix Things
Many men are used to solving problems, so they might avoid talking if they think they’ll just get a list of solutions. Sometimes, they just need to be heard. Let them speak without interrupting or rushing in with advice.
A simple “That sounds really tough” or “I can see why you’d feel that way” can be more helpful than offering fixes.
Respect Their Boundaries
Not everyone is ready to talk, and that’s okay. If someone doesn’t open up right away, let them know you’re there if they ever want to. A small check-in later, like “Still here if you ever want to chat,” can show you care without pushing.
A supportive conversation doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel safe and genuine. Sometimes, knowing someone cares is the first step towards getting help.
Tips For Supporting Men’s Mental Health in the Workplace
Work can be stressful, and many men keep their struggles to themselves. A workplace that encourages open conversations and real support can make all the difference. Here’s how you can help:
1. Make Mental Health a Normal Topic
A lot of men don’t talk about mental health because they worry about being judged. You can change that by making well-being part of everyday work life. Regular team check-ins, casual chats about stress, or leadership sharing their own experiences can help. If a manager mentions taking time off for mental health, it tells others it’s okay to do the same.
2. Be Flexible With Work Arrangements
Trying to juggle work and personal life can be overwhelming. If someone is dealing with stress at home—like caring for kids, an ill parent, or just feeling burned out—having the option to work remotely or adjust their hours can ease the pressure.
A simple change, like letting an employee start later to fit in a morning gym session, could make a huge difference in their well-being.
3. Offer Private, Easy-to-Access Support
Not everyone wants to talk about their struggles at work. That’s why having confidential options—like an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), mental health first aiders, or anonymous helplines—matters.
If someone is struggling with anxiety or depression, knowing they can get support without making a big deal of it can be a relief.
4. Pay Attention to the Signs
If a usually chatty colleague suddenly keeps to themselves, or if someone who’s always on top of deadlines starts missing them, it could be a sign they’re struggling. A private check-in—something as simple as, “Hey, I’ve noticed you seem a bit off lately. Anything on your mind?”—can show them they’re not alone.
5. Lead by Example
People take cues from leadership. If managers never take a break, work through stress, and never mention mental health, employees will do the same. But if a leader openly says, “I needed a mental health day last week,” or encourages the team to step away from their desks, it helps break the stigma.
6. Teach People How to Help
Most people want to support their colleagues but don’t always know how. Men’s Mental Health training can help managers and employees recognise when someone is struggling and respond in a way that feels natural and supportive. Something as small as knowing the right words to say—or what not to say—can make all the difference.
How to Support Your Colleagues Without Overstepping
Helping a colleague with their mental health is important, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s just as important to set boundaries so you don’t take on too much. Here’s how to offer support while protecting your own well-being.
1. You’re a Colleague, Not a Therapist
Being there for someone is great, but you don’t have to fix their problems. If a teammate is struggling, listen and show you care, but also point them toward professional support, like an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or a mental health first aider. A simple, “Have you thought about speaking to someone who specialises in this?” can help them get the right support.
2. Don’t Carry It All on Your Shoulders
Supporting someone can be emotionally draining, especially if they come to you often. If a conversation starts feeling repetitive or too much to handle, it’s okay to step back. You can say something like, “I really want to help, but I think talking to a professional might be more useful for you.” Protecting your own mental health allows you to keep being a good colleague.
3. Respect Their Comfort Zone
Not everyone is ready to talk about their struggles at work, and that’s okay. Avoid pushing someone to open up or sharing personal stories if they don’t seem receptive. Just letting them know support is there when they’re ready—without pressure—can be enough.
4. Set Time Boundaries
It’s great to check in with someone, but it shouldn’t take over your workday. If a chat keeps dragging on, gently wrap it up by saying, “I want to keep talking about this, but I need to finish something up—maybe we can catch up later?” You can also guide them toward workplace resources that offer dedicated support.
5. Get Support If You Need It
If a colleague’s struggles are starting to weigh on you, don’t ignore it. Talk to a manager, HR, or a mental health lead for advice. Supporting others is important, but so is looking after yourself.
Community Matters for Men’s Mental Wellbeing
Having a strong support system makes a huge difference to mental well-being. But many men struggle with isolation, even when surrounded by people. Feeling connected—whether through friendships, social groups, or work—can help men open up and feel understood.
Talking Without the Pressure
Not every man feels comfortable sitting down for a deep conversation about his feelings. That’s why community spaces—like sports teams, hobby groups, or casual meetups—are so important. A weekend football match, a cycling club, or even a pub quiz can provide a natural setting to check in on each other without the pressure of a formal talk.
An Alternative to Therapy
Some men hesitate to seek professional help, either because it feels unfamiliar or because they worry about stigma. Peer-led groups, bespoke mental health training, and community-driven initiatives can be a great alternative. Whether it’s a men’s mental health breakfast club or a group that meets for outdoor hikes, these spaces encourage honest conversations in a way that feels comfortable.
Shared Activities Make a Difference
Joining a group with a shared interest—whether it’s a five-a-side football team, a music club, or a volunteering project—gives men a way to connect without feeling like they have to talk about their emotions directly. These settings naturally build friendships, making it easier for men to reach out when they do need support.
Community isn’t just about having people around—it’s about feeling like you belong. When men have a safe, supportive space to connect, they’re more likely to share what’s on their minds and seek help when needed. The more we create environments where men feel comfortable being open, the better their mental health will be.
Author: Hayley Broughton-McKinna
Originally published: 11/02/2025