Why Men Struggle to Talk About Mental Health – and How We Can Change That

November marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, drawing attention to the unique mental health struggles men often face and encouraging open conversations. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, leading to significant consequences: men are at a higher risk of suicide, substance misuse, and untreated depression.

Although men experience mental health challenges as deeply as women, societal, cultural, and psychological barriers can prevent them from speaking up. Understanding why men find it hard to open up about mental health is the first step toward creating a more supportive culture. In this blog we look at reasons why men may struggle to talk about their mental health and look into ways we can help change it.

  1. Societal Expectations and Gender Norms

From a young age, boys are often taught to be “strong” and “stoic,” with phrases like “man up” and “boys don’t cry” reinforcing the idea that vulnerability doesn’t fit with masculinity. This pressure can make men fear that sharing struggles would affect how others perceive them and might seem like a personal failure, causing many to internalise rather than express their difficulties.

  1. The “Fix-It” Mentality

Men are often encouraged to “fix” problems and move on quickly. While effective in certain areas, this approach falls short with mental health, which typically requires patience, self-reflection, and sometimes professional help. For some men, accepting that there’s no simple “fix” for mental health challenges can be frustrating, making them less likely to seek or stick with treatment.

  1. Fear of Judgment and Stigma

The stigma around mental health affects everyone, but men face unique barriers. In many cultures, men who express feelings like sadness or anxiety are at risk of being seen as “weak.” This can be especially pronounced in careers or communities that emphasise strength and resilience, leading many men to mask struggles through work, alcohol, or even aggression.

  1. Lack of Mental Health Education

Many men don’t recognise signs of anxiety, depression, or burnout, often mistaking them for stress or fatigue. This lack of understanding can prevent them from seeking appropriate help and reinforce the belief that mental health struggles are just “normal” issues to get through alone.

  1. Few Male Role Models in Mental Health Advocacy

Role models can encourage people to seek help, but until recently, few high-profile men spoke openly about mental health. Now, figures like Prince Harry and Michael Phelps are sharing their experiences, showing that strength includes vulnerability. This shift is still new, and many men are still waiting for relatable role models closer to home.

Encouraging men to talk about mental health isn’t just about helping individuals; it’s about shifting cultural norms. Creating a society where mental health is openly valued helps lift the stigma and allows men to feel supported in speaking up and seeking help. In the end, no man should feel he has to face mental health challenges alone or in silence. With compassion and community, we can empower men to embrace mental health without hesitation.

At BNSHE Consulting, we offer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are aimed at equipping individuals with the skills to support both men and women experiencing mental health issues. The training covers identifying symptoms of mental distress, providing initial help, and guiding individuals to professional support when necessary.

It is a valuable resource for workplaces, communities, and individuals looking to create a more supportive environment.

For more details or to book onto our MHFA course, call us on 07584125665 or email us at info@bnshe.co.uk for more information.

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