Men’s mental health matters


Published April 2025 
Expert contributor: Professor Simon Rice, clinical psychologist and Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men’s Health
Words by Sabrina Rogers-Anderson


This article contains information about suicide that you may find disturbing. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 for immediate help.


We need to talk about Australian men’s mental health. From financial struggles to painful relationship breakdowns, men juggle many competing pressures that can impact their mental wellbeing. And because Aussie men have traditionally been told to “toughen up” and not talk about their feelings, they don’t always reach out for the support they need. Struggling in silence can make these mental health issues worse. However, things are shifting and there are now plenty of resources to help men who are struggling with their mental health.  

Why aren’t men talking about mental health?

Men’s childhood experiences, the messages they receive about manhood from popular culture and the ongoing stigma surrounding mental health are just some of the factors that stop them from talking about their feelings.  

“When we think about the kinds of characters in movies that are stereotypical male characters – especially in action movies – they’re not evolved, they don’t feel pain and they almost never seek help,” says Professor Simon Rice, clinical psychologist and Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men’s Health.

If men take on these messages, he adds, they may avoid getting help when they need it. Stigma (shame) surrounding mental health issues can also lead to: 

  • worsening of anxiety and depression symptoms 
  • substance abuse 
  • being bullied or excluded 
  • discrimination in the workplace
  • issues with violence 
  • increases in overall psychological distress 
  • discouragement in seeking help 
  • feeling unworthy or hopeless.

Loneliness and social isolation or big risk factors for mental health, particularly for men. Australia’s largest study of men’s health found a strong link between loneliness, depression and suicide. It also showed that men who aren’t lonely tend to have better mental health and are less likely to be depressed or anxious.

For a lot of men, feelings of loneliness occur during tough times like losing a job, relationship breakdown or when they don’t have meaningful contact with their kids.

“In many instances, women have more strongly established social networks [with] emotional support and openness, but many men don’t have that same type of support,” says Prof Rice. 

While it’s important to talk to friends and family, Prof Rice adds that it’s equally important to “be around someone who has been through this before”.

Services like Dads in Distress can help provide peer support for men to help them to connect with others who’ve been in a similar position. 

Check on your mates

Men typically keep their emotions bottled up, but they may display signs that they’re not coping. These can include:

  • not reaching out for support from friends, family or healthcare providers 
  • alcohol abuse or substance abuse
  • ignoring suffering or ‘sucking it up’ 
  • isolating and removing themselves from social situations.

Prof Rice recommends keeping an eye on your mates for these warning signs.  

“Sometimes there will be really significant changes in behaviour through mood, withdrawal, excessive drinking and changes in how much they’re eating,” he says.  

If you’ve noticed a mate has stopped activities they liked doing before, ask if they’re interested in taking them up again.  

“Say, ‘I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately – you used to surf a lot more or play sport or guitar more. Would you like to get back into that?’ It’s about having those everyday conversations about the things that make life meaningful for them,” says Prof Rice.

When it comes to supporting a friend or family member, he says it’s essential to listen openly.

“For people experiencing challenges with their mental health, their first port of call will be friends, family or loved ones,” says Prof Rice. “We need to make sure that first interaction is positive, because if they don’t feel supported or listened to, the likelihood of them taking the next step is lower.” 

How to get help

If you or someone you know is going through a break-up or any other stressful situation impacting their mental health, the first crucial step is to speak to a professional for advice and help, says Prof Rice.

He also suggests focusing on self-care so you’re better able to deal with the knocks and bumps along the way.

“For some this might be focusing on diet, sleep or exercise, and for others it’s making sure they’re balancing work and social relationships,” he explains. “The main point is to see what they can do to reduce their stress.”  

Support programs like Movember and R U OK? can be very helpful for Aussie men struggling with their mental health. They offer loads of resources specifically designed to help men boost their own wellbeing or to support mates who are going through a tough time. For younger Aussie men, the Movember program Ahead of the Game integrates mental health support into sporting environments.

Need help right now? Call 000 immediately if your life or someone else’s life is in danger.

Here are other resources where you can find support:

  • MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • SANE Australia 1800 187 263 
  • 13YARN 13 92 76 (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
  • Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (rural and remote New South Wales)

Need mental health support?

Eligible RT Health members* can claim for online cognitive behavioural courses delivered by This Way Up. These are evidence-based programs developed by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. 

Courses dealing with depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are just a few of the programs available.

Depending on your level of cover, you may also be able to access benefits for mental health services under the psychology annual limit of your cover. Check your RT Health Cover Guide to see what’s available to you. 



Important information

*This Way Up is available to RT Health members with Deluxe Extras, Top Extras and Smart Extras cover, up to their annual limit of $120 per person, paid under Psychology benefits. The benefit payable will depend on the program you choose.



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