How to help the men in your life open up about mental health

ARTICLE

1 May 2025

3 min read

Not sure how to support the men in your life to open up? Read on.

Historically, gender has segregated how we treat each other and express ourselves. While women have often been categorised as emotional, men have been told to be strong and stoic, contributing to a culture where men’s mental health is not only overlooked but dismissed.

But the truth is, emotions are what make us human and life so enriching. So how can we encourage the men in our lives to look past expectation and learn to embrace vulnerability and address their mental wellbeing in healthy, constructive ways?

Spot the signs

It’s important to recognise when something’s off. While signs of mental strain can vary from person to person, a few common signs that something may be off include:

Withdrawing socially: Avoiding friends, family, or hobbies you normally enjoy.
Changes in sleep patterns: Either sleeping too much or experiencing insomnia.
Increased irritability or anger: Feeling more on edge than usual.
Physical symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, or tension that doesn't seem to go away.

How to start the conversation

Opening up about our emotions can be daunting and even scary, especially if we think we don’t have the right language to articulate how we’re feeling. The good news is there is no right way or roadmap to navigating these conversations, all we can do is start them. To help you on your way, try to:

Be honest and simple: You don’t need to have all the answers. Simply saying, "I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately and I’m not sure why. Are you ok?" can open the door to a supportive discussion.
Don’t wait for a ‘perfect time’: Sometimes, there’s no perfect moment to bring it up. The best time to talk is whenever you’re ready, even if it’s just over a cup of coffee or a walk.
Follow up and remind them to lean on support. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or professional, continue to check in on your loved one and remind them that support is available.

Taking Action

Started a conversation and not sure what to do next? There’s no shortage of simple and practical ways you can continue to support a loved one and even yourself when times get tough.

Seek professional help: Talking to someone who can provide valuable insights and coping strategies for dealing with difficult emotions, without judgement, can help us feel emotionally stronger and in control again.

Find a support group: Whether it’s a sports team or men’s shed, connecting with others who understand your struggles can be incredibly healing.

Take care of your body. By nurturing our physical health through regular exercise, nutritious food, rest, socialising and mindfulness, we can strengthen our mental health too.

Allow your thoughts to pass. And feel your feelings. Remind your loved one that it’s ok to feel their feelings and have difficult thoughts; both will pass. The key is to embrace our emotions without judgement, not beat ourselves over them.

Share your feelings. Being vulnerable allows us to take control of our mental health and breaks down the barriers of judgement and fear that often stop men from seeking help and building meaningful connections.

Mental health isn’t a one-time conversation—it’s an ongoing process. Talking to others, taking proactive steps to support your mental wellbeing and celebrating the small victories along the way, make the journey easier.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

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