Why Australian Men Don't Speak Up About Their Mental Health

Australia, like many countries, is facing a mental health crisis. But what is particularly concerning is the silence that surrounds men's mental health.

This crippling silence plays a significant role in the devastating statistic that sees Australian men making up the majority of suicide cases.

I received a message from a friend this week, and, in a nutshell, they asked me why men did not speak up about their mental health struggles.

To truly understand the depth of this issue, we really need to take a closer look at the factors behind why men are less likely to discuss their mental health.

In no particular order, this is what I have observed and experienced.

Societal Expectations. The age-old stereotype of the 'stoic male' continues to permeate Australian society. Men are often expected to be strong, unemotional, and self-reliant. Admitting to vulnerabilities like anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues is seen by some as a sign of weakness, going against the grain of the rugged, hero image.

Lack of Awareness. Many men simply may not recognise the signs of mental illness. They may not understand that what they're experiencing is a real and treatable. By normalising mental health education in schools and workplaces, we can better equip everyone, including men, to recognise these issues.

Fear of Judgement. Men who do recognise their mental health issues, fear of being judged or stigmatised and can be a powerful deterrent from seeking help. This fear often stems from deeply rooted cultural norms and as above, traditional concepts of masculinity.

Limited Role Models. A lack of role models talking about their mental health can mean that many men don't see it as something that's okay to discuss. Thankfully, this is slowly changing with sportsmen and celebrities increasingly sharing their personal battles. And, at Without Fear, this is largely what we are trying to do.

So, what can we do?

A couple of things, they’re simple but sometimes not easy.

Promoting Open Conversations. Encourage more open dialogue around men's mental health, breaking down stigmas and fostering understanding. Make it safe to speak. Normalise it, just like we would talk about any other health issue.

Education. Start mental health education early, ensuring that young boys grow up understanding their emotions and mental health. We can get upstream of the generational stigma.

The mental health crisis among Australian men is a deeply complex issue rooted in societal expectations, cultural norms, and infrastructure shortcomings. It is also by no means isolated to men, Australian men or any one demographic either.

By addressing some of the root causes and promoting open dialogue, there's hope for a future where men feel supported and equipped to handle their mental health challenges.