Why we need to talk about men’s mental health

Published November 2024 | 5 min read
Expert contributors Professor Simon Rice, clinical psychologist and Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men’s Health; Dr Shannon Nott, Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section
Words by Alana Wulff

This article contains content about suicide. Please carefully consider your needs when reading the following information. If this material raises concerns for you, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

From peer-support networks to a more formal pathway of care, addressing the mental health needs of Australian men benefits us all. 

The issue of suicide is incredibly complex, yet we know improving overall mental health, starting more conversations about mental health, and helping men establish better social connections can reduce the risk of suicide.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 49, with about 8 Australians taking their lives every day – and 75% of them are male. It works out at 45 men a week – fathers, sons, brothers – who die of suicide. 

It’s not something restricted to younger men, either – in fact, men aged over 85 have the highest age-specific rate of suicide.  

While the trend was down over the course of the last century, it’s increased in recent years. In NSW alone, male suicides (suspected and confirmed) have climbed from 661 in 2020 to 732 in 2023. 

Thankfully, there are now many support options available to help men who may be struggling with their mental health.

The challenges for men’s mental health

According to Professor Simon Rice, clinical psychologist specialising in men’s health and Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men’s Health, there are many layers to consider when it comes to men’s mental health.  

Some of these include home, work and school environments, childhood experiences, abuse and the messages men are receiving via popular culture and the ongoing stigma surrounding mental health in general. 

“Even when we just 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,” he explains. “If these kinds of messages are embodied by men, it can be problematic for health-seeking down the road, which can put them at additional risk.”  

A 2020 study found “social (public) stigma, self-stigma (perceived), professional stigma, and cultural stigma” surrounding men’s mental health, as well as “masculine norms” in our Western society may be leading to: 

• worsening of depression and anxiety symptoms 
• substance abuse 
• health conditions like cardiovascular and metabolic disease 
• issues with dating and intimacy 
• issues with violence 
• increase in overall psychological distress 
• discouragement in seeking help 
• homophobia. 

For men living in remote or very remote areas, the risk is even greater, with more than twice as many deaths by suicide than in major cities. It’s why services like the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) are working so hard to improve resources for men’s mental health in these areas. 

“There is a real ‘she’ll be right’ mentality that existed 30 years ago that still exists in pockets today,” says Dr Shannon Nott of RFDS. 

However, he adds, it can be difficult [for men] to take time out of a busy day to get to a doctor, particularly when your closest medical professional can be several towns over. 

“This is why our service is so vital… we go to where we are most needed,” Dr Nott says.   

The gender divide in mental health 

While anxiety and depression are issues that affect both genders, the figures surrounding men’s mental health differ quite significantly to their female counterparts.  

In 2022, there were 2455 male deaths to suicide in Australia, making it the 11th leading cause of death in the country. For females, this number was 794, placing this issue as the 26th leading cause of death. 

There are also gender-related triggers to consider. Often men can experience thoughts of suicide following specific situational outcomes, like a break-up or challenges with fatherhood, says Prof Rice. 

“There are risk considerations for men in particular in that period post-relationship dissolution – that separation time,” says Prof Rice. 

What can make this a particularly difficult time for many men, he adds, is the lack of robust social support systems where they can have conversations with those around them.  

“When men lose that primary element of support from their romantic partner, it can put them at heightened risk,” explains Prof Rice.

“In many instances, women have more strongly established social networks characterised by emotional support and openness, but conversely, many men don’t have that same type of support.” 

Caught up in the system 

While on the surface a relationship breakdown may seem like a normal life event, sometimes that ex-partner was the last person the man was able to talk to. It may be that the loss of a loved one is the final straw for men who are struggling with their lives. Never more so is this seen than when children are involved in a relationship breakdown. 

According to Australian Men’s Health Forum, over a third of male suicides are down to a combination of spousal issues (24.7%) and legal issues (10.5%). This most often plays out for men involved in the family court system post-divorce. Loss of meaningful contact with the kids post-divorce has been shown in research to be one of the key drivers of suicide. 

“Parenting [and custody] issues can make that picture even more complicated,” adds Prof Rice. “Any person going through significant relationship dissolution needs access to good support.”  

Services like Dads In Distress can help as they provide peer support for men and allow them to connect with others who have been in a similar position. 

While it’s important to talk to friends and family, Prof Rice adds it can be equally, if not more, important to “be around someone who has been through this before”.

Starting the conversation

When men typically keep so much bottled up inside, they’re unlikely to ask for help, but there are signs they may consciously or unconsciously display. A recent study found men tend to use “psychological coping strategies that are often dysfunctional” when experiencing distress. These include: 

• not reaching out for support from friends, family or healthcare providers 
• using alcohol to deal with emotional suffering 
• denying suffering or ‘sucking it up’ 
• isolating themselves and removing themselves from social situations. 

While mental ill-health doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach, Prof Rice recommends you look out for subtle warning signs in the men in your life.  

“Sometimes there will be really significant changes in behaviour through mood, withdrawal, excessive drinking, changes in how much they’re eating, and in other cases there won’t be obvious signs and symptoms,” he says.  

If you’ve noticed a man in your life has stopped participating in the activities they liked doing before, ask whether they’re interested in re-engaging with their hobbies.  

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

When it comes to supporting a friend or family member, Prof Rice says it’s essential to be open to talking about any subject that’s important to them.

“We know that 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.” 

If you or someone you know needs support for their mental health  

For anyone going through a significant relationship disruption, or any other stressful situation that may impact their mental health, Prof Rice says the first crucial step is to speak to a professional for advice and help.  

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

“For some this might be focusing on diet, sleep or exercise, and for others it’s going to be 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.”  

For younger male Australians experiencing changes to their mental health and wellbeing, lines of informal support can be extremely helpful, says Prof Rice.  

Over the last decade, youth support services in Australia have fostered engaged communities and there are services available for a range of men. 

“We have come a really long way and by international standards, we have excellent youth mental health services,” he explains. “Movember in particular has programs that focus on actively supporting young men.”  

Movember programs such as Ahead of the Game integrates support into sporting environments.

“It’s about giving men the skills to recognise the symptoms of mental ill-health early, know what to do and understand how they can help a mate or become more resilient,” he says. 

Combined with an understanding of which services are available and where to find peer support, this will help provide a sense of being supported on different levels for anyone struggling with their mental health, he adds.

Eligible HCF members are also able to get support through our range of mental health services. 

When it comes to regional and rural support, RFDS’s Dr Nott welcomes the conversations he’s starting to see.

“It’s great to see that men’s mental health is receiving more attention. There is still so much we need to do, but we are seeing more men talking openly about how they deal with the challenges of living and working on the land,” he says.

The RFDS has also introduced a peer-to-peer mental health program in conjunction with Lifeline, which aims to start even more conversations. Run out of Broken Hill, rural "Champions" of the program, local graziers who themselves have been through hard times - engage in genune conversations with people across Far West NSW and beyond.

“The We’ve Got Your Back Program is a great example of breaking down the stigma when it comes to mental health,” says Dr Nott. “Droughts, floods, isolation, family dynamics, substance abuse – these are real issues in our communities that are tough to deal with.”

However, Dr Nott is encouraged by some of the changes he is seeing in how men approach their health in the community.

“The more we talk openly about men’s physical and mental health, and the more men go for those regular check-ups and check-ins with their mates, the better,” Dr Nott says.

Need help right now? 

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 & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line)
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program

Supporting your mental health 

Now more than ever, we’re committed to showing you a level of care that’s uncommon. That’s why our mental health offering includes a free HCF HealthyMinds Check-in for eligible members*. This gives you faster, easier access to PSYCH2U psychologists and digital support services to help you take control of your mental wellbeing. 

We also offer cover for mental health services on selected extras. Members with eligible extras cover can claim consultations with a psychologist (if you don’t have a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan or you’ve used it up), an HCF-approved counsellor or an accredited mental health social worker.