June 2025 - Men’s Mental Health Week. It’s Time to Break the Silence
Every June, Men’s Mental Health Week shines a light on something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough, how men are really feeling behind the masks they wear. We all know the stereotypes: men should be strong, stoic, sorted. But the truth? Men feel deeply. They worry, grieve, feel anxious, burn out, and break down just like anyone else. The difference is, many of them do it in silence.
The Hidden Crisis
Statistics show that men are less likely to access talking therapy, more likely to misuse alcohol, and at significantly higher risk of suicide, especially in their 40s and 50s. These aren’t just numbers. These are sons, partners, dads, brothers, friends, colleagues.
Behind the silence, men often say:
“I don’t want to be a burden.”
“I need to man up”
“I should be able to handle this.”
“No one wants to hear me complain.”
“I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
We need to change the story. Because bottling things up doesn’t make us stronger. It just makes the load heavier.
What Does Male Mental Health Look Like?
Sometimes it’s obvious. But often, it hides in plain sight, masked by workaholism, anger, irritability, withdrawal, or humour. Some men cope by staying busy. Others by shutting down.
Men may struggle with:
Pressure to provide or perform
Career setbacks or redundancy
Relationship breakdowns or loneliness
Health worries or ageing
Loss, grief or trauma
Fear of failure or not being ‘enough’
None of these make you weak. They make you human.
Real Strength Is Speaking Up
If you’re a man reading this, know that:
You are allowed to struggle.
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You deserve support, just like anyone else.
Reaching out is not a sign of weakness.
Talking doesn’t mean spilling everything at once. It can start small — a chat with a mate, a quiet moment with a partner, or a first session with a counsellor. As a therapist, I work with many men who tell me, “I wish I’d done this sooner.” Once the initial discomfort passes, most feel relief — not just for being heard, but for finally understanding themselves more deeply.
Supporting the Men in Your Life
If you’re not sure how to help a man who’s struggling, try this:
Start with curiosity, not judgment. “You don’t seem yourself lately - want to talk about it?”
Be present. Sometimes just being there matters more than saying the perfect thing.
Avoid clichés. “Man up” and “just get on with it” help no one.
Encourage support. Counselling, coaching, talking therapies — thereare options.
And remember — just because someone looks like they’re coping doesn’t mean they are.
How I Can Help
At Renewed Perspective, I offer a confidential, supportive space for men to talk without pressure or performance. Whether it’s stress, life changes, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or something harder to name - you’re not alone.
Individual therapy: £50 per session
Couples therapy: £80 per session
It takes courage to open up. But there’s real strength in choosing to take care of your mental health. This Men’s Mental Health Week, let’s check in with ourselves — and each other. Because when men talk, lives change.