Men’s Mental Health: Tips & Resources

November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

November is recognised as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—a dedicated time to shed light on men’s mental health issues and to encourage open conversations around this topic. The goal is simple but powerful: to create a space for men to speak up about their well-being and to seek support when needed.

Why Focus on Men’s Mental Health?

Men are often less likely to seek help for mental health struggles, sometimes due to stigma or societal pressures, or ways that we might inadvertently treat men when they speak up about their struggles. Research indicates that, compared to women, men are about half as likely to reach out for professional mental health support. We want to help change that – because men matter, to all of us.

This month is an opportunity to break down these barriers, enabling men to access the care they deserve and preventing the often devastating consequences of untreated mental health issues. But it should extend beyond November – men’s mental health matters always. This month we just make an effort to highlight the topic, but every single day we are committed to keeping the conversation alive.

How to Start a Meaningful Conversation

Starting a conversation around mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. You can use a simple approach called ALEC:

Ask: Gently ask how someone is doing, and show you care.

Listen: Give them your full attention and let them share their response without any judgment. Don’t rush them.

Encourage Action: Suggest steps like talking to a professional or making small changes in daily habits, or checking out some of the men’s mental health resources at the bottom of this page.

Check In: Follow up in a few days time, and let them know they’re not alone.

Talking about mental health can be challenging, but Movember Conversations and other tools can guide you on how to reach out to the men in your life. Check out the Movember website for heaps of resources and examples of these sorts of conversations.

Tips for Supporting Your Own Mental Health

Prioritising your mental health is crucial. Here are some effective ways to support your own well-being:

Stay Connected: Reach out to friends or family or consider joining an online forum where you can connect with others who understand.
Find a Listener: Confide in someone who listens without judgment—whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional.
Practice Self-Care & Mental Fitness: Simple steps like getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active can boost both mental and physical wellness. Think of like mental fitness – you are doing things to keep your mind and wellbeing fit and healthy.
Seek Help When Needed: There’s no shame in asking for help, whether from friends, family, or mental health professionals. We all need to reach out for support from time to time. Once you’re feeling better, offering support to others can also be deeply fulfilling.

Take Time for Well-being Activities

Amid life’s stresses, recreational activities can provide a much-needed mental and physical boost. Taking time to unplug and unwind with enjoyable activities can make a big difference in stress management and overall happiness.

Try a new sport, creative hobby, or fitness activity—anything that gets you engaged and feeling good. Check out the link to Men’s Sheds in the list below – this is a great place to find connection with other mates, doing things with your hands and building community and creating things.

Available Support and Resources

If you or someone you know could use additional support, there are heaps of free resources and services available. Remember – if it is an emergency, please call 000.

Our Mens Mental Health Resource Kit: click here to see our kit of podcasts, blog posts, Spotify playlist, and other resources specifically for men.

MensLine Australia Services (1300 78 99 78) is a free professional telephone and online counselling service offering support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), fatherhood, addiction, relationships, stress and wellbeing. Anything to do with your mental health and wellbeing, MensLine is the place to contact for free and professionally-trained support – online or via phone. Their website is filled with incredible resources, all for free. Check it out: www.mensline.org.au

Head to Health is a free Federal Government platform that provides a directory of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. Head to Health brings together apps, online programs, online forums, and phone services, as well as a range of digital information resources. You can call them (1800 595 212, Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00pm) or visit their website to talk to a mental health professional and be connected with the support that best meets your needs.

MATES Hub for FIFO/DIDO workers: a resource centre dedicated to improving the lives of the FIFO/DIDO community, to empower you with information that enhances your well-being and helps create positive experiences while working away. The MATES Helpline is available 24/7 on 1300 642 111. Also check out their resources on their incredible website: https://fifo.mates.org.au

Check out our podcast with Dr Zac Seidler, a leading men’s mental health expert and Director of Mental Health Training at Movember, about men’s mental health: click here to listen on Spotify.

Men’s Sheds: The Australian Men’s Shed Association is a national service providing effective and sustainable community groups for men. The Men’s Shed movement brings men together in a social and activity-based setting, increasing connection and meaningful activity. They provide practical support, specialised services and resources, and men’s health programs and initiatives all over Australia. Find a Mens Shed near you: https://mensshed.org/

Lifeline 13 11 14 and Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467 are also helpful phone services to talk with someone, any time of the day or night, about your mood or suicidal thoughts or actions.

If you would like to book in with one of our psychologists to talk about your mental fitness, your challenges, dealing with stress or anxiety, working on your relationships, mood or suicidality, or anything at all to do with how your are feeling, thinking, coping, or struggling – we are available in the Sydney CBD or online across Australia. Get in touch today to book in with one of our psychologists who is experienced at working with men, at your own pace, to open up conversation and learn new ways of being with the challenging stuff in life. Because you matter, and you don’t have to deal with it alone.