REVEALED: EXPERT WAYS MEN CAN HELP THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

Almost half of Australian men will experience anxiety or depression in their lifetime, yet fewer than one in five will seek help from a mental health professional.

Even more stark, men who adhere to traditional masculine expectations are seven times more likely to experience thoughts of suicide frequently.

As cost pressures, work stress and social isolation continue to build, mental wellbeing is emerging as a quiet crisis for Australian men.

Now, experts at Someonehealth are pushing for mental fitness to be treated with the same routine care as physical health, with the launch of the free Mental Maintenance Manual.

Making mental health part of everyday upkeep

Designed as a practical, no-nonsense guide, the Mental Maintenance Manual: A Practical Guide to Men’s Mental Health Upkeep aims to help men recognise early warning signs, manage stress and seek support before issues escalate.

The launch follows a successful Movember campaign and comes amid sobering data. Studies show traditional ideas of masculinity continue to stigmatise mental health support, with more than three-quarters of Australians who die by suicide being male.

Despite nearly half of Australian men experiencing a mental health condition in their lifetime, only around 12 per cent have sought professional help.

While four in five men experiencing severe psychological distress will visit a GP, fewer than half go on to see a mental health professional. Adult men are also half as likely as women to use helplines or digital mental health services.

Why do men delay seeking help

Craig Russouw, Psychologist at Someonehealth, says cultural expectations remain a powerful barrier.

“Many men are still told that they need to ‘tough it out,’ or internalise that idea through cultural messaging,” says Russouw.

“Mental health issues are a growing concern for Aussie blokes, and delaying support can mean that issues worsen, with a significant impact on quality of life and, sometimes, devastating consequences.

Men are often more likely to engage in avoidant or externalising coping behaviours, such as substance use, aggression, or overworking.

“When it comes to mental health, prevention, maintenance, and open conversation can make a significant and potentially life-saving difference for some men.

It’s not about fixing feelings, but about keeping your mind in shape, much like maintaining physical fitness. Yet expectations surrounding masculinity, to be stoic and emotionally restrained, continue to hold men back from reaching out.”

Research backs this up. Men who agree with stereotypical masculine expectations are seven times more likely to experience frequent suicidal thoughts, underscoring the link between rigid gender norms and poor mental health outcomes.

Early intervention is critical.

Practical tools, not platitudes

Built by psychologists, the Mental Maintenance Manual breaks mental health into relatable, practical sections. It covers recognising burnout, building resilience, improving communication, and knowing when and how to seek professional support.

Someone.health CEO Sarah Richardson says early intervention is critical.

“We want to remind men across Australia that they don’t have to wait until they reach a crisis point. Mental health, like your body or your car, needs regular maintenance.

It should be groomed, checked, and cared for consistently. That’s why we created the Mental Maintenance Manual:

A Practical Guide to Men’s Mental Health Upkeep, to give men simple, practical tools to support their wellbeing before issues escalate.

Our telehealth service makes it even easier to connect with a psychologist from the comfort of home, providing a safe, stigma-free space to start the conversation and take proactive steps toward better mental health.”

The manual encourages small, consistent actions that can be built into daily life, including staying connected with friends and family, making time for activities that bring enjoyment, and checking in on stress triggers before they spiral.

Mental health beyond Movember

While Movember has helped lift awareness, Someone.health is urging men to think beyond November and treat mental wellbeing as a year-round priority.

With two in five men diagnosed with severe depression still struggling years later, early action and accessible support can make a meaningful difference.

For men looking to keep their minds in working order, the message is simple: maintenance matters.