Men’s Mental Health Week – 2025
9th June – 15th June

Men’s Mental Health Week is an important reminder that mental health challenges affect everyone, regardless of gender. However, men are often less likely than women to seek help when they’re struggling. This is largely due to stigma and social expectations around masculinity, which can make it difficult to acknowledge when things aren’t going well—and even harder to reach out for support.

Social norms encouraging men to ‘tough it out’ can prevent open conversations about mental health. Unfortunately, this contributes to alarming statistics in Australia, including:

• Around 43% of Australian men will experience anxiety or depression at some point in their lives.
• Approximately 26% admit to delaying seeing a GP when they needed help.
  (Source: Beyond Blue — beyondblue.org.au)

Men’s Mental Health Week aims to change this by raising awareness, encouraging connection, and promoting the importance of seeking support. It’s a timely opportunity to check in with the men in our lives and remind them that looking after mental health is a sign of strength—not weakness.

Why is mental health important?

Your mental health is a vital part of your overall wellbeing. Good mental health helps you to:

• Manage life’s challenges and develop healthy coping strategies
• Build and maintain strong relationships
• Enjoy life to the fullest

Just like physical health, your mental health needs regular care and attention.

How can I improve my mental health?

There are practical steps you can take to support your mental wellbeing:

• Develop resilience: Learn to handle tough times with self-awareness and confidence.
• Stay engaged: Achieve small goals and participate in activities you enjoy.
• Build connections: Invest time in relationships to feel supported and energised.
• Stay active: Regular physical activity improves sleep, energy levels, and stress management.
• Prioritise sleep: Good quality sleep supports concentration and mood.
• Eat well: A balanced diet boosts energy, sleep quality, and focus.
• Reduce screen time and limit sugary or other addictive substances: This can help clear your mind and improve motivation.

If you’re trying these strategies but still finding it hard to cope, it’s important to seek professional support. Speaking with your GP is a good first step—they can develop a mental health plan and refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor.

Where to find support

Many organisations offer mental health support and information via phone or online, which can be especially helpful if face-to-face support is difficult to access:

• Lifeline (crisis support): 13 11 14 or online chat
• MensLine Australia (counselling for men): 1300 78 99 78
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA): https://mensshed.org/ 
• Dads In Distress (peer support for separated dads): 1300 853 437
• Medicare Mental Health (advice and referrals): 1800 595 212
• SANE Australia (support for mental illness): 1800 187 263 or online chat
• Beyond Blue (men’s mental health resources): 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
• MoodGYM (free online CBT program)
• 13YARN (support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people): 13 92 76
• Brother to Brother (crisis line for Aboriginal men): 1800 435 799
• Embrace Multicultural Mental Health (services for culturally diverse communities)
• Qlife (LGBTIQA+ counselling and referrals)
• The G’Day Line (support for older Australians): 1300 920 552

Remember, seeking help is a courageous and an important step towards maintaining your mental health.