Quick answer: Many men struggle in silence because of stigma, a “tough it out” mindset, and expectations to appear strong and self-reliant. Depression in men can look less like obvious sadness and more like irritability, anger, risk-taking, drinking more, withdrawal, or physical aches. Reaching out early — to a mate, a GP, or a psychologist — is a sign of strength, and it genuinely helps.
Men’s mental health is one of Australia’s most under-talked-about health issues — and the numbers show why it matters. In 2024, men accounted for more than three-quarters (around 76%) of all suicide deaths in Australia, with an age-standardised rate of about 18.3 per 100,000 compared with 5.5 for women — more than three times higher (ABS/Mindframe, 2025). On an average day, around seven of every nine people who die by suicide are men (Beyond Blue, 2025).
Yet men are actually less likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition than women. That gap doesn’t mean men struggle less — it often means distress goes unspoken and unseen. On average, 1 in 8 men will experience depression and 1 in 5 will experience anxiety at some point in their lives (Better Health Channel, n.d.). If any of this sounds familiar, you are far from alone, and support works.
There’s rarely a single reason. For many men it’s a mix of long-standing messages about what a man is “supposed” to be — dominant, tough, self-reliant, in control — and a fear of looking weak or being judged (healthdirect, 2024). When you’ve spent decades being told to “harden up” or “keep your chin up,” asking for help can feel like failing.
Stigma plays a big part too. Only around 37% of men and boys reach out for support when they need it, and roughly a quarter say they would not seek help from anyone (Beyond Blue, 2025). Many also delay seeing their GP, hoping the problem will pass on its own. The irony is that “toughing it out” alone is usually harder — and slower — than getting a bit of support. Choosing to talk isn’t the opposite of being strong; it takes real courage.
One of the biggest reasons men’s struggles get missed is that distress doesn’t always look like the classic picture of sadness or tearfulness. In men, depression and anxiety more often show up as:
Because these signs don’t shout “depression,” they’re easy to explain away as stress, a bad patch, or just being tired. Understanding how anxiety and low mood actually work can help — our guide on understanding anxiety and stress is a good place to start (Beyond Blue, 2025; healthdirect, 2024).
You don’t need to be a clinician to notice when something’s off. It’s worth checking in — with yourself, or with a mate — if you see a pattern of:
If it’s a mate, you don’t need the perfect words. Asking directly — “How are you really going?” — and then just listening can make a real difference. You’re not expected to fix it; you’re helping them feel less alone and nudging them toward support.
Starting doesn’t have to mean a big, dramatic conversation. A first step can be small:
Talk to someone you trust. A mate, partner, brother, or workmate. You don’t have to have it all figured out — “I’ve been struggling a bit lately” is enough to open the door.
See your GP. A GP can talk options through with you and, if it’s helpful, set up a Mental Health Treatment Plan that gives access to Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist. No topic is too small or too awkward.
Talk to a psychologist. If you’re not sure who does what, our guide comparing a psychologist, psychiatrist and counsellor breaks it down. A psychologist offers practical, judgement-free strategies — and at The Talk Shop we have a dedicated men’s psychology service built around exactly this.
Whichever door you pick, the hardest part is usually the first message or the first call. After that, it tends to get easier (Beyond Blue, 2025).
If you’re going through a tough time and need to talk to someone today, please reach out — help is free, confidential, and available 24/7:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. Reaching out during the hardest moments isn’t weakness — it’s one of the strongest things you can do.
Beyond Blue. (2025). Men’s mental health. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/mens-mental-health
Healthdirect Australia. (2024). Men’s mental health. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mens-mental-health
Mindframe (Everymind). (2025). ABS data summary 2024. https://mindframe.org.au/suicide/data-statistics/abs-data-summary-2024
Better Health Channel. (n.d.). Anxiety and depression in men. Victorian Government. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/anxiety-and-depression-in-men
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025). Suicide & self-harm monitoring: Suicide deaths. https://www.aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring/overview/suicide-deaths
Whatever you’re carrying, you don’t have to sort it out on your own. Our psychologists offer practical, judgement-free support for men — in person across our Melbourne CBD, Reservoir, Wheelers Hill and Mooroolbark clinics, or by telehealth Australia-wide. Low-cost sessions are available, and you can book at /contact/.
📞 Call 1300 224 665
