The importance of men’s mental health and wellbeing continues to rise in 2025, with more services available, higher awareness, and louder voices. We took this opportunity to chat to some of the men in our lives about what they need in real-time that would help improve their mental wellbeing. What came of this and what we want to share with the public is focused on the support that those closest to them can provide, whether it’s family, partners, friends or loved ones. Being understood, heard and supported by loved ones has a meaningful health impact on the men we love.
Let’s have a look at some key themes that came out about what you can do to help, and remember we are not saying these all apply, but even if just one supportive takeaway from this article resonates, then we’ve achieved something positive.
Being Present
Sometimes, our presence means more than words. Being there, in the moment, being aware of how the man in your life is currently feeling, acting, or what they need in that moment requires our presence. This means popping the phone down or the TV off for a minute to just be together, let them know you are there.
Open Communication
Men may hesitate to open up if they fear judgement, being misunderstood or dismissed. Help create a safe space where you both talk freely and openly, where communication feels safe. This means respecting each other’s perspectives even if they differ and being curious instead of defensive, as this will help build a solid foundation of trust that supports healthy emotional sharing.
Listening
We all think we are amazing listeners and know the term ‘active listening’ but how well are we really executing this? We naturally start thinking of a response the moment someone starts talking which takes away the meaning of listening. Listening is more than just focussing in on their words and hearing them, it’s about really understanding why they are saying them, the meaning behind them. This means we can hold space for the person talking by not needing to respond, fix, or offer advice, but by simply understanding and acknowledging. Doing this in a nonjudgemental way is crucial to help men feel seen, safe and accepted, no matter what they are speaking about.
Awareness of the Holistic Health System
Mental health and wellbeing are connected to the whole person, and it’s important to help men see their health holistically. This is mental, physical, spiritual and social. Our physical and mental state are so intrinsically linked that each will influence the other. Use this to guide, support and explore options that can all work together to help. Pay attention to the cluster of symptoms that may present themselves, for example is their heightened anxiety off the back of a few bad night’s sleep? Are there headaches and depression after a week of poor nutrition and sugar? Upset stomach and agitation? Everything in our body is linked, when we take care of one aspect, we inevitably take care of the others, and if we can take care of ourselves as a whole, improvements in overall health should take place.
Speaking Mindfully & Respectfully
When a man shares something personal or vulnerable, it is important to respond with positive validating affirmations. Encouraging words instead of criticism or quick fixes or dismissive language. This helps build trust, confidence and reduce shame around emotional expression. Be mindful when speaking yourself as to not inadvertently put the other persons thoughts or opinions down when sharing your own.
Practical Support
Support can be more than emotional, it can be practical too. If you feel it might help, encourage a GP appointment, therapist or perhaps help find them a relevant support group. Encouraging every day healthy habits can also have a big impact, things like nudging healthy routines such as good sleep hours, exercising, hydrating and even having them share a healthy meal together, are all things that contribute to a healthy mind.
Be Their Confidant
Let the man in your life know that you are there for them, to talk, to listen, however and whenever they are ready. Being a trusted confidant can be the lifeline they didn’t know they needed, so remind them that you are there, and they can trust you, so they don’t have to deal with any issues alone. This doesn’t have to be deep and meaningful chats every day, it can simply be a late-night chat, a walk and casual conversation or just over a nice cup of coffee. Keep your conversations private and secure and work together.
Be Patient and Encouraging
Understand that there is no timeframe on healing, and mental health is not linear. Be patient and understand there will be ebbs and flows and waves. Be mindful to meet men where they are, and not where we expect or want them to be. Avoid pushing, pressuring and instead offer consistent compassion and reassurance.
Spending Time Together
Connection is a big part of what we all crave and is found in the everyday. Make time to spend quality time together, build bonds and relationships that make trust and conversations easier. These moments shared can be the very thing that grounds and helps during tough times.
Challenging Negativity and Stereotypes
Remove this outdated idea that men are or should be ‘unemotional, tough and silent’. Encourage emotional expression as a sign of strength. Be a part of this movement by challenging these stereotypes in everyday life, because the more space we create for men to their whole selves, the more we can do for another.
Share Resources and Information
Sometimes, we need to put a bit of work in to firstly know what services are available, what help is out there that we can share and pass along. Anything from podcasts, books, a local service, are all helpful tools to hold and be able to open a doorway to help without pressure. Knowing what resources are out there shows you care, and that you can walk their journey with them in a loving and supportive manner.
We hope this helps someone and their loved ones.
Services Available
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/mens-mental-health
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support