Men’s Mental Health: Why Blokes Need to Talk

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When it comes to mental health, men don’t get the attention they deserve. Suicide rates among men are staggering, and men are far less likely to seek help than women, even when they need it most. Here’s why men’s mental health needs to be talked about, and why counselling can make a real difference.

• Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in Australia. In fact, 3 out of 4 suicides are men. (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020)
   
• Around 9 men a day die by suicide in Australia. This is an alarming figure, and it’s something that affects families, mates, and communities. Men in rural and remote areas are at an even higher risk, where isolation and lack of services can make things even worse. (Source: Lifeline Australia)
   
• Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety affect 1 in 5 men, but only about 50% of them will ever seek help. (Source: Beyond Blue)
   

There’s a lot of pressure on blokes to “tough it out,” to keep their emotions to themselves, and to just get on with things. Society often tells men that they have to be strong, unemotional, and self-sufficient. It’s why a lot of guys bottle things up until it’s too late.

But that attitude can have serious consequences. When blokes don’t open up about their mental health struggles, it can lead to things like:

• Isolation: Men are more likely to withdraw when they’re struggling mentally, making things worse.
   
• Substance abuse: Some men turn to alcohol or drugs to cope, but that only makes things harder in the long run.
   
• Relationship issues: Mental health struggles can mess with relationships, leading to breakdowns in communication and trust.
   
• Unhealthy coping mechanisms: Men might lean on risky behaviours (like excessive work, violence, or avoiding feelings) instead of dealing with their emotions properly.
   

So, why should men think about counselling? Well, it’s all about breaking the cycle. Mental health support can be the difference between struggling in silence and getting the help you need to get back on track. Here's how counselling works:

• No BS, no judgement: Counselling isn’t about sitting in a room, crying, and talking about your feelings for hours. It’s about real talk, practical strategies, and helping you understand what’s going on in your head so you can fix it.
   
• It’s safe: You won’t get judged, belittled, or told to “man up.” A good counsellor gives you a confidential, supportive space to talk about whatever’s on your mind.
   
• A way forward: It’s not just about talking. It’s about making positive change. Whether that’s stress, anxiety, anger, relationship issues, or just feeling flat — a counsellor helps you come up with strategies to handle life better.
   

Men living in rural areas have a higher risk of mental health issues and suicide. Lack of access to services, feelings of isolation, and not knowing where to go for support all contribute to this problem.

In rural areas, men are less likely to see a doctor or counsellor, often because it’s seen as a weakness or they just don’t know who to talk to. But the truth is, rural men face unique challenges that can make mental health problems worse — like:

• Isolation: More time spent alone or away from family and mates can contribute to feelings of loneliness.
   
• Limited access to services: There might not be enough support services in rural or remote areas, making it harder to get the help you need.
   
• Work pressures: Rural men often work long, physical hours, which can lead to mental and physical exhaustion, on top of other stress.