Let’s talk about the guys for a second.
June is Men’s Mental Health Month, and while mental health affects everyone, this is a good time to pause and shine a spotlight on the unique (and often overlooked) experiences of men when it comes to mental health, emotions, and seeking support.
Because, let’s be honest—there’s still a lot of outdated messaging floating around about masculinity & what it means to “be a man.” Messages that tell men they should be strong, stoic, self-reliant. That emotions are a weakness and something worth keeping to yourself…. That therapy is something other people do.
And yet… more and more men are walking through the therapy door. And let me tell you, the reasons they show up might surprise you.
Why Is Men’s Mental Health Month Important?
Because the statistics tell a pretty sobering story.
- Men die by suicide at higher rates than women.
- Men are less likely to reach out for mental health support until they’re in crisis.
- More and more men are experiencing loneliness; Many lacking a close support circle to lean on.
- Men often experience depression and anxiety in ways that fly under the radar—through irritability, anger, numbness, or burnout—rather than the classic “sadness” we tend to associate with depression.
This isn’t because men don’t feel deeply (they do!). It’s because many have been socialised to cope in ways that hide or avoid emotions. Or they’ve been taught that asking for help is “weak.” It’s not, but those messages can really stick.
Men’s Mental Health Month is a chance to challenge these narratives. To remind men (and the people who love them) that mental health struggles don’t make you “less of a man.” They make you human.
So Why Are More Men Coming to Therapy?
Here’s what I see in the therapy room (and what research is also starting to echo):
1. Relationship Struggles
A lot of men come to therapy because their relationships are struggling—or because they want to prevent them from getting there. Maybe it’s communication breakdowns. Maybe it’s conflict. Maybe they feel disconnected from their partner, kids, or friends and they’re not sure how to bridge the gap.
2. Stress, Burnout, & Pressure to Provide
Many men carry the weight of “being the rock” for their families, workplaces, or communities. Over time, that can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a sense of emptiness. Therapy becomes a place to unpack that pressure and reconnect to what actually feels meaningful.
3. Anger & Frustration
Anger is often one of the few “acceptable” emotions men feel safe expressing. But under the anger? There’s often hurt, fear, sadness, grief, loneliness. Therapy can help peel back those layers.
4. Loss & Life Transitions
Divorce, job loss, retirement, becoming a dad, aging parents… These transitions can hit hard and stir up big emotions that men haven’t been given tools to navigate.
5. Wanting Something Different
Sometimes, men don’t even know exactly why they’ve come to therapy—just that life feels flat, numb, or disconnected from who they want to be. They’re looking for more. More joy, more connection, more purpose.
Therapy for Men Isn’t About “Fixing” You
I want to be clear: therapy isn’t about making you “less angry” or “more sensitive” (unless that’s what you want). It’s about helping you understand yourself better, so you can show up in your life and relationships in ways that feel authentic, fulfilling, and aligned with your values.
It’s about expanding the emotional toolbox—because frustration and silence aren’t the only tools in the box. And honestly? Most men I work with find a huge sense of relief in realizing they’re allowed to feel more than just anger or stress.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
If you’re a man who’s been feeling the weight of the world—or if you’ve been carrying things quietly for years—I want you to know you don’t have to do it alone.
Therapy is a space to put down the armour for a bit. To get curious about what’s underneath the surface. And to remind yourself that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s courage.
So this Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s challenge the old scripts. Let’s open up new conversations. And if you’re ready to explore what therapy might look like for you, my door’s open.