Our mental health is just as important as our physical health—this isn’t news. But why do so many men avoid mental health support, prioritizing physical strength over mental resilience? We explore why it’s crucial to break the stigma around mental healthcare.
We’re all familiar with this stereotype—men would rather face death than see a doctor, well, almost. Some might believe that enduring a few bumps while working in a shed, playing contact sports, tinkering under a car hood, or camping is a display of strength, while the flu is a serious issue—but only ask their partner (never a doctor). According to one report, 80% of men actually prefer doing household chores over seeking medical care.
Fortunately, those days—like a good antibiotic—seem to be fading. Recent research shows that men are becoming more proactive about seeking help when needed. The study found that in the past 12 months, 79% of men visited a general practitioner, a sharp increase from 43% in 2015–16, but primarily for physical health issues.
While these improvements are encouraging, research from the Australian Relationship Institute found that men still struggle to build emotional and social connections and to establish strong relationships. Consequently, the proportion of men visiting mental health professionals drops to just 12%, highlighting a significant hesitation among men to address their mental health concerns.
Men and Mental Health
Discussions about men’s health often focus on the fact that men tend to prioritize physical health while neglecting mental health. This trend raises questions about societal expectations and cultural norms, and their influence on men’s willingness to confront mental health challenges.
Colin Fassnidge, ambassador for the suicide prevention charity Are You OK? and a renowned chef, believes this is both a gender and generational issue.
“Men tend to focus on physical health rather than mental health because we—men in our 40s and 50s—come from a generation that was raised to believe that a strong body is everything,” Fassnidge explains. “A strong body represents a confident man. We were told not to cry, so all emotions were pushed aside, boxed up for 30 years.”
“This benefits no one. Recognizing the brain as one of the most important organs, if not the most important, is crucial. We also need men to care for one another, notice the signs, and step in when a mate seems to be struggling. The power of social connection can never be underestimated.”
Another key factor for prioritizing physical over mental health is tangible results. Physical efforts produce visible gains. Mental health, on the other hand, often requires sustained, long-term effort before noticeable improvements appear, making short-term rewards more appealing.
For most forms of exercise, the barrier to entry is low—anyone can do it. Through running or jogging, people experience a natural sense of escape. Even a single session can be beneficial—just 10 minutes of jogging can create a sense of achievement, release feel-good endorphins, and help clarify thoughts during complex emotional states.
Unfortunately, investing in mental health doesn’t offer the same immediate gratification—it often only becomes noticeable when neglect reaches a crisis point, manifesting as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health Can Improve Your Life
Although caring for your mental health may not produce the same visible results as going to the gym, it is just as important for overall well-being and personal fulfillment.
With the rise of telehealth, online therapy, and meditation apps such as Headspace, Calm, and the free “Healthy Minds Program,” managing mental health has become easier and more affordable than ever.
While there’s still work to be done to eliminate the stigma around men seeking help for mental health issues, change is underway. More men are talking about mental health and shaping a positive, modern version of masculinity.
How You Can Support Your Partner
Ideally, men in distress or crisis would feel confident and empowered to seek help. Beyond Blue reports that 50% of men rarely discuss deeper personal issues with their partners, yet nearly one-third wish they could be more open. Nevertheless, men are more likely to share with a health professional than with their partner.