Men’s Mental Health Month reminds us of a truth that’s often left unspoken: many men are struggling quietly.

They show up, work hard, stay composed,  and underneath it all, they’re fighting battles no one sees.

For generations, men have been taught to be strong, stoic, and self-reliant. It’s a message deeply rooted in culture and upbringing, one that says vulnerability equals weakness. But this mindset can leave men trapped, unable to recognise or express what’s really going on inside.

At Drake WellbeingHub, we see this pattern often. Men who seem fine on the outside are often carrying invisible weight - stress, loneliness, exhaustion, or fear; without the language or tools to deal with it.

Here’s why it happens, and what can be done to break the silence.

Why Men Often Don’t Recognise They’re Struggling

1. The “I’ve Got This” Mindset

Many men grow up believing they should be able to handle everything alone — work pressures, financial stress, relationships. Asking for help feels like failure. But strength isn’t about doing it all yourself. It’s about knowing when to share the load.

2. Emotional Blind Spots

Men are often taught to suppress emotions rather than understand them. Anger or irritability might actually be signs of anxiety or sadness. The problem is, these emotions go unrecognised until they spill over.

3. Comparing Pain

It’s common to think, “Others have it worse,” which stops many men from acknowledging their own struggles. But pain isn’t a competition, your challenges matter, and they deserve attention.

4. Fear of Judgement

Even in modern workplaces, stigma still lingers. Some men worry they’ll be seen as unreliable or weak if they open up about their mental health. This silence only deepens the sense of isolation.

5. Lack of Safe Spaces

Men often don’t have many safe, non-judgmental environments to talk about what’s bothering them, especially at work. Without those outlets, they internalise stress until it starts to show in their health, relationships, or job performance.

What You Can Do About It

The first step in changing this cycle is recognising that mental health doesn’t make you less of a man, it makes you human.

Here are small but powerful ways to start addressing your mental wellbeing:

1. Redefine Strength

Real strength isn’t silence. It’s having the courage to say, “I’m not okay.” The moment you open up, you make it safer for others to do the same.

2. Learn the Language of Emotion

You don’t need to have all the answers, just start by naming how you feel. Frustrated, tired, anxious, lonely. Naming emotions gives you power over them.

3. Connect More Often

Spend time with people who lift you up. Whether it’s a colleague, a mate, or a family member, connection helps you see you’re not alone in what you’re feeling.

4. Move and Rest

Physical health and mental health go hand in hand. Move your body regularly, eat well, and prioritise sleep. Small, consistent habits create long-term resilience.

5. Reach Out for Support

If you feel stuck, don’t wait for things to get worse. Talking to a professional can help you unpack what’s really going on and give you tools to manage stress in healthy ways.

Your workplace’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is completely confidential, no one at work will know you’ve reached out. You can access counselling, self-assessments, and wellbeing resources whenever you need them.

Let’s Change the Definition of “Strong”

Strength isn’t pretending you’re fine. It’s taking action to care for yourself.

When men learn to open up, they don’t just improve their own lives — they build healthier workplaces, families, and communities.

At Drake WellbeingHub, we’re here to help men get the support they deserve — not because they’re weak, but because every strong person sometimes needs a hand.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, we’re here to help.
Visit drakewellbeinghub.com.au to access confidential counselling and wellbeing services today.