We Need to Speak About Men’s Mental Health
We Need to Speak About Men’s Mental Health
As the world celebrated International men’s day this month, we’re reminded of the silent killer that affects many men in our community, mental health.
In 2024, 2,529 men tragically lost their lives to suicide. Every day, Australia loses, on average, 9 people to suicide and 7 out of those 9 are men. These figures aren’t just numbers they represent real people, real lives, and real loss.
Understanding the crisis
- Men in Australia die by suicide at roughly 3 times the rate of women.
- Risk factors for men include social isolation, unemployment, relationship breakdowns, past self-harm, and more.
- Men are more likely to use highly lethal methods.
These statistics tell a story of men struggling in silence. Without the safe spaces to share or perhaps feeling ashamed or unsure of how to talk about what’s really going on.
A Message From
Someone Who’s Been There
“Talking about it seems like the hardest thing you’ll ever do but it actually makes all the difference. Even though it doesn’t seem like it will help when you feel so lonely and isolated, it can actually change everything.
It can save your life.”
His lived experience is a reminder that reaching out is one of the bravest steps you can take.
Why mental health awareness matters
and what you can do
So how can you help a mate, brother, father, son, colleague or other man in your life struggling with mental health?
Break the stigma
Talk openly. Men often feel they have to “be strong,” but strength also comes from vulnerability and connection. Provide a safe space to be able to hear what’s going on for your mate or family member without judgement.
Use available resources
Whether it’s a national helpline or a community group like a Men’s Shed or Men’s Table, support is out there.
Encourage your mates
Check in. Invite them to a breathwork session or social group or simply ask how they’re really doing.
Advocate for better care
Support calls for increased Medicare sessions, more grassroots men’s mental health funding, and broader societal conversations around masculinity and mental wellbeing.
National support resources
Connect with your local community
Support isn’t just therapy it’s also about community, belonging, and having a place where men can talk and be heard. Here are some local groups doing exactly that:
Talk2MeBro
Talk2MeBro is a national community aiming to end suicide in Australia by creating safe, meaningful spaces for conversations.
They run casual catch-ups, breathwork sessions, and peer-led workshops.
Regular free events at different locations across Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong and more.
Go solo or with a friend to grab a coffee, do some guided breathwork and go for an ice bath or an ocean swim (all optional to your comfort level).
Men’s Sheds
Men’s Sheds are local, community-based spaces where men can gather, do hands-on work, chat, and support each other.
There are over 1,000 Men’s Sheds across Australia in areas such as Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Cooranbong, Toronto or look up the closest sheds to you.
These sheds offer purpose and social connection through shared projects such as woodwork, metalwork, building furniture or fixing things.
Research and experience show that many men find their mental health improves through the camaraderie and peer friendships they build in sheds.
The Men’s Table
The Men’s Table is a peer-support model built around small groups of 8 to 12 men who meet monthly for a meal. There are multiple locations around Australian including locally in Cessnock.
The focus is on confidential, non-judgmental connection. It’s not therapy, but it’s a space for sharing.
It’s free to join, just pay for your meal at the venue.
The Men’s Table promotes “healthy masculinities” and belonging in a way that’s grounded in peer trust.
The Men’s Table creates a unique environment for men to share openly about their lives, their challenges, their highs and lows with a group of men who they learn to know, like and trust.
Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan,
an Australian government funded program
Under the Australian Government service, Medicare, if you have a clinically diagnosed mental disorder, your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician can refer you to a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
With this plan, you’re eligible for a Medicare rebate on up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year with an approved psychologist, social worker, or occupational therapist.
Initially, referrers can write for up to 6 sessions, and then if needed, add more to reach the 10-session individual cap.
The Mental Health Treatment Plan provides a Medicare rebate for treatment however it may not cover the full cost. When you book an appointment, make sure to ask:
- How much will I pay?
- How much will Medicare cover?
- If your professional bulk bills, you may not pay anything. Otherwise, you could have an out-of-pocket cost.
You don’t need to go through this alone
Men’s mental health is more than a “men’s issue”, it’s a public health issue, a community issue, and a human issue. Reducing the number of men who die by suicide doesn’t just take therapy; it takes connection, purpose, trust, and more accessible and safe spaces to talk.
If you’re reading this and feeling alone: you’re not. Help is out there. Start with one small step – reach out, join a group, or simply talk to someone. It could make all the difference.
