Men’s Mental Health: Rewriting the Story of Strength
Each November, as Movember campaigns fill our feeds with moustaches and messages about men’s wellbeing, one issue comes to our forefront Men’s Mental Health. Despite growing awareness, many men continue to face invisible barriers when it comes to seeking support. At The Psychology Group, we see first-hand how powerful those barriers can be and how transformative it can be when they’re broken.
The Weight of Expectation
Across cultures, men have long been taught to hold composure, solve problems independently, and “tough it out.” While resilience is valuable, the pressure to appear strong can come at a cost.
Research consistently shows that men are less likely than women to seek psychological support, even when they’re experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or depression1. This isn’t because men experience less distress it’s because traditional masculine norms may make it harder to admit when something feels wrong.
The messages often sound like this: “You’re supposed to handle it. You don’t talk about emotions. Real men don’t need help.”
Over time, these beliefs can harden into stigma. Two types of stigmas are particularly damaging:
Self-stigma: the belief that seeking help means personal weakness.
Perceived stigma: the worry that others will see you differently for doing so.
Both can silence men at the moments they most need connection. And silence, we know from New Zealand’s mental health data, can have devastating outcomes. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among men in Aotearoa.
Why Therapy Works
Therapy is not a last resort; it’s a proactive investment in wellbeing. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) are proven to help individuals develop emotional regulation, manage stress, and strengthen relationships.
For many men, therapy becomes a structured, practical space to problem-solve and reflect without judgement. It’s less about dissecting every feeling and more about identifying what’s working, what’s not, and what can change.
Studies also show that early intervention improves long-term outcomes. Men who access therapy sooner experience reduced symptom severity, greater resilience, and higher life satisfaction. Seeking help early isn’t a sign of crisis it’s a form of maintenance, much like physical fitness or preventive healthcare.
Reframing Strength
Changing how we view men’s mental health starts with challenging outdated ideas of masculinity. Strength isn’t measured by silence; it’s shown through self-awareness and accountability.
We can all play a part in this shift:
Reframe help-seeking. Therapy is an act of responsibility, not weakness.
Normalise open dialogue. Encourage everyday check-ins among friends, colleagues, and whānau.
Recognise diversity. Masculinity looks different across cultures, generations, and individuals. What matters is authenticity, not conformity.
Lead by example. Men who share their experiences of therapy or emotional growth help others see that it’s safe to do the same.
Small cultural shifts, how we talk about feelings, how leaders model vulnerability, how workplaces support mental wellbeing, add up to meaningful change.
Looking Ahead
Men’s mental health deserves equal attention to physical health. Therapy offers a space to understand oneself more deeply, strengthen relationships, and build lasting resilience.
At The Psychology Group, we believe that the decision to reach out for help is one of the most powerful steps a person can take. It doesn’t erase strength, it refines it.
If you or someone you know is considering therapy, take that first step. Courage isn’t found in silence; it’s built in conversation.
References
1 Seidler, Z. E., Rice, S. M., Oliffe, J. L., Fogarty, A. S., & Dhillon, H. M. (2021). Men, mental health, and masculinity: A scoping review of research and public health interventions. American Journal of Men’s Health, 15(4), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883211012365
2 Ministry of Health. (2023). Suicide web tool: Annual provisional suicide statistics for deaths reported to the Coroner. Wellington: Ministry of Health, New Zealand. https://www.health.govt.nz
3 Kohut, T., Stokes, S., & Jansen, K. (2020). Help-seeking and mental health service use among men: A systematic review of predictors and barriers. Journal of Mental Health, 29(4), 438–447. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2019.1608936