“I’m fine.” Two words. Spoken a million times a day. Said casually, even automatically. But for many men, they hide what’s going on. Underneath ”I’m fine” is very often stress, grief, despair, addiction and loneliness.
700,000 each year.
59,500 a month.
15,900 a week.
2,500 every day.
90 every hour.
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men between 21 and 45.
These aren’t numbers. Seven hundred thousand fathers, brothers, sons, mates and partners lose the battle with themselves yearly.
This June is Mental Health Awareness Month, and an opportunity for us to remember to speak to each other and acknowledge the hidden battles that so many men go through in their day-to-day lives.
The shift in how we talk about men’s mental health isn’t just happening in clinics or campaigns, it’s happening in everyday moments. A quiet check-in from a friend. A dad opening up to his kids. A mate at the pub admitted he’s not doing okay. These small acts are part of a bigger cultural pivot, one that rewrites the script on what it means to be a man.
If you’re enjoying this story on mental health – try changing mental health crisis response.
Importantly, the solutions aren’t about making men more like women; they’re about helping men be themselves, fully and safely. That includes designing services that meet men where they are, in ways that feel comfortable and accessible. For some, that’s a walk and a talk. For others, it’s texting in the middle of the night. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s a good thing.
We must also challenge the myth that once someone is “strong,” they no longer struggle. Mental health is something we all manage over time, and the strongest people are often those who’ve been through the worst and still show up for themselves and others.
Because when men stop saying “I’m fine” and start saying the truth, “I need help”, that’s not weakness. That’s courage.
By talking to each other, and not just saying ‘I’m fine’, ‘I’m a tackle the issues we face together, and save lives.
Samaritans – 116 123 (Free, 24/7)
Shout 85258 – Text “SHOUT” for confidential crisis support
Andy’s Man Club – it’s okay to talk.
Mind – confidential support.
