Each June, we pause to honour Men’s Mental Health Month—an opportunity to recognise men’s issues that affect their mental well-being. Lately, a growing tide of conversations on social media reveals how financial pressures, societal expectations, and toxic masculinity still halt many men from speaking up.
In this article, we explore how real habits can help real struggles, offering reassurance and practical guidance for men everywhere.
The Weight of Societal Pressure
First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge what’s unfolding online. Consider the surge in posts and headlines about men feeling tied to traditional provider roles. This financial strain often amplifies worries—and how economic instability “disempowers” men when partners earn more.
Compounding this, toxic masculinity—another social media staple—still pushes the narrative that crying or admitting vulnerability means failure. For instance, many boys are told to “man up,” and social norms reinforce concealing emotions.
Understanding the Roots of Real Struggles
Understanding why men struggle in silence illuminates the path toward change. Statistics show that men die by suicide at roughly four times the rate of women—and yet fewer than half of men experiencing anxiety or depression seek treatment .
Instead, they often resort to irritability, risk‑taking behaviors, or substance use to cope . This divergence in symptom expression and help-seeking behavior underscores how stigma not only isolates men but also marks them as “weak” for seeking help.
Embracing Real Habits for Long‑Lasting Change
Fortunately, real daily habits can make a profound difference. Here are practical steps that can help men more cope with real struggles that affect their mental well-being:
1. Reconnect with a Hobby
Engaging in a personal hobby—be it painting, woodworking, playing guitar, or even gaming—offers a healthy mental escape from daily pressures. For men who often feel defined by their roles (breadwinner, provider, fixer), a hobby reclaims time for self-expression and individuality. It becomes a space where there’s no pressure to perform or meet expectations—just joy, flow, and focus. This is particularly helpful when dealing with burnout or emotional numbness.
2. Maintain a Consistent Physical Routine
Physical movement doesn’t need to be extreme to be effective. A 30-minute walk, light strength training, or yoga a few times a week can significantly improve mental clarity and regulate mood. Exercise releases endorphins and supports brain health, helping men manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. Men often feel pressure to “tough it out,” but physical activity provides a non-verbal way to process anger, grief, or frustration.
3. Set Realistic Financial Boundaries
Financial stress is one of the top contributors to male anxiety, especially for those who feel pressure to provide or maintain a certain image. Instead of internalizing this pressure, create simple money boundaries: track spending weekly, set achievable savings goals, and be open about finances with partners or close friends. Using apps like Wise and Spendee can help make this process less overwhelming.
4. Reaching Out to Trusted Person
Isolation is one of the silent killers of men’s mental health. Regularly reaching out to a friend, mentor, sibling, or therapist—even just to chat or check in—can create a vital emotional outlet. Building this habit doesn’t require deep emotional conversations every time; it’s the consistency that matters. A message like “Hey, just checking in” can open doors to deeper connection and help normalize support-seeking behaviour.
5. Digital Detox & Mindful Consumption
While social media offers connection, it can also heighten stress—especially for men comparing their lifestyles to curated posts about wealth, relationships, or masculinity. Limiting screen time allows the mind to reset. Taking breaks from emotionally charged content or “toxic masculinity” influencers and instead curating a feed that promotes empathy, mental health, and positivity.
Men’s Mental Health Month prompts more than awareness—it encourages action. By integrating even a few into daily life, men can begin to break the cycle of silent struggle and step toward a healthier, more connected version of themselves.
If you’re facing a difficult moment, remember: reaching out isn’t weakness. It’s brave. You’re not alone.
