We’re getting better at talking about mental health. But when it comes to men, some conversations can still be difficult to have. Many men grow up with messages about being strong, independent, and able to deal with problems on their own. While those qualities can be positive, they can also make it harder to acknowledge when something isn’t right or to ask for help when it is needed.

And struggling doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes, the person who needs support isn’t the person who appears sad or withdrawn. They may simply seem more irritable, frustrated, distant, or different from usual.

Creating more space for honest conversations about men’s mental health starts with recognising these barriers and understanding what support can look like.

For many men, the pressure to stay strong can make it difficult to acknowledge that they are struggling. Social expectations around self-reliance, emotional control and independence can all contribute to the feeling that asking for help means admitting you can’t cope.

This doesn’t mean every man experiences mental health difficulties in the same way. But it does mean that those around them — including colleagues, managers, friends and family — should be aware that distress can take different forms.

It might look like:

• Irritability or anger where someone seems increasingly short-tempered or frustrated.
• Withdrawal or changes in behaviour where someone becomes less engaged with colleagues, friends or family.
• Risk-taking or unhealthy coping mechanisms, including increased alcohol or substance use.
• Difficulty maintaining relationships as emotional difficulties begin to affect connections with others.
• Simply seeming different from usual. Sometimes there may be no obvious explanation, but something about a person’s behaviour has changed.

This is particularly important when we consider suicide prevention. Men are disproportionately represented in suicide statistics, both internationally and in Malta. We cannot assume that someone who appears to be coping is necessarily okay.

Supporting men’s mental health isn’t about telling men how they should behave or feel. It’s about creating environments where there is room for vulnerability, emotional expression, connection and asking for help.

For workplaces and other organisations, that can mean:

• Making conversations about mental health more normal. They shouldn’t only happen when someone reaches crisis point.
• Looking beyond the obvious signs. Understanding that distress can present through anger, withdrawal, frustration or changes in behaviour.
• Creating safe spaces to talk. People are more likely to open up when they know they won’t be judged or treated differently for doing so.
• Encouraging connection rather than self-reliance at all costs. Independence is valuable, but nobody should feel they have to deal with everything alone.
• Knowing how to start a conversation. Sometimes support begins with something as simple as asking, “How are you really doing?” and being prepared to listen to the answer.

Richmond Foundation’s A New Face to Men’s Mental Health workshop gives HR professionals, managers, coaches, educators and others an opportunity to explore the specific challenges men can face when discussing and managing their mental health.

The workshop explores social expectations and gender norms, how emotional distress can present, barriers to seeking help, and practical ways to create more supportive, stigma-free environments. If your organisation wants to develop a more informed and compassionate approach to men’s mental health, get in touch with Richmond Foundation to learn more about the workshop and how it can support your people.