by Sam Hillview-Close*
For many men in Australia, opening up about mental health struggles doesn’t come easily. While we’ve made progress as a community in reducing stigma, the message that “real men don’t talk about their feelings” still lingers in parts of our culture, workplaces, sporting clubs, and even families.
The reality is that many men face challenges with anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma at some point in their lives. Talking about it doesn’t make someone weak - it shows strength, courage, and self-respect.
Why Do Men Find It Hard to Talk?
For generations, Australian men have grown up with messages like:
- “Harden up”
- “Just get on with it”
- “Don’t be soft”
These beliefs may teach men that asking for help is something to be embarrassed about. Many men also worry that opening up will:
- Make them seem like a burden to their family
- Affect their career or relationships
- Lead to awkward conversations
Add to that the stereotype that men should always “fix” things themselves - and we’ve got a situation where too many men suffer in silence.
Positive Stories of Change
Thankfully, this is starting to shift. Many men in our communities - fathers, sons, tradies, teachers, athletes, and business owners - are leading by example. On a national level, high-profile Australians like Ian Thorpe (Olympic swimming champion), Wayne Schwass (AFL player) and Osher Günsberg (TV and podcast host) have openly shared their experiences with mental health, encouraging others to seek help early.
Reaching out may help me feel relief and a sense of gaining control again. It’s not uncommon to hear: “I wish I’d done this sooner.”
How Can Psychologists Help?
Psychologists are trained to provide practical, evidence-based support for managing:
- Stress and overwhelm
- Anxiety and depression
- Anger and frustration
- Relationship pressures
- Grief and trauma
You don’t need to be in crisis to speak to a psychologist. Men may find that even a few sessions help them build skills to handle challenges more confidently.
And importantly - you don’t have to talk about anything you’re not ready to share.
Where to Start
If you or someone you know could benefit from talking to a psychologist, a good first step is to have a chat with your GP about how you’re feeling. You may be eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which gives you access to Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.
Helpful Resources
- Beyond Blue (Men’s Mental Health): https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/men
- Lifeline Australia (24/7 Support): 13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au/
- MensLine Australia (24/7 Support for Men): 1300 78 99 78 | https://mensline.org.au/
- Head to Health (Government mental health resource): https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/
Strong Doesn’t Mean Silent
You don’t have to do it alone. Talking about what’s going on is not weakness - it’s one of the strongest things you can do for yourself and the people who care about you.
* Sam Hillview-Close is a former business executive, public health administrator, Board member, writer and blogger. Sam is also a proud neurodivergent individual.
| If this blog resonates with you and you want to talk to someone, feel welcome to contact us at Inner Calm Clinical Psychology. Remember you don't have to face it alone. When you're ready, we're here to help. |
