Empowering men to start life-changing mental health conversations

In today’s demanding world, rising costs of living and inflation are having a significant impact on Australia’s mental health, overtaking COVID-19 as the main life stressor, writes Thomas Fu, Founder and Executive Director, Motor Culture Australia.

However, men’s mental health has also taken a hit, with suicide rates on the rise due to increased economic and work-related stress.

With men’s mental health remaining a significant public health concern and priority issue in Australia, national days like RU OK provide an opportunity to discuss how we can improve wellbeing, workplace culture and overall support for men.

Men’s mental health and work

When it comes to mental health concerns, men are at the highest risk, and are three times more likely to take their own lives according to research. Despite this, conversations surrounding wellness and mental health remain challenging, even within workplaces.

Traditionally masculine industries and occupations, like construction, trades and mining, have one of the highest risks of mental ill health, yet have the lowest engagement in wellness initiatives. With construction workers at least six times more likely to die by suicide than on workplace accidents, it’s time to start conversations at work about mental health.

And the startup and business world are no exception. Entrepreneurs are twice as likely to suffer from depression, with 72 percent claiming entrepreneurship has impacted their mental health according to the Startup Founders Report and led to high stress, burnout, anxiety, depression and panic attacks.

With men’s mental health an issue that impacts almost all industries, and still remains a difficult subject for many, how can we challenge outdated attitudes to encourage men to start talking?

Challenging stigmas surrounding masculinity

Issues surrounding masculinity are still closely tied to stigmas regarding discussing mental health for men. According to mental health experts, the rate of mental health disorders between men and women is similar, yet men’s coping mechanisms differ and usually don’t include talking or seeking professional health. Creating an environment where men feel comfortable talking to one another has become crucial within workplaces, to change ideas surrounding masculinity and mental health.

Social impact workwear brand TradeMutt is doing exactly that by bridging the gap between men’s mental health and workwear, with unique designs to start conversations about mental health amongst tradies and the blue collar community. Businesses like this, who support starting a dialogue around mental health, are helping men initiate important conversations that change lives.

Regardless of the industry or job, it’s vital we speak up about our own mental health and encourage others to have open conversations, without stigma or shame, to start building an inclusive culture which promotes good mental care.

As the national day dedicated to promoting better mental health, RU OK DAY is a timely reminder that conversations can change lives. By prioritising mental and physical health, and increasing awareness through discourse, we can start to improve men’s health and mental wellness in Australia.

Resources for mental health support

MensLine Australia is a free, 24/7 telephone and online counselling service for They offer support for a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, and family violence.
This Is A Conversation Starter (TIACS) is the name of the not-for-profit mental health support service funded by TradeMutt. TIACS is a text and call service providing access to mental health clinicians in a free and easy to use way, helping to remove the physical and financial barriers that prevent many Australians from reaching out for help.
Beyond Blue is a national organisation that provides information, support, and advocacy for mental health. They have a range of resources for men, including online forums, articles, and videos. They also have great resources for business founders.
In addition to these national resources, there are also a number of state and territory-based mental health services that offer support for men. You can find a list of these services on the Mental Health Australia website.

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