The State of Men’s Mental Health 2024

In 2024, awareness surrounding men’s mental health has grown, but the statistics remain troubling. Nearly half of Australian men will face mental health issues at some point in their lives. A study responding to the National Men’s Health Strategy 2021–2030 saw “mental health issues… rated of highest concern” amongst male respondents. Despite increased conversations, challenges unique to men persist. Factors like technological trends, economic instability, and shifting societal norms underscore the importance of addressing these issues.

In honour of International Men’s Day (November 19), this report aims to explore key factors shaping men’s mental health in 2024, seeking to shed light on these complex challenges and encourage supportive actions.

(please note that while this article highlights the unique mental health challenges faced by men, Positive Mind Works in no way diminishes the importance and prevalence of issues affecting women and other groups. Recognising and addressing distinct struggles allows for a more targeted, effective approach to mental health for everyone.)

Younger men today face an evolving set of mental health stressors. In a time where social media dominates personal and professional life, constant exposure can drive issues with self-esteem and personal fulfilment. Social media’s impact has been especially noticeable in younger generations, who may feel heightened pressure to project a certain image, creating a cycle of isolation and low self-worth.

In addition to this digital landscape, traditional milestones once seen as markers of adulthood – stable careers, homeownership, and financial security – have become more elusive in today’s economy. This unattainable ideal has led some young men to experience a sense of disillusionment and even existential crisis, feeling that they are unable to meet societal expectations.
As one online user put it:

“I’m 29. Impossible to launch your career, build a household in a stable way from scratch. The culture and economy aren’t designed for it anymore. All we really do is try to survive and have fun while it lasts because there is no guarantee the future will have levels of stability either.”

Suicide remains an alarming issue for men, with male suicide rates consistently higher than those of women. In 1972, men accounted for 71% of suicides, and this figure has risen to 80% in 2023. Although awareness is increasing, the stigma around men seeking help can prevent many from accessing it early. To combat this, new initiatives and policies aim to make mental health resources more accessible and visible. Campaigns led by organisations like Movember and Beyond Blue have implemented hotlines, mental health apps, and community outreach to encourage men to seek help, reduce isolation, and tackle underlying factors contributing to suicide.

Men’s hesitance to seek mental health care is often compounded by barriers in accessing appropriate resources. According to a recent study, 64% of men wait over a week to seek medical advice after noticing symptoms, while 31% delay by a month or more. Additionally, many men report feeling a lack of personal connection with practitioners, which can lead to discontinued care. Effective therapy for men may involve addressing unique societal pressures and offering practical, solution-focused approaches, but this can be hard to find.

Another issue lies in the diagnostic tools themselves. In the article Depression’s Problem With Men

According to the American Psychological Association  (APA), infidelity in the United States accounts for 20-40 percent of divorces, with men in all age groups from 30 to over 80 are more likely than women to be guilty of infidelity in a marriage.

As well as feeling they haven’t got the tools to effectively express emotions, they might also be doing so in a way that is different to what is expected. Men tend to regulate their emotions through actions rather than words. Therefore encouraging healthier communication and emotional literacy could help men build stronger relationships and more supportive emotional networks.

Fatherhood presents unique mental health challenges. For many men, the transition to fatherhood brings added responsibility and pressure to fulfill traditional provider roles. These demands can clash with modern economic realities, causing stress and a sense of inadequacy. New fathers often find themselves struggling to balance personal well-being with family obligations.

Masculine identity, a complex and layered construct, is shaped by social, cultural, familial, and personal expectations amongst others. This identity can serve as both a positive force, (instilling resilience and purpose) and a problematic one, (with pressures around conformity or reinforcing toxic traits). The following identities serve as a sample of the more common motivations and struggles men encounter in different spheres of life.

• Provider: Historically, masculinity has often been defined by his role as a provider. This expectation drives many men to believe that their self-worth hinges on financial stability and the ability to support others, especially within familial structures. In today’s economic climate, achieving this can be a daunting task, where some men struggle to support themselves, let alone others.
• Dutiful: Similar to being a provider, with the added weight of a code to honour. Some men feel they’re living their lives out of a sense of duty – to society, to their families, to their workplace etc. This can lead to feeling trapped in a life they never truly chose, unable to find further joy outside of obligation.
• Precarious: manhood as an achieved social status that must be earned and constantly defended. This means that men may feel it is their character — rather than their behaviour that is being judged during more tumultuous economic times. This concept highlights how deeply external validation influences men’s mental health, as well as the pressures to maintain an ideal that is, by design, never fully secure.
  “Modern”: Today, men often find themselves navigating the conflicting expectations of evolving gender roles. While modern society encourages men to challenge traditional masculinity (embracing vulnerability, prioritising mental health, or sharing household responsibilities for example) these ideals clash with lingering expectations to fulfil traditional male roles. Older men may also feel they were raised for a world which is rapidly becoming unfamiliar to them.

The modern workforce is a source of stress for many men, with economic pressures and job instability taking a toll. Unemployment, job and financial insecurity, and recent job loss are known risk factors for suicide attempts. Men employed in high-stress professions or male-dominated industries often report feeling that mental health resources at work are insufficient or inaccessible. Many believe their employers lack adequate policies for mental health support, which can make it difficult to seek help without jeopardising career progression. Mental health-friendly workplaces that offer Employee Assistance Programmes can help men manage these pressures more effectively, creating a more supportive work environment overall.

For some men in heterosexual marriages who don’t fully identify as straight, maintaining this facade can create profound emotional strain. These men often feel forced to align with societal norms, citing feelings of “compulsory heterosexuality, depression and overwhelming distress” and isolation from hiding their authentic selves. This internal conflict can lead to long-term mental health challenges, as society’s expectations and family traditions leave little room for openly discussing or addressing non-heteronormative identities.

Racial minority men face significant mental health disparities influenced by systemic discrimination, cultural expectations, and barriers in healthcare. Black, Asian, and Indigenous men, for example, often encounter stigma and stereotyping in mental health care. These pressures discourage seeking support, exacerbating untreated conditions like PTSD and anxiety. Additionally, cultural stigma around mental health discourages openness, further isolating these men.

Men in deprived areas face unique mental health issues linked to economic instability. Professor Paul Galdas’s study for Movember found that premature death rates are 81% higher in England’s most deprived areas than in the least deprived. Financial and job-related stress, limited access to resources, and the psychological toll of low-income work increase risks of untreated mental health conditions. These findings highlight the need for affordable, accessible support specifically designed for men in disadvantaged communities.

As we close out 2024, addressing men’s mental health must become a central focus in mental health care. Despite growing awareness, stigma and accessibility issues continue to hold many men back from seeking the help they need. By encouraging open dialogue, expanding mental health resources, and challenging outdated societal norms, we can work towards a future where men feel supported and empowered to take control of their mental well-being.
The state of men’s mental health reflects the broader societal landscape, and with each initiative, conversation, and supportive action, we take meaningful steps towards creating a healthier, more understanding world for men everywhere.

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