The Man Behind the Mask: Understanding Men’s Mental Health

Men are often taught to be strong, resilient, independent, and to “keep it together,” but these expectations can make it difficult to recognise when a man is struggling or understand what may be happening beneath the surface.

This session explores the emotional and psychological experiences of men, including the pressures of masculinity, relationships, work, fatherhood, identity, stress, and the expectation to always be strong. We’ll look beyond stereotypes of how men “should” cope and consider how emotional distress may present in ways that are less immediately recognisable.

Through discussion and practical insights, we’ll explore how emotional distress can show up in men, why many men struggle to ask for help, and how practitioners can support healthier forms of coping, vulnerability, connection, and resilience.

What You’ll Learn: 

• Some of the unique pressures that can affect men’s mental health.
• Explore how traditional ideas of masculinity can influence how men express and manage emotions.
• Recognise less obvious signs of anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional distress in men.
• Explore the relationship between stress, anger, emotional withdrawal, and vulnerability.
• The impact of loneliness, relationships, fatherhood, work, and expectations of success on men’s wellbeing.
• Consider how beliefs about strength and vulnerability can affect men’s willingness to seek support.
• Explore ways practitioners can support healthier emotional expression, connection, and help-seeking.
• Identify practical approaches for supporting emotional resilience and psychological wellbeing in men.
• How to create space for more open and meaningful conversations about men’s mental health.
• Recognise when additional or specialised support may be needed.