Men’s Mental Health: You Don’t Have to Wait Until You’re Struggling

By Dr Rodrigo Ferrari Zeni - 14th July 2026

As a GP, I often see men who have been putting off making an appointment for weeks, months or sometimes even years.

They may come in for a physical concern, a check-up or because someone else encouraged them to book. But during the consultation, it often becomes clear that there is something else going on too. Stress. Anxiety. Low mood. Relationship difficulties. Work pressure. Sleep problems. Burnout. Feeling overwhelmed.

Sometimes, the biggest challenge is simply admitting that things are not going well. There is still a common idea that men should be able to handle everything on their own. That talking about emotions is a sign of weakness. That you should just push through, keep busy and get on with it. But mental health is health.

Just as you would see a doctor about ongoing chest pain, high blood pressure or an injury, it is also important to seek support when you are struggling emotionally or mentally. You do not need to wait until things reach a crisis point.

Sometimes the signs that you may need support are not always obvious. You might notice that you are:

• Feeling constantly stressed, irritable or on edge
• Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
• Having difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Drinking more alcohol than usual
• Withdrawing from friends, family or your partner
• Finding it difficult to concentrate
• Feeling exhausted or unmotivated
• Experiencing ongoing worry or racing thoughts
• Feeling angry more often than usual
• Feeling like you are not coping, even if everything appears fine on the outside

For many men, talking about mental health can feel uncomfortable at first. That is completely understandable. You do not need to have the right words or know exactly what is wrong before making an appointment.

You can simply start by saying, “I haven’t been feeling like myself lately,” or “I’m not coping as well as I usually do.” That is enough to start the conversation.

As a GP, my role is not to judge you or tell you how you should feel. My role is to listen, understand what is happening and work with you to find the right support That may involve discussing your physical health, sleep, stress levels, relationships, work, lifestyle or anything else that may be affecting how you are feeling. Sometimes, small changes can make a meaningful difference. Other times, additional support such as counselling or psychological care may be helpful.

The most important thing is not to ignore the signs that something is wrong. You do not have to wait until you are at breaking point. You do not have to deal with everything alone. And asking for help does not make you weak. It is a sign that you are taking your health seriously. If you have noticed changes in your mood, behaviour or general wellbeing, consider making an appointment with your GP. Sometimes, the hardest step is simply starting the conversation.