5 ways to support men’s mental health in 2025

Mental health affects everyone – but men often face unique challenges when it comes to seeking support.

Whether it’s societal expectations, stigma or a lack of tailored resources, many men continue to struggle in silence.

Recent data paints a concerning picture. Depression and anxiety rates are rising, particularly among younger men, who are significantly more likely to experience poor mental health than their older peers.

Burnout, financial stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits are compounding the issue, with knock-on effects on productivity, relationships and overall wellbeing.

“Validating someone’s experiences helps them to feel understood and reduces feelings of loneliness”

Yetunde Bankole, Head of Mental Health & Wellbeing, Vitality

But there’s hope. With the right support, culture and habits, men’s mental wellbeing can be protected and improved.

This article explores five practical, evidence-based ways to support men’s mental health – at home, at work and across society.

1. Encourage a good work-life balance

75% of employees say they’re still contactable outside of working hours, and 46% admit they find it difficult to fully disconnect, even when they’re not working.

As technology continues to blur the lines between work and home life, setting clear boundaries has never been more important.

Encouraging your loved one to log off at the end of the day, take regular breaks and protect their downtime can help reinforce that work doesn’t have to spill into every corner of life.

It won’t always be perfect. Longer hours are sometimes unavoidable but creating space for rest and recovery is essential for long-term wellbeing.

2. Support unconditional self-acceptance

The biggest blocker to good mental health can be how hard we are on ourselves. We shouldn’t let our strive for perfection get in the way of the good.

And so, it can be incredibly hard to watch someone struggle with their mental health, particularly if it’s someone we love.

One way to encourage a person who is close to you to have more compassion for themselves is to ensure that their feelings are validated.

This might involve making your partner or family member feel seen, heard and loved regardless.

“Validating someone’s experiences helps them to feel understood and reduces feelings of loneliness,” explains Vitality’s Head of Mental Health & Wellbeing, Yetunde Bankole.

“It says your feelings and thoughts matter and supports that connection.”

Here are some sentence suggestions to help encourage validation:

• “What you are saying and feeling are completely understandable”
• “I can see your struggle and how much effort you are giving”

It’s also worth noting that the ability to understand that we are unique and special and not the same as everyone else is all part of self-acceptance.

3. Find a new hobby to try out

Research has shown that getting creative can reduce anxiety and stress and help to lift our mood.

And you don’t have to go down to your local craft store to get creative. When we say ‘creative’ we mean just mixing things up in a different way.

This could be something as simple as discovering a new area by going for a walk around a new park.

A project, such as gardening, is also a great way to improve mental wellbeing and get exercise in, as it gets us outdoors and gives us a sense of purpose.

See how Stockport County FC is making a difference in its community through its walking football programme

If they are up to it, attending a gym class together is another helpful way to build confidence.

“Research by Samaritans showed that men are more likely to open up when conversations happen naturally, as a result of taking part in an activity they enjoy,” says Bankole.

“But spending time together doing something you both enjoy can be helpful for supporting mood.

“It’s pleasing to spend time with loved ones and it strengthens connections reducing feelings of isolations and loneliness.”

The important thing is to show that you are there.

“Often just being there for someone and doing small things can be really valuable,” writes the mental health charity, Mind.

4. Advocate for healthy habits

What we eat, how we sleep and how much we exercise can have a huge bearing on our mental health.

Reducing coffee intake and time on digital devices in the evening is one way to improve our mental health.

To stay mentally and physically healthy, adults should be aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.

This is proven to reduce anxiety and depression, and improves memory and neurogenesis.

Bankole adds: “This all has an impact on the way we sleep and overall wellbeing, which can help us to better cope with stress on a day-to-day basis.”

5. Support them in getting help

Compared with women, men are less likely to seek help for mental health difficulties.

In fact, a Vitality report found that women are 69% more likely to use Talking Therapy services than men.

It’s widely accepted that during difficult times, men are more likely to go in on themselves than ask for help.

“Warning signs that a man in your life might be struggling with anxiety, stress or other frustrations include changes in their mood, drinking habits, appetite or sleeping patterns,” says Bankole.

But it can be difficult to start the conversation with someone that you think might need help.

So, we’ve listed some pointers that can help.

• Find helpful information together – Support them in exploring resources that might offer clarity or comfort.
• Write down questions for their doctor – Help them prepare by noting what they want to ask during appointments.
• Attend appointments if they’d like – Let them know you’re happy to go with them for support.
• Offer help with everyday tasks – Ask if there’s anything practical you can take off their plate.
• Understand what they’re going through – Take time to learn more about their condition so you can support them better.

It’s important to offer practical and emotional support, it lets people know that they are not alone, supports their wellbeing, resilience and recovery.

Talking things through with a professional will help relieve anxiety and emotional distress.

Charities, such as Samaritans, are also available 24/7, 365 days a year.

This can be a good option if you think someone is struggling but don’t know how to reach out to someone. Or if they find it difficult to talk to someone at home.

If you want to know more about how health and life insurance cover mental health conditions, read our guides below: 

• Health insurance and mental health cover explained
• Life insurance and mental health explained

Related: 6 essential health screenings for men