New research by Mentoring Men reveals that while most men acknowledge that support would help them better navigate mental health challenges, they aren’t sure where to turn.
Mentoring Men, a free service connecting men with trained, local male mentors, has revealed a shockingly high number of Australian men surveyed were experiencing mental health and personal challenges affecting their relationships, quality of life and productivity at work.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 men aged 35-50 in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, uncovered the scale of the mental health crisis affecting Aussie men:
- Nearly half (47%) experience general stress and anxiety, with others facing relationship-related stress (26%), issues related to addictive behaviours (24%) and parenting-related stress (24%).
- 40% said they struggle with emotional regulation, and 36% face difficulties in maintaining relationships.
- In the workplace, these issues contribute to absenteeism (25%) and presenteeism (attending work while suffering a mental health issue) (31%), creating a $3.76 billion annual hole in the economy.
And while 95% of men surveyed acknowledged that some form of support would benefit them, 42% of respondents admitted to ‘pushing through on their own’, suggesting they do not know where to turn.
“The issues revealed by the Mentoring Men research are not just a problem for Aussie men. Healthy men are one half of the equation leading to healthy families, workplaces, communities, society and the wider economy,” Mentoring Men CEO Filipe Gama e Silva said. “This research highlights a critical need for change in how we, as a society, approach men’s mental health. It turns the dated concept that ‘men don’t want to seek help’ on its head. Men are open to seeking support, but don’t know where to turn, so they are pushing through on their own. It is a crisis that deserves national attention and government investment.”
Moreover, according to Gama e Silva, mentoring transforms lives by preventing emerging challenges from escalating. By connecting like-minded blokes who have experienced similar challenges, mentors can offer relatable guidance, creating a space for open dialogue with no judgement.
The research highlighted that 66% of men would be open to accessing a mentor, yet 42% are unsure where to find this potentially transformative support. This gap underscores the urgent need for accessible mentorship pathways to convert willingness into action.
Mentoring Men has stepped up its work to reach men needing support and recruit mentors to work with them, but is urging government support and recognition to scale its services nationwide.
Read also: Mentoring Men and Sefiani to amplify mental health support
“A healthy society needs healthy men. When men are supported to become their best selves, that sends positive ripples through families, friendships, workplaces and the wider community,” said registered psychologist and Mentoring Men COO Cassandra Gray. ”Our proven male-to-male model is a tried and tested approach with a sophisticated model of care aligned with the National Men’s Health Strategy, which identified a need for male-centred approaches that reduce stigma and encourage men to seek help. We see firsthand every day how mentoring helps men regain confidence, purpose and connection, with life-changing effects for everyone around them.”
To apply for a mentor or become a trained mentor, visit the Mentoring Men website.
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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