To make mental fitness as routine as physical fitness, experts are launching a free mental health manual, with straightforward steps men can use to manage stress, stay connected, and boost their mental wellbeing.
Nearly half (43%) of Australian men will experience anxiety or depression in their lifetime, yet only fewer than one in five seek professional help1.
To start closing this gap, experts at Someone.health are launching the Mental Maintenance Manual: A Practical Guide to Men’s Mental Health Upkeep – a free, easy-to-use guide designed to help men see psychological wellbeing as part of everyday fitness.
The stigma of masculinity
Studies reveal that traditional models of masculinity continue to stigmatise mental health issues amongst men who remain far less likely than women to seek help. In fact, over three-quarters (75%) of those losing their lives to suicide in Australia are male2.
Despite the severity of these statistics, men are still significantly less likely to seek support when struggling. Although nearly half of Australian men will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, fewer than one in five (12%) have sought help from a mental health professional1. While four in five (80%) men experiencing severe psychological distress will visit a GP, less than half (40%) of them take the next step and see a mental health professional3. Adult men are also half as likely as women to use a helpline or digital service for support, with four in five (80%) saying they would be unlikely to reach out for help3.
Practical help for men
Built by psychologists, the Mental Maintenance Manual breaks down mental health into practical, relatable sections from recognising early signs of burnout to building resilience, improving communication, and knowing when (and how) to reach out for professional support.
“Many men are still told that they need to ‘tough it out,’ or internalise that idea through cultural messaging. Mental health issues are a growing concern for Aussie blokes and delaying support can mean that issues worsen, with a significant impact on quality of life and, sometimes, devastating consequences. Men are often more likely to engage in avoidant or externalising coping behaviours, such as substance use, aggression, or overworking.”
Craig Russouw, Psychologist at Someone.health
“When it comes to mental health, prevention, maintenance, and open conversation can make a big and potentially life-saving difference for some men. It’s not about fixing feelings, but about keeping your mind in shape, much like maintaining physical fitness. Yet expectations surrounding masculinity, to be stoic and emotionally restrained, continue to hold men back from reaching out.”
Craig Russouw, Psychologist at Someone.health
While recent studies show that men are increasingly less likely to endorse stereotypical models of manhood, many still feel the impact of societal pressures enforced by these ideas3. The link between the pressure of performed masculinity and poor mental health is well documented, with reports finding that men who agree with the stereotypical expectations of masculinity are seven times more likely to frequently experience thoughts of suicide4.
The importance of early support
Someone.health CEO Sarah Richardson says that without early and consistent intervention, men risk continuing to suffer, experiencing relapse, or disengaging from support altogether. Accessible telehealth services can change this trajectory by offering flexible, affordable care at the touch of a button.
“We want to remind men across Australia that they don’t have to wait until they reach crisis point. Mental health, like your body or your car, needs regular maintenance. It should be groomed, checked, and cared for consistently. That’s why we created the Mental Maintenance Manual: A Practical Guide to Men’s Mental Health Upkeep, to give men simple, practical tools to support their wellbeing before issues escalate. Our telehealth service makes it even easier to connect with a psychologist from the comfort of home, providing a safe, stigma-free space to start the conversation and take proactive steps toward better mental health.”
Someone.health CEO Sarah Richardson
While some men are growing Movember moustaches this month for awareness, Someone.health is encouraging all Aussie men to take proactive care of their mental health all year round by checking in on their stress triggers, building resilience, and recognising early warning signs before challenges escalate.
Daily mental health steps
To get started, the manual suggests simple, practical steps that anyone can incorporate into daily life:
- Keep connected to your relationships by checking in regularly and being present for your mates, family, or colleagues
- Do something that’s just for you, like reading a book, fishing, or going for a run – anything that makes you feel good
With two in five (40%) men diagnosed with severe depression still struggling years later1, these small, consistent actions, combined with accessible support, can help men stay connected, manage stress, and make a sustainable difference to their lives. For anyone wanting to keep their minds in top shape, because good mental health is important all year-round, download the free Mental Maintenance Manual.
About Someone.health
Someone.health is a Medicare bulk-billed, affordable, and convenient online psychology clinic offering appointments Australia-wide. With over 200 registered psychologists, mental health care is available online via video conferencing seven days a week. Someone.health is part of the HealthBright family of brands, whose goal is to provide quality, accessible, affordable mental health support to everyone who needs it through outstanding digital care.
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