For too long, mental health support has been designed with a one-size-fits-all approach - an approach that often overlooks the specific needs of men. While well-intentioned, many traditional therapy models are built on frameworks that resonate more with women’s experiences; which can leave men feeling alienated, misunderstood, or simply disengaged. If we are serious about addressing men’s mental health; we need to acknowledge these differences and adapt our approach accordingly.
The Danger of Overlooking Men’s Needs
Beyond individual struggles, we also need to explore the wider societal and environmental factors that contribute to men's mental health challenges. I am not suggesting that women don’t, but many men face significant external stressors such as financial pressures; work-related burnout and the strain of providing for a family.
Loneliness is another major issue that is particularly prevalent amongst men; particularly as social connections often diminish with age or life transitions. Physical illness, chronic pain, and conditions such as heart disease and prostate cancer can further impact mental well-being - and we already know that men are much less likely to seek medical advice when things seem ‘off’.
Additionally, contextual factors like divorce, grief, and past experiences of abuse all shape how men experience and express distress. Addressing men's mental health effectively means acknowledging these root causes rather than focusing solely on surface-level symptoms.
Men are struggling, and the statistics speak for themselves. In the UK, men account for three-quarters of all suicides, and they are significantly less likely to seek professional help for mental health difficulties. Yet, the dominant narrative still pushes men towards models of therapy that may not align with how they process emotions or seek support. If we continue to expect men to engage with therapy in the same way that women do, we risk reinforcing their sense of isolation rather than providing the support they need.
Different Symptoms, Different Manifestations
The reality is that men and women often express mental distress in different ways. While women are more likely to internalise their struggles - manifesting in traditional perceptions of anxiety or depression - men frequently externalise theirs, showing signs of anger, irritability, risk-taking behaviour, or emotional withdrawal. This divergence isn’t just social; it’s deeply rooted in biological and neurological differences.
Testosterone, for example, plays a role in shaping male stress responses, often pushing men towards action rather than verbal processing. The male brain is also wired differently when it comes to emotional regulation, with less cross-talk between the hemispheres compared to women. This reduced communication between the left and right hemispheres means that men often process emotions in a more compartmentalised way, relying on logical reasoning over verbal expression. As a result, men often struggle to articulate emotions in real time and often require alternative approaches - such as movement, structured tasks, or metaphor-based interventions - to process and express their feelings effectively.
This neurological difference also means that expecting men to engage in long, face-to-face conversations about their feelings - often the foundation of traditional therapy - can feel unnatural and ineffective. Consequently, men may benefit more from approaches that incorporate action-oriented strategies, experiential learning, or problem-solving tasks that allow them to engage with emotions in a way that aligns with their cognitive wiring.
The Role of Masculinity in Mental Health
Cultural expectations of masculinity further complicate the picture. Many men have been conditioned from a young age to be self-reliant, problem-solvers, and providers. Seeking help can feel like an admission of weakness, especially in therapeutic spaces that do not validate or work with these ingrained values. Rather than trying to dismantle masculinity, we need to reshape mental health approaches in a way that respects and works with it.
Masculinity, when channelled in a healthy way, can be a force for resilience and positive growth. Encouraging men to engage in more active approaches, goal-oriented therapy, peer mentorship, or structured challenges may provide them with the sense of purpose and progress they need to engage fully. Group therapeutic approaches that incorporate shared activities - such as hiking, surfing, or creative projects - could also offer a more natural avenue for emotional expression and support.
A More Male-Specific Approach to Mental Health Support
So, what would a more effective, male-specific model of therapy look like? First, it would embrace action-oriented, solution-focused techniques that align with how men tend to process their struggles. It would also integrate alternative therapeutic approaches that allow men to engage in a way that feels natural and constructive.
Walk and Talk Therapy is really effective when working with men - which is why it’s the approach I often prefer. Walking side by side removes the intensity of direct eye contact; making it easier for men to open up. Movement itself has a grounding and regulating effect, while being outdoors provides a sense of freedom and connection to something bigger. Walk and Talk Therapy also aligns with the male preference for doing rather than just talking - it’s a practical, embodied approach that fosters reflection without the pressure of forced introspection.
Spending time outdoors has additional benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Studies show that walking in nature reduces cortisol levels, decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhances overall mood. Exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality, which is crucial for mental health. Physical activity itself releases endorphins, promoting stress relief and a sense of accomplishment. The combination of movement, fresh air, and natural surroundings creates an optimal environment for self-reflection, problem-solving, and emotional processing, making outdoor therapy especially effective for men who struggle with conventional therapeutic settings.
Moving Towards Change in therapy for men
If we truly want to support men’s mental health, we need to stop forcing them into therapeutic models that don’t fit. Instead, we must design approaches that honour their biology, psychology, and social conditioning. This isn’t about reinforcing stereotypes; it’s about acknowledging reality. Therapy needs to evolve, and part of that evolution means giving men the space to heal in ways that work for them.
The question we should be asking isn’t why men aren’t engaging with therapy - it’s why therapy isn’t engaging with men. The time for change is now.
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