Men are dying young and most workplaces are not talking about it.
Written by Dan Hunt, Co-Founder & CEO, Mental Health Movement
Everywhere I go, I meet men who are silently breaking under the weight of life.
They show up at work. They show up for their families. They push through pain, stress, exhaustion.
And too often, they suffer in silence.
I know this because I’ve been one of them.
As a former NRL player, I lived in a world that told me to be tough, stay strong, and never show weakness. But behind the jersey, behind the tough exterior, I was battling mental health challenges that almost took me out more than once.
The unspoken crisis of Men’s health
Let’s lay it out plainly:
- 75% of suicides in Australia are men.
- Men are less likely to seek help when they’re struggling.
- Men are more likely to die from preventable health conditions like heart disease.
- Social connection? Half of Aussie men have two or fewer close mates.
- In workplaces, men account for 94% of workplace fatalities.
These aren’t just numbers — they’re fathers, sons, brothers, teammates, workmates.
So why is this happening?
Because somewhere along the way, we taught men that strength means silence. We taught them that vulnerability is weakness. We taught them that “manning up” means pushing through, shutting up, and dealing with it alone.
And it’s killing us.
But here’s the good news…
The beautiful thing about culture? We can change it. The beautiful thing about human connection? We can rebuild it.
Here’s what I’ve learned through my own journey and through working with thousands of men across Australia through the Mental Health Movement:
“Change starts small — but it can ripple out in massive ways”.
What can we do to change the scales?
As Individuals
Check in with yourself — regularly, not just when you’re breaking down.
Instead of brushing off stress or anger, take 10 minutes once a week to reflect:
- Am I snapping at my kids or partner more?
- Am I withdrawing or shutting down?
- Am I drinking more just to cope?
- Am I doing things I know are not good for me?
If you answer yes — it’s time to reach out.
Actively schedule one health check this month.
Book that GP visit, get your cholesterol or blood pressure checked, or lock in a session with a psychologist — not “when it gets bad,” but now, as proactive actions.
Create one non-negotiable habit that supports your wellbeing.
Examples:
- Morning walk before work, no phone.
- Set alcohol-free days per week.
- Committing to 7 hours of sleep, even if it means turning off Netflix or social media.
As Families and Friendship Circles
Be the mate who opens the door.
Instead of “How ya going?” ask:
- “What’s been weighing on you lately?”
- “You’ve been quiet — what’s been on your mind?”
When a mate opens up, resist fixing it — just listen, stay present, and remind them they matter.
Set up a monthly “real talk” catch-up.
Not just beers or the footy — have a BBQ or coffee where the purpose is to genuinely check in with each other beyond surface-level banter.
Model vulnerability.
Share when you’re struggling — this gives permission for others to do the same.
As Communities
Host a men’s mental health night at the local footy club, surf club, or men’s shed.
Bring in a speaker with lived experience, run a BBQ, invite local health services, and create a no-judgment space for men to share and learn.
Partner with schools or junior sports clubs.
Educate boys and young men early about healthy masculinity, resilience, and emotional health — before negative patterns set in.
Launch a local social group focused on connection.
Not just pub crawls — walking groups, fishing clubs, or volunteering crews that build purpose and community without relying solely on alcohol or status.
As Workplaces
Run evidence-backed mental health training, not just a motivational talk.
Equip leaders and workers with practical tools to identify warning signs, respond in the moment, and know exactly what support pathways exist.
Implement a psychosocial risk management program.
Map out workplace stressors, from workload and deadlines to bullying or isolation, and take concrete steps to reduce them.
Normalise mental health conversations.
Encourage managers to regularly check in:
- “How’s your workload — anything I can help clear up?”
- “What’s been the most stressful part of your week?”
Tie these into team meetings or one-on-ones so it’s ongoing, not just a one-off event.
Back it up with action.
If workers raise concerns, act on them — don’t just file them away. Build trust by following through.
In summary
We don’t need more token gestures. We need real, sustained change.
That means:
✔ Personal responsibility.
✔ Family and mateship that goes deeper.
✔ Communities that hold space.
✔ Workplaces that step up, not tick the box.
So, here’s my challenge to you:
Who will you check in on this week?
What health commitment will you make for yourself today?
And if you’re in a leadership role — what’s one step your workplace can take this Men’s Health Week to create a culture that truly supports its men?
Because when we break the silence, we break the cycle.
Let’s not wait until it’s too late.
If your organisation wants to lead the change, Mental Health Movement is here to help — with lived experience, evidence-based tools, and practical strategies that work, reach out to the MHM team today — let’s build workplaces and communities where no one is left to struggle alone.
