International Men’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the positive contributions men make in our families, communities, and workplaces - but it’s also a time to shine a light on the challenges many men continue to face in silence.
For generations, men have been encouraged to “keep it together,” to be the strong one, the provider, the problem-solver. While these expectations may look admirable on the surface, they often come at a cost. Men are still less likely to seek help for emotional struggles and more likely to turn to coping strategies such as smoking, drinking, gambling or drugs. Over time, this takes a toll not only on their mental and physical health, but also on the people who love them.
And the impact is clear: suicide remains one of the biggest killers of men under 50, and three-quarters of all suicides are men. Communities, families and workplaces feel this loss deeply.
Why Men Need Safe, Non-Judgmental Support
Many men have never been shown how to express fear, pressure, sadness or overwhelm. Asking for help can feel uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or even like a personal failure.
But support isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of courage, self-leadership, and responsibility.
Men deserve a space where they can talk honestly, decompress safely, and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface.
A Combined Approach: Counselling + Coaching for Real Change
Insight into the past is valuable - it helps us understand where our patterns, reactions and coping mechanisms come from. But insight alone doesn’t create change.
That’s why an integrated fusion of counselling and coaching can be so effective for men.
1. First: Counselling to untangle and release energy
Men often carry stress silently. Counselling provides a confidential, judgement-free space to process emotions, unpack life pressures, and understand what’s driving current struggles.
2. Then: Coaching to turn clarity into action
Once that emotional weight begins to lift, coaching helps channel renewed energy into clear, achievable steps. Strategy replaces overwhelm. Momentum replaces stagnation.
This integrated approach helps men move forward with strength, control and clarity - not just understanding why they feel stuck, but knowing exactly how to move beyond it.
Real Support for Today’s Men
The need for action is being recognised at a national level. As part of a broader focus on men’s health, the government is investing in suicide prevention initiatives, including £3.6 million over the next three years to support middle-aged men in the communities most at risk.
But while community action is vital, personal support is equally essential. Whether through in-person counselling in Plymouth, online counselling for men, or a tailored blend of therapeutic and coaching methods, men deserve support that meets them where they are and helps them build a healthier future.
A Call to Men - and Those Who Care About Them
This International Men’s Day, let’s honour the men in our lives not just with appreciation, but with deeper understanding.
If you’re a man who has been struggling, or you know one who is quietly shouldering too much, remember this:
You don’t have to do it alone.
Reaching out isn’t giving up - it’s stepping up.
With the right support, you can move forward with resilience, confidence and clarity.
Because you deserve a life that feels strong, healthy and supported - not just on International Men’s Day, but every day.