Supporting Men’s Mental Health: Understanding the Hidden Strains

International Men’s Day is a powerful reminder that men’s mental health deserves space, visibility, and compassion. While men face many of the same emotional challenges as everyone else, there are particular pressures tied to sexual health, reproductive wellbeing, and early parenthood that often remain unspoken.

At Amirrah, we carefully design our programmes to include men in our efforts with hope to empower them to speak up, seek help and be supported through every phase of their wellbeing journeys.

Below are some of the emotional strains men commonly experience - and how you can recognise when it may be time to reach out for support.

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1. Sexual Health & Confidence: The Silent Emotional Weight

Sexual health issues—such as performance anxiety, erectile concerns, low libido, or difficulty discussing sexual needs—can deeply affect how a man views himself. Because sexuality is often tied to identity, capability, and self-worth, struggles in this area can lead to quiet emotional distress.

Common Mental Strains

• Shame, embarrassment, or fear of being “inadequate”

• Anxiety that builds before sexual encounters

• Withdrawal from intimacy or avoidance of relationships

• Low mood, irritability, or self-criticism

• Difficulty communicating needs or concerns with a partner
  

Signs It May Be Time to Seek Therapy

• Stress or worry around sexuality is affecting confidence or daily functioning

• Feelings of guilt or frustration persist for weeks or months

• Intimacy anxiety is affecting a relationship

• You’re turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., withdrawal, overwork, alcohol)
  

Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore these feelings, rebuild confidence, and find practical tools for healthier emotional and sexual wellbeing.

2. Fertility and Reproductive Challenges: The Hidden Grief
   

Reproductive health concerns—such as infertility diagnoses, pressure to conceive, or feeling responsible for a partner’s struggles—can be emotionally overwhelming. Yet many men feel they must stay “strong,” often suppressing grief, fear, or shame.

Common Mental Strains

• Guilt or feeling like you are letting your partner down

• Grief that goes unacknowledged

• Stress during medical examinations or fertility treatments

• Feeling excluded or overlooked in reproductive health conversations

• Strain on intimacy due to clinical or scheduled sexual activity
  

Signs It May Be Time to Seek Therapy

• You feel emotionally “numb,” detached, or overwhelmed

• Fertility stress leads to conflict or distance in your relationship

• You’re experiencing persistent sadness, frustration, or self-blame

• You feel isolated or unable to share what you’re going through

Professional support can help men process their emotions, strengthen communication with partners, and navigate the emotional landscape of fertility challenges with greater resilience.

3. Early Parenthood: Joy, Pressure and the "Invisible Load"

   
   

Welcoming a new baby is transformative—but it is also demanding. Men often experience high expectations to provide, support their partner, and remain steady despite sleepless nights, lifestyle changes, and identity shifts.

Common Mental Strains

• Pressure to “hold everything together”

• Exhaustion and disrupted routines

• Anxiety about financial or practical responsibilities

• Feeling uncertain or insecure about fatherhood

• Emotional disconnection from partner or child

• Difficulty adjusting to reduced personal time
  

Postnatal depression and anxiety can affect men too, though it is far less discussed.

Signs It May Be Time to Seek Therapy

• Persistent irritability, restlessness, or anger

• Withdrawal from partner, baby, or social life

• Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or disconnected

• Trouble concentrating or staying engaged

• Struggles with bonding or constant self-doubt

Support during early parenthood can help new fathers manage stress, balance roles, and build patterns of wellbeing for themselves and their family.

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Whether you’re supporting yourself or someone you care about, these signs often indicate that therapy could be beneficial. At Amirrah, support is within reach. Through our mental health providers, we offer therapeutic support designed specifically for men navigating such challenges.

You don't need to reach a breaking point to seek help. Therapy is not - and should not - be a last resort. It's an investment into yourself, your relationships and your wellbeing.

This International Men’s Day, Let’s Talk About Men’s Mental Health

Men deserve spaces where they can be vulnerable, supported, and understood. By recognising the emotional challenges men face—and encouraging open conversations—we can help build a world where seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Reach out to us for more information or support on #mens #mentalhealth at contact@ngoamirrah.org