Why Men's Mental Health in Melbourne Deserves Urgent Attention

The data is unmistakable and presents a picture that ought to deeply disturb us all. Every single day across Australia, seven men make the devastating decision to end their lives. According to recent studies from the Herald Sun Australia, men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide. Yet instead of being shouted about from the rooftops, this issue remains whispered.

So, if you are reading this and feeling that you are fighting battles no one else can see, then you are not alone. The stats show how many men are silently struggling, especially here in Melbourne and across Victoria.

The Hidden Crisis in Our Backyard

The reality of men's mental health in Melbourne is more urgent than most people realise. In rural Victoria alone, between January and November 2024, 97 men over 65 took their lives, representing 13% of all suicides in the state. Overall, 801 Victorians died by suicide in 2023, with a staggering 71.9% being male victims, most falling within the 25–44 age group.

These aren't just numbers on a page. They represent fathers, sons, brothers, and mates who felt they had nowhere to turn. Each statistic symbolises a family torn apart; a workplace missing a valued team member, and a community that missed the signs. 

The male Australian help-seeking psychology sets another disturbing trend. Approximately 43% of Australian men would experience depression or anxiety somewhere along their lives, but only 37% have sought help. It is in that gap lying between suffering and seeking support where too many men fall through.

Young Men Aren't Immune

The crisis is no longer just for the older generation. Young men in Melbourne are facing increased anxiety and depression at an alarming rate. In a comprehensive study of 1,200 Melbourne youth aged 10-18, it was found that by the time these youths reached age 18, 75% of them had experienced clinically significant anxiety or depression, with 61% of boys affected.

These young men are suspending higher emotional burdens of the adult world while usually lacking either the tools or the support systems by which to cope. They are learning early on that to ask for help "is not what men do," planting a dangerous pattern into the core of their existence.

Construction: Where the Crisis Hits Hardest

For those working in Melbourne's construction industry, the situation becomes even more dire. Construction workers in Australia die by suicide every two days, with approximately 190 deaths annually across the industry, according to Engineers Australia. Accordingly, suicide claims the lives of more construction industry employees than on-the-job accidents.

Male construction workers are 53% more likely to die by suicide than males in other trades. In Victoria alone, between 2001 and 2018, 850 male construction-worker suicides occurred, ranking second highest after NSW.

The risk is particularly severe for younger workers. Male construction workers aged 15–24 are 2-3 times more likely to die by suicide compared to the same-aged men in other fields. Apprentices face an even steeper risk, being 2.5 times more likely to take their own lives than their peers of the same age.

The Cost Goes Beyond Lives

The devastating loss of life is only one aspect of the effects of poor mental health. Mental-health-related compensation claims, which account for 9% of all claims, cost a median of $55,270 per case, which is four times more than physical injuries. 

Mental health crises also reduce productivity by around 10% per affected worker, creating ripple effects that impact entire teams and projects. When good workers are struggling mentally, everyone feels the strain.

Breaking the Silence

This idea of "toughing it out" that so often pervades many male-dominated industries is a problem for everyone. Boys grow up thinking they have to be strong men: fix problems, sort and set things straight, but never admit they have problems. But mental health isn't something you can just push through with willpower.

The shame and stigma around men's mental health in Australia must end. Seeking assistance does not make one weak; instead, it makes one intelligent and strong. It's acknowledging that a suffering mind requires expert support, much like a damaged bone requires medical attention.

There Is Hope and Help Available

Mental Construct and the other organisations work intensely to bring change in the way mental health issues in men are being addressed, especially in the construction industry. They recognise that therapies traditionally used for treatment may not always be effective for everyone, especially for men who are more prone to look for solutions through action.

Mental Construct provides men with a safe space where they can share their experiences without feeling ashamed. They run peer support groups, offer activities, and refer individuals to professionals when necessary. Above all, they are beginning to develop something of a community in which showing one's vulnerability is respected as courage and not looked down upon as weakness. 

Take the First Step

If you're struggling, know that reaching out doesn't make you less of a man-it makes you human. Whether it's reaching out to Mental Construct, speaking with a trusted friend, or initiating contact with a mental health counsellor, taking the initial step toward help is surely the most important one you'll ever take. Your life has value. Your struggles are a reality. And most importantly, you don't have to face all of that by yourself. 

Mental Construct offers a community of support for men dealing with mental health challenges because it's never too late.  Help is available; you just have to reach for it.