How International Men’s Day is Changing the Game for Men’s Health and Happiness
Did You Know? 75% of Men Feel Pressure to ‘Stay Strong’ and Suffer in Silence – But It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way.
Through Mike Lawrence Health and Wellbeing Management Consultancy, I work with men from all walks of life, helping them manage the pressures they face without sacrificing their mental and physical well-being. Traditionally, my consultancy clients were mostly women—before the Covid-19 pandemic, around 80% of those reaching out for support were women. It was rare for men to ask for help. But the pandemic shifted this, opening doors for more men to reach out for guidance in managing stress, mental health, and overall well-being. Today, I’m heartened to see more men recognising the value of support, and this trend continues to grow.
With programmes like our “Executive Resilience Programme” and “Mindfulness at Work Workshop,” we’re helping men from high-pressure environments not just survive but thrive. Our goal is to show them that mental health is as essential as physical health and to redefine strength as something that includes openness and vulnerability.
Why Do We Need International Men’s Day?
Perhaps you’re wondering, “Isn’t every day essentially ‘Men’s Day’?” While men have traditionally held positions of power, this view overlooks the pressures men face that are deeply rooted in cultural norms. International Men’s Day isn’t about overshadowing International Women’s Day or detracting from women’s progress—it’s about celebrating men’s contributions while highlighting their unique challenges and the health issues that often go unaddressed.
Men’s Mental Health: Breaking Through the Barriers
When it comes to mental health, men still face powerful cultural pressures to “tough it out” alone. Even though the conversation around mental health has evolved, stigma still prevents many men from seeking support. Often, men feel they need to “man up” and push through, which can lead to overwhelming stress, depression, and even suicide—statistics show that three out of four suicides in the UK are men, largely due to this “suffer in silence” mentality.
The changes I’ve seen in my own consultancy since Covid-19 highlight just how much men benefit from rethinking these pressures. More men are coming forward, opening up, and seeking real strategies to manage life’s demands in healthy ways. In our Executive Resilience Programme, men are encouraged to see mental health support not as a last resort but as a proactive approach to living a full and balanced life. The programme equips them with stress management tools, fosters resilience, and reshapes the idea of strength to include emotional honesty and connection. (Curious how this could work for you or your team? Let’s explore practical ways to prioritise well-being.)
Redefining Masculinity and Embracing Positive Change
International Men’s Day is an ideal platform to challenge old stereotypes about masculinity. For too long, masculinity has been narrowly defined by traits like toughness, stoicism, and self-sufficiency. While these traits have value, they can become limiting when they overshadow other qualities—like compassion, empathy, and openness.
A personal memory comes to mind when I think of how these perceptions are shifting, and why they need to continue to evolve. I have two wonderful daughters, and I remember taking them to a local “Mother and Toddler” swimming session when they were younger. I was the only man in the water, surrounded by mothers and their little ones. Although I was exactly where I wanted to be—enjoying time with my daughters—it felt awkward; I knew I didn’t fit into the typical image of a parent in these sessions. Thankfully, times have changed somewhat, and I now see many more fathers taking active roles in their children’s lives. These changes are an encouraging sign that the definition of masculinity is expanding, allowing men to explore roles beyond traditional expectations.
Positive masculinity celebrates traditional strengths—like resilience and dependability—while also making room for empathy, compassion, and emotional honesty. It’s a healthier, more holistic view of what it means to be a man, allowing men the freedom to express a fuller range of characteristics. By promoting diverse male role models who embody qualities like resilience, kindness, and balance, we make it easier for men to feel comfortable showing up as their whole selves.
Supporting Men’s Health and Well-being: A Ripple Effect
When we support men’s well-being, it benefits not only the men themselves but also the people around them. Families grow stronger, workplaces become more positive, and communities more compassionate. Encouraging men to take care of their mental health, seek balance, and challenge limiting stereotypes has a ripple effect on everyone’s well-being.
Here are a few practical ways we can support men’s health:
- Encourage Open Conversations: Make it easier for men to talk about mental health and other personal challenges. Let the men in your life know that it’s okay to open up, and that seeking support is a sign of courage, not weakness.
- Promote Preventative Health: Encourage men to take their health seriously. Regular check-ups, a balanced lifestyle, and early interventions are crucial for long-term well-being.
- Challenge Limiting Stereotypes: By promoting diverse expressions of masculinity, we can break down restrictive stereotypes. This allows men to live more authentically and with less pressure to “fit the mould.”
- Celebrate Role Models: Recognise and celebrate the men in our lives who embody positive masculinity. Whether it’s fathers, friends, mentors, or colleagues, let’s highlight those who uplift and inspire those around them.
- Support Work-Life Balance: Whether it’s through workplace initiatives or at home, encourage men to find a balance between professional responsibilities and personal fulfilment.
International Men’s Day: A Path to Real Change
International Men’s Day is a reminder that when we actively support men’s health and well-being, we create a more balanced, inclusive society. At Mike Lawrence Health and Wellbeing Management Consultancy, we’re committed to fostering this change, encouraging men to view their health as a priority and offering sustainable strategies to manage life’s demands.
This International Men’s Day, let’s make a commitment to a healthier, happier future for men everywhere. Let’s work together to create a society where men feel free to embrace balance, take care of their mental health, and show up as the people they truly want to be.
Ready to Support Positive Change?
Whether you’re a man ready to find balance or an employer aiming to create a culture of well-being for your team, reach out to Mike Lawrence Health and Wellbeing Management Consultancy. Together, let’s turn this International Men’s Day into a powerful step toward lasting change and healthier lives.
Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing
I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.
I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and from the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!
Feel free to reach out via email at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!
