Mental health is something I think about a lot more now than I ever used to.
In fact, in the past, I almost never thought about it. Not because I didn’t care before but because, like many men, I didn’t always fully understand it. I didn’t always recognise the signs. And I certainly didn’t always talk about it.
For a long time, I subscribed to the idea that you just “crack on.” You deal with it. You push through. You keep moving. And in some ways, that mindset can help you build resilience. But taken too far, it can also do real damage.
The truth is, mental health doesn’t discriminate.
It doesn’t care how successful you are, what title you hold, how tough you appear, or how much responsibility you carry. It affects everyone. And men, in particular, often struggle in silence.
I’ve seen it in business. I’ve seen it in friendships. I’ve seen it in myself.
Men are very good at wearing masks. We show up strong. We keep things moving. We provide. We lead. But underneath that, there can be stress, anxiety, pressure, and overwhelm that never gets voiced. And when it stays unspoken for too long, it finds other ways to surface.
For me, the shift came through self-awareness.
As I’ve grown older, and as my responsibilities have increased, I’ve realised that looking after my mental health isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s essential. Not just for me, but for the people around me. My family. My team. My friends.
If I’m not mentally well, I don’t show up as my best self. I become reactive. I lose clarity. I lose patience. And that impacts everyone.
That realisation changed how I operate.
One of the biggest tools I’ve added into my life is mindfulness. Not in a fluffy sense but in a practical, grounded way. Creating space to slow my thoughts, reflect, and check in with myself has been game-changing. It allows me to notice when things are building up before they become a problem.
Fitness has also become non negotiable for me.
Training, movement, pushing my body physically (whether that’s Ironman training, cycling, running, or just getting outside) is one of the most effective ways I manage my mental health. It clears my head, regulates stress, and gives me perspective.
Physical strength feeds mental strength. Every time.
But beyond personal habits, what really matters to me is openness.
I want people to know, genuinely know, that my door is always open. No matter who you are. No matter your role. No matter what you’re dealing with.
You don’t have to have the perfect words. You don’t have to “justify” how you’re feeling. If something’s weighing on you, that’s reason enough to talk.
I say this because I get it.
I understand pressure. I understand stress. I understand what it feels like to carry responsibility and feel like you can’t drop the ball. And I also understand how powerful it can be when someone simply listens without judgement.
Mental health conversations don’t need fixing. They need space.
In business especially, we’re getting better at recognising that people aren’t machines. They don’t switch off stress when they clock out. They bring their whole selves to work – their worries, their personal lives, their struggles, as well as their strengths.
As leaders, we have a responsibility to create environments where people feel safe enough to be human.
That doesn’t mean lowering standards. It means raising awareness.
It means checking in. It means listening properly. It means encouraging healthy habits. It means leading by example.
If I talk openly about mental health, it gives others permission to do the same. If I prioritise fitness, mindfulness, and balance, it signals that those things matter. If I acknowledge that I don’t always have everything figured out, it creates trust.
Men’s mental health, in particular, needs more honest conversations.
We don’t need to be superheroes. We don’t need to have all the answers. Strength isn’t about silence – it’s about self-awareness, vulnerability, and taking responsibility for your wellbeing.
I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in understanding my own mental health. I’m proud that I’ve built routines and habits that support it. And I’m proud that I can say, hand on heart, that if someone needs support, they’ll 100% get it.
Because at the end of the day, success means nothing if your mental health is suffering.
Looking after your mind isn’t a weakness. It’s one of the strongest decisions you can make.
And if there’s one thing I’ll always stand by, it’s this – no matter where you’re at in life or business, you don’t have to go through it alone.
