Why We Need to Talk About Men’s Mental Health

Many men don’t grow up being shown how to recognise, name or talk about their emotions. So when life becomes challenging, there often isn’t a clear way to make sense of what’s happening or how to respond.In this episode of The Choice Space, Dr Lee David speaks with Chris Hemmings, therapist and founder of Men’s Therapy Hub, about why men’s mental health can be harder to recognise, talk about and support.They explore how men are often socialised to disconnect from emotions, making it harder to understand what’s going on or to ask for help. This can show up through behaviour rather than words – irritability, withdrawal, overworking or isolation – where something feels wrong but is hard to explain.The conversation also reflects on the role of shame, both culturally and internally, and how this can delay men seeking support until things reach crisis point. Alongside this, they discuss how connection, curiosity and compassion – from friends, family and wider society – can begin to shift this.Chris shares practical ways men can start to take small steps, including building awareness through behaviour, opening up gradually and finding spaces where it feels possible to be heard without judgement.This is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about understanding men’s mental health with more compassion, and creating space for earlier support and connection.Key moments00:00 Feeling alone in struggle01:37 Chris’s story and coping patterns04:18 Why men suppress emotions07:06 Strength vs flexibility09:33 Crisis before seeking help12:05 Supporting boys and listening17:49 Why men come to therapy23:37 Choice Pause – heavy moments26:17 Behaviour as a signal30:28 Reaching out for supportAbout the guestChris Hemmings is a therapist and coach who specialises in working with men. He’s the founder of Men’s Therapy Hub, a directory of male therapists for male clients. Before training to be a therapist he was a BBC journalist, writing and making documentaries about men, masculinity and mental health. He’s also the founder of M-Path, who go in to schools across the UK speaking to students about what it means to be a man.Connect with Chris via his website, and Men’s therapy hub via Instagram, YouTube and LinkedInNo Man's an Island podcastAbout the hostDr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn.  You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here:  https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david