At Westmeria Counselling Services, only around 20 percent of our clients are men. This figure often surprises people, yet it closely reflects what is happening across the UK. Nationally, just one in three therapy referrals are men.
Despite growing awareness of mental health, many men are still not accessing the support that could help them live healthier and more balanced lives.
The question is not whether men struggle. The question is why so many struggle in silence.
The weight of stigma and silence
Nearly half of men report feeling stigma around seeking help for their mental health. For many, the idea of counselling still carries uncomfortable associations with weakness or failure. As a result, support is often delayed until problems feel unmanageable.
By the time many men reach out, they are overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties or burnout. Early support could prevent issues from escalating, yet social expectations continue to act as a barrier.
Messages men learn early in life
From a young age, many men receive powerful messages about how they should cope. Phrases like tough it out, do not show your feelings, or handle it on your own are often repeated, sometimes unintentionally. Over time, these ideas shape how men respond to emotional pain.
Instead of sharing worries or asking for help, feelings are pushed aside. While this may seem effective in the short term, emotions do not disappear simply because they are ignored.
Why bottling things up makes it harder
Suppressing emotions often adds weight rather than removing it. Stress builds quietly. Anxiety becomes harder to manage. Low mood deepens. Relationships can suffer when feelings are not expressed.
Carrying everything alone can feel exhausting and isolating. Many men tell us they did not realise how much they were holding until they finally spoke about it. Talking creates space. It allows problems to be seen clearly rather than carried silently.
The truth about counselling for men
Counselling is not about being told what to do or reliving every detail of the past. It is about having a safe, confidential space to talk openly, without judgement. It is a place to understand patterns, learn coping strategies and feel heard.
Talking helps. Counselling works. Reaching out does not make you weak. It makes you human.
Support can begin with one conversation
If you are struggling, you are not alone. Support should feel safe, respectful and free from shame. Sometimes it starts with a simple phone call or email. From there, it can lead to a very different life, one with greater clarity, confidence and emotional balance.
At Westmeria Counselling Services, we are committed to making support accessible and welcoming for everyone. Especially for men who may have been taught to carry too much on their own for too long.
It is okay to talk.