top of page
Search

Supporting the Wellbeing of Men in Our Lives

  • Writer: Stephanie Sullivan
    Stephanie Sullivan
  • Jun 14
  • 5 min read

woman with arms around man in caring and supportive manner
Helping Support Men's Health & Wellbeing

This week is International Men’s Health Week. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and open the conversation around something that often stays behind closed doors: men’s health and wellbeing – we’re talking about physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.


So, let’s talk about men’s wellbeing, and the fact that men need support, too. However, unfortunately men are far less likely to seek help when something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a physical symptom, work/life stress, or an emotional struggle. 


So, this week, I want to encourage you (or the men in your life) to check in:

🩺 Physically: When was your last check-up? 

🧠 Mentally: Are you feeling okay, really? 

💬 Emotionally: Who do you talk to when things get heavy?


Stereotypically and in many cultures, men are expected and even pressured to "stay strong," and not to express feelings and emotions, and that getting help is associated with being weak. But, strength is not silence. Silence is not strong! And showing emotions, talking about challenges, and seeking help is not weak. 


Let’s redefine what strength is in men. Strength is…

  • Getting that check-up.

  • Picking up the phone for help (whether that be a friend, an anonymous helpline, or medical doctor)

  • Seeking out coaching and/or therapy support.

  • Telling a mate or loved one, “I’m not okay” or asking for help and support.

  • Slowing down and caring for yourself when your body or mind says enough.

  • Setting the example for others to follow.


I believe that associating “strong” with staying silent and not seeking help is a main reason why there is such a gender bias, with 3 - 4 times as many men as women dying from suicide (it’s 3 times in Australia, and 4 times in the USA). Suicide is the leading cause of death for men in Australia between the ages of 15 and 44, even more so than car accidents. I find this so sad and difficult to come to terms with.


Let’s help get men talking and seeking help. Also accepting and understanding that sometimes they may not want to talk to a loved one, so we also need to create awareness and suggest the many support services available to the men we care about (e.g., life coaching, or for urgent professional help there’s also many anonymous support options such as the USA Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (dial 988), and many anonymous support services in Australia such as the Lifeline phone 13 11 14 and chat support, BlackDog, BeyondBlue, MensLine 1300 789 978, and  GriefLine 1300 845 745).


I can tell you firsthand from coaching people, that far more women seek coaching support than men. However, in coaching a few men, I have seen firsthand how men carry the weight of unspoken pressure: to perform, to provide, to push through, to be “tough and strong”, and refrain to speak-up to not burden others. I’ve also witnessed in coaching men that even just a little bit of help and a non-judgemental listening ear can help men immensely, because let’s face it, they don’t talk to their friends about their worries and struggles nearly as much as us ladies do. 


Our husbands, brothers, friends, and colleagues deserve safe spaces to express their fears and emotions, to have healthy work/life balance and time to recover from physical or emotional drain, and to be supported and not judged for doing so.


Let’s work together to breakdown the stigma. Not just this week—but every week. Because when men are well and supported, everyone benefits.

Father enjoying time at the beach with his family (wife and two kids)
Father enjoying time at the beach with his family

Here’s what a few of my male clients have said about receiving my coaching support:


"I feel relieved and more optimistic, even after our first session." (Regional Manager)


“My wife has noticed a change in me since working with you. You help me put things in a different perspective, and I am focusing on myself like I haven't before. You are giving me the tools I need to be confident in what I am doing." (Anonymous, male Executive)


"Stephanie’s stress management coaching provided valuable assistance achieving balance in my work and personal life. I would highly recommend working with Stephanie if you have a desire to learn strategies for improving your physical and mental health." (Robert)


“I had the pleasure of coming across Steph Sullivan on LinkedIn. I was in need of life coaching and everything else that comes with general life. Steph was amazing and provided me with the tools to cope with the pressures of life. She made me understand the importance of life, focussing on the things that I could control and how to manage situations, whether it be stress at work or home. I really appreciated Steph's support and am now armed in life with the armoury required to cope with whatever life throws at me. Thank you Steph.” (Anonymous, male Executive)


I am pleased to extend a special offer to the Men this month, whether that is you, a colleague or a loved one who is a business professional and may be facing one or more of these challenges:

  • trying to balance the demands of your high-powered career and your personal desire to be there and present for your family, not taking work-stress home with you

  • struggling to find the time needed for everything – work, family and your own health, wellbeing, and downtime to relax and recharge

  • questioning priorities, what more there is to life, or the next stage of your career / life

  • wanting to reduce work-related stress and improve sleep through small habit changes

  • contemplating a significant career and/or lifestyle change


If this is you or someone you know, I am pleased to offer you a FREE coaching session this month (June 2025).


Simply book your FREE Men's Coaching Session, and enter the coupon code MensHealth2025 at checkout to receive a rebate to cover the session cost (valued at $199).


Feel free to share this with any men who know who would benefit from this offer, valid through June 30, 2025 (while spots remain).



Stephanie Sullivan, Executive Coach, Elevate Your Life Coaching
Stephanie Sullivan, Executive Coach

Stephanie Sullivan is a certified Life Coach, Health Coach, NLP Practitioner and founder of Elevate Your Life Coaching PTY LTD. After 25+ years in demanding, high-stress corporate roles as a business consultant, then a corporate executive, she knows first-hand about stress and trying to balance career and parenting demands, along with personal needs and wellbeing. Now Steph’s purpose is to help high-achieving professionals create the career & personal life truly desired –boosting confidence and courage, navigating change, achieving balance, growth, & career fulfilment.


For additional info or to follow her:


Comments

bottom of page