It’s easy to say, “I’m good.”
It’s harder to say, “I’m actually struggling.”
But sometimes, the strongest thing a man can do, is speak up.
This Men’s Health Week (9–15 June 2025), we’re reminded that looking after ourselves isn’t just about gym sessions or eating right. It’s about being real, with ourselves and with our mates. It’s about being brave enough to have honest conversations.
Health is more than physical. It’s emotional. It’s mental. And it’s social.
And it all starts with a simple message:
Speak up to stay strong.
Don’t carry your burdens alone
Every man carries something.
Stress. Pressure. Responsibility. Pain.
We often wear the mask of “I’m fine” – even when we’re far from it.
Maybe you’re juggling a demanding job, family expectations, or financial stress. Maybe you’ve been quietly dealing with aches, poor sleep, low mood, or just not feeling yourself lately. But you keep pushing through, because that’s what you were taught to do.
But strength isn’t silence. Strength is saying, “Hey, something’s not right.”
No matter how small the step, speaking up can be the turning point.
Check in on your mates — and let them check in on you
We’ve all got that mate who seems to have it all together – always cracking jokes, never missing a beat. But the truth is, even the strongest blokes can struggle.
That’s why one of the most powerful things you can do is check in.
Ask, “R U OK?”
Ask twice if you need to.
And if you’re the one who’s not okay, say so. You don’t have to explain everything. Just start the conversation.
Sometimes the best chats happen shoulder-to-shoulder – in the car, walking the dog, working on the shed. You don’t have to fix anything. Just be there. Listen. Share. Remind each other that no one has to go it alone.
Talk to your pharmacist, it’s private, friendly, and close to home
Pharmacists are often the most accessible health professionals in the community, and one of the most underused when it comes to men’s health.
Think of them as part of your health team.
Whether it’s trouble sleeping, feeling rundown, questions about medications, or concerns you’re not sure who to ask, our pharmacists at Vitality Pharmacy Warehouse are a safe, confidential place to start. No appointment. No pressure. Just good advice when you need it.
Regular check-ups keep you strong
Health isn’t something to think about only when something goes wrong. It’s about prevention, too.
Visiting your GP for regular checkups can catch issues early, before they become bigger problems. It’s also a time to raise anything you’ve been worrying about but haven’t spoken up about yet.
Your doctor can help you stay on top of:
- Heart health
- Mental wellbeing
- Prostate health
- Blood sugar and cholesterol
- Sleep concerns and fatigue
- Stress and emotional wellbeing
Don’t wait. Book that check-up.
Create safe spaces for honest conversations
Some of the most powerful healing happens in community, in spaces where you’re understood, not judged. Men’s sheds, sports clubs, walking groups, community BBQs, these aren’t just pastimes, they’re lifelines.
They create room for blokes to talk — sometimes about big stuff, sometimes about nothing at all. And both are okay.
As one member said,
“We don’t talk face-to-face. We talk shoulder-to-shoulder.”
Sometimes it’s just showing up. Sometimes it’s sharing a story.
Either way, it reminds us we’re not alone, and we don’t have to carry the world on our own.
Tools to empower and take action
If you’re not sure where to start, or how to talk to your mates about health, the Australian Men’s Health Forum has free resources to help.
👉 Visit AMHF
👉 Explore Know Your Man Facts
The #KnowYourManFacts toolkits cover everything from heart health to mental health and offer simple ways to start conversations, take action, and check in.
They’re a great resource for men, families, workplaces, and communities that want to support one another.
