Despite increased conversations about mental wellbeing, men’s mental health remains one of the most under-discussed topics in society. Men are often expected to be resilient, stoic, and self-reliant. As a result, many suffer in silence, struggling with emotional distress, burnout, or unresolved trauma without ever seeking support.
At Dr Zee Wellbeing I support individuals through trauma-informed coaching that encourages honest conversation, emotional clarity, and long-term healing. As a mental health advocate, wellbeing coach, and experienced life coach in Leicester, I help men explore their internal world safely and confidentially. This article explores why men’s mental health is often ignored and what we can do to change that narrative.
Why Men’s Mental Health Is Still Overlooked
Social Conditioning and Silence
Many men are taught from an early age to suppress their emotions. Phrases like “man up” or “real men don’t cry” discourage vulnerability and reinforce the belief that emotional struggle is a sign of weakness. Over time, this creates a deep reluctance to speak openly or seek help.
These patterns show up in beliefs such as:
“I need to handle it on my own”
“I do not want to be seen as weak”
“There is no point talking about it”
In my work as a mental health coach, I often meet men who have pushed their emotional wellbeing aside for years, believing that ignoring pain would make it disappear. Unfortunately, it rarely does.
Suppressed Emotions Have Consequences
When feelings are left unaddressed, they often emerge in other ways. Common symptoms include:
Irritability and anger
Avoidance or emotional shutdown
Fatigue, insomnia, or low mood
Risky behaviour or substance use
These signs are not failures. They are the nervous system’s way of communicating distress. With the right support, they can be understood, processed, and transformed.
The Role of Trauma in Men’s Mental Health
Trauma Often Looks Different in Men
Trauma is not always a dramatic or catastrophic event. For many men, trauma may arise from ongoing pressure, emotional neglect, or unsafe environments. It can be hidden behind a successful career, a calm appearance, or a busy lifestyle.
Men with unresolved trauma may experience:
Difficulty relaxing or being present
Hyper-independence and over-control
A sense of emptiness or disconnection
Strong internal criticism
As a wellbeing coach specialising in personal transformation, I help people through different methods including one-to-one and group life coaching in Leicester and online..
The Impact on Identity and Performance
Unresolved trauma does not just affect how someone feels. It also affects how they perform and relate to others. Men may find themselves questioning their confidence, struggling to connect emotionally, or feeling like they are simply going through the motions.
Through lifestyle coaching, men begin to explore their inner world, understand their behaviours, and reclaim a sense of self they may have lost along the way.
Why Coaching Is an Effective Pathway for Men
Non-Clinical, Future-Focused Support
Unlike therapy, which often focuses on diagnosis and the past, coaching is forward-facing and led by the client’s goals. This makes it appealing to men who want structure, clarity, and emotional growth without feeling medicalised.
Mental health coaching provides:
A confidential space for honest reflection
Tools for emotional regulation and resilience
Guidance for navigating work, relationships, and stress
Support without judgement or clinical labels
What Happens in a Coaching Session
Each coaching session is tailored to the client’s individual needs. Some men come in to manage stress. Others want to improve relationships, find meaning, or break unhealthy patterns. Common themes include:
Understanding emotional triggers
Building confidence and communication skills
Releasing outdated beliefs about masculinity
Reconnecting with personal values and direction
Coaching is not about fixing someone. It is about creating space for them to reconnect with who they truly are. Find out more information about the coaching sessions here.
Public Speaking and Mental Health Advocacy
As a mental health public speaker, I speak regularly at schools, workplaces, and wellbeing events throughout Leicester and the East Midlands. These talks help break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and encourage people to take the first step towards change.
Topics I speak on include:
Understanding trauma responses in men
Redefining resilience in leadership and life
Managing stress in high-performance environments
Encouraging emotional awareness in male-dominated industries
These conversations matter. They help men feel seen, heard, and supported in ways they may never have experienced before.
How to Support Men in Your Life
Whether you are a partner, colleague, friend, or family member, here are ways you can support a man who may be struggling:
Offer a safe space to talk without pressure
Avoid minimising or solving their feelings too quickly
Encourage healthy coping strategies and open discussion
Share resources such as coaching or wellbeing services
Respect their pace and process
Support is not about doing the work for someone. It is about walking beside them while they find their way.
Trust and Experience at Dr Zee Wellbeing
Over 20 years of experience across medicine and mental health
Trauma-informed coaching certification
Speaker at Leicester College, TEDx speaker, and mental health forums
Based in Leicester, offering in-person and online coaching sessions
Positive reviews from clients across the Midlands and beyond
Ready to Open the Conversation?
If you are ready to prioritise your emotional wellbeing or support someone you care about, now is the time. Coaching offers a safe, practical, and non-clinical way to move forward.
At Dr Zee Wellbeing, I support men across Leicester and the UK through mental health coaching rooted in compassion and professional insight.
5th Floor, St. George’s House, 6 St George’s Way, Leicester, LE1 1QZ
You do not have to stay silent. Healing begins with one honest conversation.
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