One of the things I hear most often from men is, “I nearly didn’t book this appointment.”

Not because they didn’t need support, but because they had spent so long telling themselves they should be able to cope on their own.

Maybe you’ve felt that way too.

You keep showing up for work, supporting the people around you, and getting on with life. From the outside, everything might look fine—but inside, you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or unlike yourself.

Perhaps you’re more irritable than usual, struggling to switch off, sleeping poorly, or carrying a feeling that something just isn’t right.

If this sounds familiar, I want you to know that you don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable before asking for help.

Research shows that many men still delay accessing mental health support. According to the Mental Health Foundation, only 36% of referrals to NHS Talking Therapies are for men, highlighting that many men may be missing out on support that could help them manage stress, anxiety, low mood, and life’s challenges.

The reasons are often familiar:

“I’ll deal with it.”
“It’s not that bad.”
“I should be able to handle this.”

But looking after your mental health isn’t a weakness. It is a positive step towards understanding yourself, improving your wellbeing, and building healthier ways of coping.

A Question to Reflect On

If someone you cared about told you they were feeling the way you do right now, what would you say to them?

Would you tell them to keep it to themselves, or would you encourage them to talk?

We are often much kinder to others than we are to ourselves.

Small Steps You Can Take Today

You don’t need to change everything at once. Start small:

Check in with yourself.
Ask: “How am I really feeling?” Simply noticing what is going on is a powerful first step.

Talk to someone you trust.
You don’t have to explain everything. Sometimes saying, “I’ve been finding things difficult lately” is enough to begin.

Ask yourself:
“What would make this week feel 5% easier?”

Small changes can create momentum.

Taking the First Step Towards Therapy

You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out. You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong.

Therapy is simply a space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and begin to understand what’s been affecting you.

At The Online Therapy Space, I offer a confidential, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgement. Together, we can work towards helping you feel more balanced, confident, and like yourself again.