How to get the mental health conversation started

Reassure them this is a judgment-free space. 

What to do if your friend opens up about mental illness

What not to say to a friend or family member with mental health issues

Don’t use stigmatizing words or expressions.

Don’t trivialize their mental health issues. 

If your friend just isn’t ready to talk…

Seems like it's really getting to you. Have you talked to anyone else about all this?

It’s important to talk to your friends about their mental health. Here’s how to do it. 

Chances are, you know someone struggling with their mental health. They need you. Here's what to say and what not to say.

How to talk to someone about their mental health

How do you know if your partner is emotionally unavailable?

What can you do if your partner is emotionally unavailable? 

How should you address emotional avoidance?

What are some effective strategies for connecting emotionally?

Learn what steps you can take if you’re in a relationship with a man who’s emotionally distant.  

How to talk to an emotionally unavailable man

Tips for talking about relationship problems with your partner

Don’t expect one conversation to fix everything

Reaffirm what’s good about your partner – and your relationship.

Relationships take work. Here are the signs of relationship problems and how to talk about them with your partner.

How to talk about relationship problems with your partner

We need to talk about anxiety in men – and how to support guys who are dealing with it.

Practical ways to support someone with anxiety

Anxiety in men is more common than most people think. Know the signs and how to help.  

At least 1 in 5 guys will experience anxiety. Learn how to spot the signs and how to help a male friend or loved one.

How to help a man with anxiety

Are they reacting to things in ways that seem significantly out of character?

Are they experiencing any of these symptoms more severely than usual, or for a longer period of time (for example, two weeks or more)?  

What to do when a friend or family member is experiencing depression

Depression often goes undiagnosed in men. But there are signs you can watch for, and ways you can help. 

Depression affects as many as 1 in 8 men. Learn the physical, emotional, and behavioural signs to watch for.  

Knowing the signs of depression in men (and how to help)

The gender gap: do men grieve differently than others?

Harmful behaviors as an expression of grief

What not to say to someone who is grieving

Practical ways to help a man cope with grief

Let them know they can open up (but don’t force it)

Have you been able to talk to anyone at all?

Some men grieve openly. Others bottle it up. However a man processes grief, there are steps you can take to show your support.

How to support a man who is grieving

The single most important thing not to do when your friend is getting a divorce

7 ways to support a friend going through a divorce

I just keep getting these waves of sadness.

Want to give support to a man going through divorce or separation? Our experts at Movember Conversations share advice on how you can help and what to say.

How to support a man going through divorce

How to support someone going through a divorce

Signs a friend might be at risk of suicide

What to say to someone who’s thinking about suicide

What not to say to someone thinking about suicide

Don’t criticize or argue with the other person

Don’t try to guilt someone out of thinking about suicide

Don’t dismiss or minimize what they’re feeling

Specific language to avoid when talking to someone about suicide.

What you should do (and not do) to help your friend

Encourage them to talk (but don’t pressure them)

Who to contact for help: suicide crisis lines

Expert advice on how to help a friend who is suicidal or who’s experiencing thoughts of suicide: knowing the signs, what to say, and what not to say.

Expert advice on how to help a friend who is suicidal or who’s experiencing thoughts of suicide: knowing the signs, what to say, and what not to say

How to help someone who’s having suicidal thoughts

Why men’s mental health isn’t taken as seriously as it should be

How to encourage a man who’s reluctant to go to therapy

Be honest and direct about what you’re noticing

Offer help taking the first steps toward therapy

Men are half as likely as women to seek mental health support when they need it. Get tips on how to support the man in your life to give therapy a try.

How to help a man consider therapy

How to tell if someone has an anger issue

Spotting the difference between anger and aggression

What to do if someone’s anger or aggression is becoming a problem

Pick the right time and place to talk about it

Let them know how their anger makes you feel

Anger is a normal human response, but it can lead to problems. Learn how to manage anger well. 

How to talk to someone about their anger

How to set healthy boundaries in your relationships

Think about what you want to say before you say it

Setting boundaries with a spouse or partner

Setting boundaries is an important part of navigating relationships and protecting your well-being.

How to set and maintain healthy boundaries

Why you should definitely talk about intimacy together

10 tips for discussing intimacy with your partner

Don’t assume you have the same expectations, desires or needs.

Every intimate relationship needs open, honest communication. Here’s how to talk about your sex life together.

How to talk about intimacy with your partner

Why men have a hard time talking about mental health

Stigmatizing mental health hurts everyone

Stigma especially hurts LGBTQ men and people of colour

Signs your friend or family member may need mental health support

How to talk with other men about mental health

Normalize their experience by sharing yours.

Encourage your friend to think of mental health just like anything else that needs fixing.

Stigma keeps many men from talking about their mental health. Here’s how to change that.

Men are as likely as women to struggle with mental health, but less likely to get help. Let's take the shame out of it. 

Taking the stigma out of mental health for men

Talking about mental health: 3 things to remember

There may be a reason they have their guard up. 

Signs your friend may have their guard up

8 tips for talking about mental health when someone is guarded

Remember, progress may not be linear. That’s ok. 

Helping someone open up about their mental health can be difficult. Know how you can support someone who has their guard up.  

Helping a friend open up about mental health struggles can be tough. Know how to support someone who has their guard up.

How to talk to someone about mental health if they have their guard up

Caregivers deserve care too. Here are 5 ways to get help. 

This must be a tough time for kids. What’s worrying you about them?

Caring for an ailing loved one can be exhausting. Here’s how to help someone facing caregiver burnout.  

Caring for an ailing loved one can be exhausting. Know the signs and causes of caregiver burnout – and how to help.

Recognizing the signs of caregiver burnout

How to check in on a friend – the right way

Know when to listen and when to give advice. 

After checking in: don’t forget to follow up.

All of us could use someone to check in on us every now and then. Here are some tips for how to check in on your friend. 

We could all use a friend to check in on us. Learn 6 easy ways you can show up for others without making it weird.

How to check in with a friend

The connection between job loss and grief

Many people blame themselves when losing a job, even if it had nothing to do with performance. Whether your friend was fired, laid off, furloughed, or their contract work dried up, it can lead to a loss of self-esteem.

I have no idea how I’m going to find a job at this point. It's really getting to me.

Losing a job can trigger a roller coaster of responses: anxiety, depression, or the loss of purpose or self-esteem. Here’s how you can help a friend facing sudden unemployment.    

When someone is let go from their job, you don't have to "fix" it for them. But there are ways you can show up and help.

How to Help a Friend Who’s Lost Their Job

How to support a friend who lost their job

How to tell if a friend is having financial problems

If you think your friend is facing a cash crunch, then it might be time to say something — and the “how” matters every bit as much as the “what.”

Creating a safe space to talk about money 

Listen, without trying to identify the cause of their money problems.

Share your own experience to empathize, not to dictate answers.

Know how to help, without making it weird

When a friend is dealing with financial difficulties it can feel hard to know what to do without things getting awkward. But by simply being there for your friend you can do a world of good. 

w what to do without things getting awkward. But by simply being there for your friend you can do a world of good.

How to Help a Friend With Financial Difficulties

That’s why men need more support, more encouragement, and more chances to talk to each other.

Traditionally men are taught not to share their feelings, but this mentality is having tangible negative effects on men’s mental health. It’s important to reach out, so let’s get chatting. 

Traditionally men are taught not to share their feelings, but this mentality is having negative effects on men’s mental health. It’s important to reach out, so let’s get talking.

Why guys should talk to each other more 

Acknowledging unemployment’s impact on mental health

By giving your friend or partner space to grieve their lost job, you’ll be able to help them better in the long run.

Have a friend recently lose their job? We place a lot of emphasis on our work and job loss can really knock someone’s self-esteem. Read on to learn how you can help. 

Helping Build Self Esteem After A Job Loss

Helping a man who’s struggling with their mental health

If your friend struggles to get real, asking open questions could be a good way to prompt them. For example “I’ve noticed you haven’t been your usual self lately, what’s been going on for you?”

Choose an activity/method that will suit them. 

Hardly any reason to get out of bed these days.

Seems like you're not getting out much. What’s going on?

Lack of motivation could be a sign of something bigger, like depression. If you’re worried about an unmotivated friend, find out how best to support them.

Find out how to help a friend who is unmotivated. Learn how to look out for signs of depression or other mental struggles and offer appropriate help.

How can you help someone who is unmotivated

How To Help A Friend Who Is Unmotivated

How to help a friend going through a divorce

You can help a friend with anxiety by encouraging them to speak to a doctor or therapist, while offering realistic perspectives on the situation.

Easy ways to help support a friend going through a difficult time

Divorce, death, depression, or pandemic – in times of crisis we need to support our friends. Learn about what you can say and do to look after your pals.

Learn what to say to a friend going through a tough time. Support friends who are grieving, divorced or depressed by listening and offering practical tips.

What should you say to someone going through a hard time?

How to Support your Friend Through a Crisis

If you notice any of these continuing for more than two weeks, it could mean that they have depression.

How to talk to someone about their depression

Encouraging a depressed friend to get help

Parenting is hard work. One in 10 dads experience depression after the birth of a baby, and many experience overwhelm and burnout. Learn how to help.

How To Help Dads Showing Signs of Depression

While you probably don’t have all the answers, encourage your friend to think about what’s realistic and how they can prioritize the different areas of life.

What to do if you’re feeling worried about a new dad

How to help someone who maybe dealing with depression and a new baby

Bringing a baby into the family is stressful. It’s common for new dads to struggle and for their mental health to be impacted. Learn how you can help.

Bringing a baby into the family is stressful. It’s common for new dads to struggle and for their mental health to be impacted. Learn how you can help

Helping A New Dad

Signs that someone is struggling or beginning to withdraw

What to say to someone who’s withdrawing due to stress or mental health problems

Saying things like, “I’ve been struggling a bit lately. How about you?” creates an open conversation and may encourage them to talk freely.

I wish all this was over. It’s so messed up.

Yeah, it's dragging on for sure. What are your days looking like?

Friendship is a powerful force when it comes to mental health struggles, such as anxiety or depression. Learn how to support a friend who’s withdrawing.

Learn what to say to someone who is withdrawing from friends and family due to mental health struggles such as anxiety, stress or depression.

How to Help Someone Who is Withdrawing from Friends and Family

How to Help Someone Withdrawing from Friends and Family

Recognizing the juggle of work and family

Worrying about family, friends and colleagues has become a constant. This means that a lot of men are at the brink right now and in need of support.

I’m really falling behind with work. I’m not doing anything well right now.

Sounds tough. Are there any changes you could make?

Conversation help: The burnout intervention

Noticing signs of depression and anxiety in men

When men (particularly dads) are overworked and overwhelmed, it can lead to burnout. When this happens, depression and anxiety is common. Learn how to help.

How To Help Men Avoid Burnout

It all means that now more than ever we need to rethink how men balance work and their family life.

Men these days are hands-on with housework and kids, but they’re still torn between family and work. Learn how to help a friend find the right balance.

Why Work-Life Balance Is Important For Men

Understanding feelings related to unemployment

What to say to someone with depression or anxiety

Tips for supporting your unemployed partner

Saying something like "we’ve gotten through hard times together before, and we will this time too" can make all the difference.

Discuss how to talk to kids about job loss

Look out for signs of depression or anxiety

It can be tough trying to help someone who’s unemployed or struggling to get work. Here are some tips on how to show your support and know what to say.

Supporting Someone Through Unemployment

Dive in and explore how you might talk to a man who is withdrawn and obsessing

Support a man who is withdrawn and obsessing

He’s withdrawn and obsessing

It’s almost midday. Time to get out of bed and get on the beers!

Just hardly any reason to get out of bed these days.

I keep watching the news. The world’s so messed up.

Sleep, drink, doomscroll, repeat. Man, I've been thinking about things a lot.

I need to practice having the conversation with him

WHAT CONVERSATION DO YOU NEED HELP WITH TODAY?

Find A Practice Conversation

LEARN THE "ALEC" SKILLS

A

Ask

L

Listen

E

Encourage Action

C

Check In

Therapy For Men

Articles & Resources

How to talk to someone about their mental health

How to talk to an emotionally unavailable man

How to talk about relationship problems with your partner