In a recent episode of Strictly Come Dancing, actor Will Mellor spoke candidly about men’s mental health. He said, “Men put on a brave face when they struggle to talk”.

In fact, he’d previously declined to participate in the popular dancing competition, because he was “worried about what other people might think of me”.

Other people’s opinions are indeed a concern for many of us, but perhaps men find it harder to reveal their true feelings, due to the draconian expectations on them. To be tough and fearless.

Yet irrespective of our choice of gender, we’re all the same: delicate human beings with feelings, and bravado, often for the sake of other peoples’ judgments.

We’re all living in the same tough era and we’re all coping in the challenging unprecedented times with much uncertainty, soaring utility bills, and other external worries. This is on top of our own personal issues and problems.

So, it’s more important than ever before, to be self-truthful. We need to be kind to ourselves, as well as others, and to be sensitive, especially towards men, since there still seems to be a stigma about men speaking out about their mental well-being.

It was the loss of Will’s father in 2020 that led him to courageously step out of his comfort zone. To be a spokesman for other men, by constructively using his celebratory status as a platform.

He used his mother’s love for the show as his motivator and cited the importance of “creating happy memories” as his armour. Additionally, he declared “I’ve got to grab life, and I’ve got to do stuff”.

He has bravely opened up the door, about his mental health and hopefully, it’s wedged wide open now for other men to speak up too.

If you suspect a loved male family, or friend is hiding behind their macho mask, then encourage them to talk and always listen without judgment. Validate their opinions, and if necessary help them find professional support.