When Low Mood or Worry Becomes a Daily Struggle
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health challenges men face. Yet they often go unseen, unspoken, or misunderstood. Many men don’t describe themselves as “depressed” or “anxious” — instead, they talk about being irritable, losing motivation, feeling disconnected, or “just not themselves.”
Work can still be done, families can still be supported, and life can keep moving forward — but internally, there’s a constant battle. Getting out of bed feels heavy, concentration slips, and joy in things that once mattered disappears. For others, the experience is less about low mood and more about relentless worry — a mind that won’t switch off, a body always on edge, sleep disrupted night after night.
At Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, we provide men with a confidential space to explore these feelings, make sense of what’s happening, and find ways to move forward.
Depression and Anxiety in Men — A Hidden Picture
The numbers tell a stark story. According to the Office for National Statistics (2023):
- Around 1 in 8 men in the UK experience a common mental health problem such as depression or anxiety at any one time.
- Men are less likely than women to receive a diagnosis or access psychological therapies.
- Despite this, men account for three-quarters of suicides in the UK — a reminder that silence can have devastating consequences.
Men often face unique barriers in seeking support. Social expectations around “being strong,” “keeping emotions in check,” or “just getting on with it” mean many delay reaching out until crisis point. What could have been eased with early support becomes harder to manage over time.
Depression and anxiety don’t just affect mood — they ripple into every part of daily life.
Many men describe:
- At home: snapping at children or withdrawing from partners, leading to guilt and distance in relationships.
- At work: struggling to concentrate, missing deadlines, or feeling unable to keep up with expectations.
- With friends: turning down invitations, making excuses, or hiding behind humour rather than admitting how they feel.
- Physically: exhaustion, disrupted sleep, headaches, or muscle tension.
Over time, these struggles can leave men feeling like they’re failing in every area, even when they’re working harder than ever just to keep going. Some may turn to alcohol, gambling, or other coping mechanisms to get temporary relief — but the longer-term impact can deepen the sense of being stuck.
Depression and Anxiety Don’t Look the Same for Every Man
While sadness and worry are common features, many men experience these issues differently from women. Anger, irritability, and recklessness can be outward signs of depression. Anxiety may appear less as “panic” and more as avoidance, over-planning, or controlling behaviour. Understanding these differences is crucial in providing the right support.
How Counselling Helps Men with Depression and Anxiety
Counselling provides a private, judgement-free space to talk about what’s happening beneath the surface. It is not about weakness — it is about giving yourself permission to stop carrying everything alone.
At Hope Therapy, we work alongside men to:
Address the bigger picture. Counselling also supports men in looking at lifestyle, boundaries, and values, so recovery feels sustainable.
Name and understand what you are experiencing. Simply recognising that this is depression or anxiety — not personal failure — can be a powerful first step.
Explore root causes. This may include unresolved grief, ongoing stress, relationship issues, or past experiences that shaped how you cope today.
Develop practical coping strategies. From managing negative thought patterns to improving sleep routines and calming physical anxiety symptoms.
Rebuild confidence and connection. Helping you feel more present at home, more engaged at work, and more hopeful about the future.