Boys’ mental health needs more than a week
Today marks the start of Men’s Health Week 2025, and this year’s theme — Shoulder to Shoulder: Connecting for Health — couldn’t be more timely. I spent over a decade abroad but after my return in 2023, I’ve seen firsthand how the wellbeing of boys and young men has become one of the most urgent challenges facing schools, families, and communities of Ireland.
Despite what many will say, men are struggling and we are part of a demographic that’s often silent when it comes to their own mental health.
Don't believe me? Let’s start with the stats:
75% of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 24 (NAMI, 2024).
According to Ireland’s National Office for Suicide Prevention, young men are among the least likely to seek help, especially for emotional distress (Young Men and Mental Health Outlook, HSE).
Charlie Health reports that boys often struggle with emotional literacy and access to resources tailored to their needs.
A recent piece by the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman highlighted how secondary students in Ireland are calling for more proactive mental health support.
Why are men and boys still struggling?
Despite greater awareness, boys are still being raised in environments where showing vulnerability is seen as weakness. Phrases like “man up” or “don’t be soft” linger in changing rooms, playing fields and school yards. Social media and influencer culture has only added to the pressure. The matrix promoted unattainable ideals of masculinity while offering zero support for emotional development.
Many boys today are confused about who they should be, how they should act, and what healthy masculinity looks like.
So what do the red flags look like?
Withdrawal from peers or activities
Excessive screen time or gaming
Sudden anger or silence
Risky behaviour
Body image concerns (See my previous articles)
These shouldn't be looked at as just adolescent growing pains; they are signs of distress.
How can we help?
We start by meeting them where they are. That means:
Creating school- and community-based programmes that normalise emotional conversations
Empowering boys to define what positive role models look like for them
Providing teachers, coaches, and parents with tools to identify mental health warning signs early
Building relationships of trust, not just lesson plans
That’s what we’re aiming to do with The Flourishing Man. Through pilot programmes in schools and clubs that combine identity-building, emotional skills, and peer connection.
We need more than awareness
Awareness months like this one matter, but boys deserve more than seven days of attention. They deserve year-round, age-appropriate, and evidence-based interventions. That means going beyond conversation and building a framework for prevention.
Join the Conversation
Check out the Men's Health Forum in Ireland who are encouraging us to get involved in any way we can. Download their Action Man manual, start a conversation with a young man in your life, or follow updates on Men’s Health Week 2025.
