Closing the Gap in Men’s Mental and Physical Health at Work

October 31, 2025

When we talk about men’s health at work, the conversation usually stops at the physical—heart disease, fitness, maybe injury prevention. But what’s missing is just as important: men’s mental health. 

Body and mind are deeply connected, shaping how men think, feel, and show up at work every day. And for many men, work isn’t just a paycheck; it’s a core part of their identity. That drive can fuel success, but it can also make it harder to notice when something’s off or to ask for help.

For generations, men have learned unspoken “rules” about how they’re supposed to feel—be strong, stay in control, and don’t ask for help. Those expectations make it harder to recognize when stress, anxiety, or exhaustion become something more serious. While traits valued at work, like self-reliance and persistence, are often encouraged, these same expectations can become barriers to support. Instead of reaching out, many minimize their struggles, assuming “this is just how everyone feels.” Over time, those ignored warning signs can build up and spill over into every part of life.

The link between body and mind

One in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, yet fewer than half seek treatment. Men are also more likely than women to face ADHD, substance use disorders, and die by suicide. 

Behind these numbers is a deeper story: physical and mental health constantly shape each other. Chronic stress, sleep problems, fatigue, and pain don’t just wear down the body, they drain focus, motivation, and mood. And the connection goes both ways.  

• Stress and heart health - Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and heart disease risk
• Sleep and mood - Poor sleep worsens anxiety and depression, and vice versa
• Pain and depression - Chronic pain can fuel hopelessness, while depression can amplify physical pain signals
• Exercise and resilience - Lack of movement weakens both physical and mental health
• Substance use - What starts as a way to cope with stress can spiral into a health crisis

When care is integrated, these connections don’t go unnoticed. A man who comes in for back pain might also get help identifying underlying anxiety or sleep issues. A mental health check-in might uncover hormonal or cardiovascular concerns. When physical and mental health care work together, men get the full support they need. 

Signs it’s time to check in

Many men won’t openly say they’re struggling, but the signs are often there. Managers and HR leaders can look for:

• Sleep or energy changes - Constant fatigue, low energy, or trouble concentrating
• Flatness or disengagement - Going through the motions at work, with little spark or satisfaction
• Irritability or frustration - Strong reactions to everyday challenges or feedback
• Physical complaints - Headaches, muscle pain, or chronic tension without a clear cause

These signals can point to stress or other mental health concerns. Framing men’s mental health conversations around “performance optimization” can make them more approachable. Many men are more open to talking when support is positioned as a way to fine-tune their performance rather than fix a problem.

Why men’s mental health matters at work

Men’s mental health isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a workplace issue. When men struggle with focus, energy, or mood, it often shows up in subtle ways: missed deadlines, tense interactions, or quiet disengagement. Over time, those small shifts can ripple through teams, affecting collaboration, problem-solving, and morale.

We’re also seeing a generational shift. Younger men may be more open to mental health care, while many older men were raised with the belief that emotions should stay private. That gap can make it harder for teams to connect and for leaders to recognize when someone needs support.

The impact is significant. Unaddressed mental health challenges contribute to burnout, absenteeism, and turnover. Even in low-risk jobs, stress and fatigue increase the chance of errors or safety incidents. On the other hand, workplaces that proactively support men and mental health build resilience, stronger work and personal relationships, more engaged teams, and higher performance. 

How to support men’s mental health and physical health

These barriers are real, but not insurmountable. Here are practical ways organizations can strengthen men’s physical and mental well-being:

• Integrate care - Select benefits vendors who already integrate physical and mental health, rather than tasking employers with connecting siloed systems. This makes it easy for them to move between medical and mental health support without stigma or red tape. True integration means providers can communicate, share relevant information (with consent), and coordinate care for a seamless experience.
• Normalize check-ins - Treat mental health check-ins with the same importance as annual physicals.
• Promote recovery and balance - Encourage healthy sleep, rest after illness or injury, and sustainable workloads.
• Equip leaders - Train managers to recognize that changes in energy, irritability, or performance may point to stress or mental health challenges.
• Support life transitions - Offer mental health resources for men, including education and support for fatherhood, aging, injury recovery, chronic illness, and other life changes when men may feel especially vulnerable.
• Provide multiple entry points - Give men options—coaching, digital tools, therapy—so they can start where they’re most comfortable.
• Bridge generational differences - Acknowledge that comfort with mental health care can vary by age, and model openness from the top. When leaders share their own experiences, they signal that seeking help is a strength.

Close the gap in men’s health

When employers support men’s mental health and physical health, they create the foundation for lasting well-being and stronger performance. With integrated care and proactive communication, every man can access the right help at the right time. Lyra makes that easier by connecting men to compassionate, evidence-based mental health care and integrating seamlessly with partners who support their physical health needs..