He’s snapping, shutting down, or pulling away… but what if it’s not anger at all?

In this powerful conversation, psychologist Craig Russouw unpacks what’s really going on beneath the surface for so many men and boys — and why most never ask for help until it’s too late.

From hidden signs of depression to the quiet crisis facing Aussie men, this episode will shift how you see behaviour, masculinity, and mental health — and give you practical ways to support the men and boys in your life.

KEY POINTS

• Why men’s mental health struggles often show up as anger, irritability, or withdrawal
• The alarming gap between men experiencing issues and those actually seeking help
• How outdated ideas of masculinity keep men silent
• What “mental health literacy” is — and why many men don’t have it
• The concept of “mental maintenance” (and why prevention matters more than crisis care)
• Simple, practical habits that protect mental wellbeing
• Why connection for men often looks different — and how to support it

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Anger is often just the surface. Underneath, there’s anxiety, sadness, or something much deeper.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Mental Maintenance Manual (free guide for men’s mental health)
• Someone Health (telehealth psychology service across Australia)

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Look beyond behaviour — ask what might be underneath anger or withdrawal
• Normalise conversations about emotions early, especially with boys
• Encourage regular “mental maintenance,” not just crisis support
• Help boys identify feelings (not just react to them)
• Prioritise sleep, connection, and enjoyable activities as non-negotiables
• Model vulnerability — show that talking is strength, not weakness