Know Yourself Psychology

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges with attention, focus and impulse control that are inconsistent with a person’s age and can significantly impact daily life.

Big life changes such as a career shift, relationship breakdown, becoming a dad, or facing health challenges, can affect a bloke’s identity and direction. These transitions hit hard and can clash with expectations to stay strong and in control.

Anxiety is the body’s natural physiological response to a perceived threat—think fight, flight, and freeze. It is vital for survival and largely responsible for the continuation of the human race, but when it becomes persistent, overwhelming, and interferes with daily life, it can signal an anxiety disorder—the most common mental health condition in Australia, affecting around 1 in 4 people at some point in their lives.

Life’s overwhelming challenges aren’t always tied to a single event—they can be the cumulative weight of everyday pressures, vague dissatisfaction, or that nagging sense of “something’s off” that builds up over time. In Australia, these diffuse struggles affect countless men, manifesting as chronic stress, burnout, or a quiet erosion of motivation that feels just as heavy as more defined crises.

Communication issues arise when expressing thoughts, feelings, needs, or boundaries becomes challenging, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, or emotional disconnects in relationships, work, or social settings. In Australia, these problems are widespread, often underlying relationship strains and contributing to broader mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and isolation.

Depression and other mood disorders are more than just feeling down—they’re serious mental health conditions that disrupt how you think, feel, and handle daily life. In Australia, these disorders affect millions, with depression being the most prevalent, impacting around 1 in 5 men over their lifetime.

Grief is the deep emotional response to loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or other significant life changes like losing a job or health. Grief is a universal experience, but for men, it often carries unique challenges due to societal expectations to “stay strong” or suppress emotions.

Questions of purpose and meaning arise when men grapple with life’s big questions: “What am I here for?” “What makes my life worthwhile?” or “Am I living up to my potential?” These existential concerns, often tied to identity, values, and direction, can profoundly impact mental health, particularly in Australia where societal pressures and life transitions amplify such struggles.

Relationship problems encompass a wide range of challenges that can strain intimate partnerships, from communication breakdowns and trust issues to conflicts over finances, intimacy, or life goals. In Australia, these issues are common, often intertwined with mental health, and can lead to significant emotional distress if unaddressed.

Self-identity struggles refer to the internal conflicts and uncertainties people face when questioning or redefining who they are, often triggered by life changes, societal expectations, or discrepancies between one’s self-perception and external roles.

Stress is our body’s natural response to pressure from demanding situations or life events, whether it’s work deadlines, relationship challenges, or unexpected changes. While a little stress can motivate us to perform better, prolonged or chronic stress can take a serious toll on mental and physical health, leading to feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, or even more severe issues like anxiety and depression.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition where the compulsive use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances disrupts daily life, health, and relationships, despite negative consequences. In Australia, SUD affects many, with men particularly vulnerable due to social pressures and coping styles with men three times more likely to engage in harmful drinking or drug use than women.

Tics and habits are repetitive behaviours that can range from mild quirks to significant challenges impacting daily life and mental health. In Australia, these behaviours are common, often linked to stress, anxiety, or neurological conditions, and can be particularly complex for men due to societal expectations around control and stoicism.

Trauma occurs when a person experiences or witnesses an overwhelming event—such as abuse, violence, loss, or a life-threatening situation—that leaves lasting emotional, psychological, or physical effects.