redefining success for men’s mental wellbeing

In today’s society, men often face immense pressure to define their success through professional achievement, financial gain, and social status. For many, this expectation can lead to significant mental health struggles, particularly in high-pressure roles where success is tied to external validation. Job stress is now recognised as one of the most common health issues in organisations worldwide, impacting over 1 in 5 working adults¹ and reaching up to 77% in some areas². Studies also show that job stress with low social support can have a detrimental effect on mental wellbeing, especially for men in leadership roles who may lack access to supportive networks³.

For men in high-profile positions, the constant drive to succeed can result in anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional exhaustion^4-6. While it is clear that the relationship between job stress and adverse health outcomes among men and women may differ because of their exposure to different job stress levels^7-8 – among other factors – the strong connection between employment and men’s mental health specifically is often complicated by societal expectations around masculinity and leadership⁹. This blog will explore the mental health challenges that arise from these pressures and discuss how redefining success can positively impact men’s wellbeing, leading to a healthier and more sustainable sense of self-worth.

The pressure to define identity through achievement

In many societies, a man’s identity can often be closely tied to professional and financial success. High-profile roles – such as those held by CEOs, athletes, and public figures – frequently come with the expectation that a man’s worth is defined by his achievements. Figures like Elon Musk, Larry R. Williams, Mark Zuckerberg, and Warren Buffet are often seen as symbols of this expectation, reinforcing the idea that success both financially and in business is synonymous with self-worth. However, the pressure to continually “prove oneself” can lead to chronic stress and mental health struggles for men in these roles¹⁰.

Research has shown that male-dominated work environments can exacerbate this pressure. In these settings, “masculinity culture contests” push men to conform to certain behaviours, where top performance is conflated with traditional masculine traits¹⁰. This creates a culture where mental health is often overlooked, and social stigma prevents men from seeking help¹⁰.

Periods of low productivity, sometimes referred to as ‘dead times,’ can further heighten anxiety, as men begin to question their worth when success and productivity are lacking¹¹. This constant scrutiny, even during natural fluctuations in workload, leads to increased self-worth related anxieties and mental exhaustion¹¹. The tensions arising from meetings between ambitious leaders with high expectations, where mistakes could have far-reaching consequences, only add to this relentless pressure¹¹.

These societal expectations contribute significantly to mental health challenges such as burnout, depression, and anxiety in men. Many feel they must constantly maintain an image of success, leading to a vicious cycle of pushing beyond attainable limits, ultimately at the expense of their wellbeing¹¹.

The mental health impact of high-pressure expectations

The constant drive to meet societal expectations of success can have a profound impact on men’s mental health. There is a well-established correlation between high-pressure expectations and mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, and burnout^12-15. Men in C-suite executive roles – for instance – often face these excessive workloads, isolation, and the relentless demand to perform. These conditions can place them at an increased risk of experiencing significant mental health challenges^12-15.

Interestingly, some men can even begin to feel compelled to maintain emotional control by immersing themselves further in work¹¹. This reliance on work as a coping mechanism for feelings of inadequacy creates a cyclical pattern, where success at work momentarily alleviates anxiety but also feeds into new pressures and self-doubt¹¹.

And, even after reaching their professional goals, men may still feel emotionally unfulfilled since external achievements do not always bring personal contentment¹⁶. This phenomenon can be tied to how the brain’s reward system, particularly the neurotransmitter dopamine, drives the pursuit of goals and rewards short-term pleasure upon achievement. However, this pleasure is fleeting, leaving men in high-pressure roles constantly seeking more, unable to gauge whether their financial and business-related accomplishments and successes are truly satisfying¹⁶.

Unfortunately, many men resist addressing these mental health challenges, often because of the stigma associated with admitting vulnerability. Cultural and social conditioning has long tied masculinity to strength, leading men to the perception that admitting to struggling with their mental health may be perceived as weakness^13-14. In many high-pressure environments, this stigma is exacerbated by social pressure to continue working without attending to mental health needs¹¹.

Rethinking success and self-worth for men

For far too long, success has been predominantly defined by external markers such as career advancement, financial gain, and social status. While these achievements may provide temporary satisfaction, they often come at the expense of mental and emotional wellbeing. To foster better mental health among men, particularly those in high-pressure roles, there must be a shift toward redefining success.

Developing self-compassion and prioritising mental health and emotional wellbeing should be seen as equally important as professional success. For many men, their self-worth is tied to how others perceive their accomplishments, leading to stress and burnout when they fall short of societal expectations. A more sustainable approach is to embrace mental resilience, inner growth, and self-worth derived from within, rather than constantly seeking validation from external achievements.

Several high-profile men have made this shift publicly, turning their focus from wealth and fame toward personal fulfilment and mental wellness. Comedian Jim Carrey, for instance, has spoken openly about the emptiness he felt despite his success, emphasising the importance of living authentically rather than chasing the illusion of fame¹⁷. Filmmaker George Lucas shifted his focus from building a cinematic empire to improving education through his philanthropic work, recognising that personal growth and contribution to society bring more fulfilment.

Singer Robbie Williams also embodies this shift. Despite his immense fame, he has been candid about his struggles with depression, anxiety, and addiction. Over time, he has redirected his energy toward improving his mental and physical health, focusing on family life and using his platform to advocate for charitable causes and mental health awareness.

By redefining success to include emotional health and inner fulfilment, men can break free from the relentless pressures of external validation and cultivate a healthier, more balanced life.

Mental health care approaches for men

For men in high-pressure roles, traditional clinic-based mental health treatments may not always be the most practical or effective option. Personalised, at-home mental health care offers a discreet and flexible alternative, allowing men to focus on their emotional regulation and develop a healthier relationship with success while maintaining their professional responsibilities.

At-home mental health care provides a private and supportive environment, enabling men to address their mental wellbeing in a familiar setting, away from external judgment. Tailored to each individual’s specific needs, this approach can help men navigate the unique pressures of high-achieving roles by providing the tools and strategies they need to build inner resilience and emotional balance.

With access to various therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, at-home treatment integrates a whole-person approach that supports long-term emotional health. By focusing on mental wellness in the comfort of their own homes, men can develop a more sustainable sense of self-worth that isn’t tied solely to external success.

Redefining success for men’s mental wellbeing

The societal pressure for men to define their success through external achievements – be it in their career, finances, or social status – has taken a toll on their mental wellbeing. To truly foster mental resilience, it’s crucial to help men shift their focus from external markers of success to internal fulfilment and emotional health.

Healthcare professionals have an important role in recognising how these expectations affect their male patients. By referring their patients for comprehensive at-home mental health treatment, professionals can offer men the support they need to build a healthier relationship with success, develop emotional resilience, and focus on long-term mental wellness.

As we challenge traditional notions of success, consider how we can better support the men in our lives to break free from these expectations and prioritise their mental health.

Take some time today to reflect on how you can encourage those around you to redefine success in ways that truly nurture mental health and wellbeing.

Breaking free from expectations: redefining success for men’s mental wellbeing

The pressure to define identity through achievement

The mental health impact of high-pressure expectations

Rethinking success and self-worth for men

Mental health care approaches for men

Redefining success for men’s mental wellbeing

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