The stigma around men’s mental health is a silent crisis—but it doesn’t have to be. Dustin Hogan, a men’s mental health counsellor and advocate, unpacks the damaging stigma that keeps men silent about their struggles. Through raw personal stories and actionable insights, he shows how breaking that silence can lead to healing, connection, and a brighter future for men everywhere.
Dustin Hogan is a men’s mental health counsellor and founder of Therapy For Dudes, a brand dedicated to reshaping the conversation around men’s mental health. Having walked his own path through anxiety and depression, Dustin believes that when men open up, they not only transform their own lives but also inspire a ripple of positive change in their families, workplaces, and communities. You can connect with him at TherapyForDudes.com This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at
Lads you can talk, cry, and be as open and vulnerable with your feelings as possible, but society doesn’t care, oh and if you have a woman in your life, don’t expect her to stick around too long after you start doing it either. Not unless she’s a very rare individual. They say that’s what they want, but when you do it they loose attraction almost overnight.
Vent to other men, go and ride bikes or play sports with other men, go to the pub and drink with other men. That’s where to talk. Not to women, especially if they’re romantically attached to you.
It’s hard to just start conversations like this though and how do you even know who you can trust with these things?
Yeah, I started to struggle with anxiety and depression around the same age. I feel really lucky I had a good support system, a lot of men don’t have that luxury.
I remember growing up hearing my mother and her friends talk about “snags” (sensitive, new age guys) and it wasn’t in a positive way. I think that really impacted how I saw myself and what I thought women wanted a man to be. Once I grew up a bit and got into a stable, healthy relationship I realized it was my mom who was pretty damaged.
Perhaps it would help if anyone actually gave a f. For the future I mean. I am done with society and especially women. Never EVER again 🤢 Don’t expect anything from me anymore. I will definitely leave you standing in the cold. Unless you have kids with you. But maybe future generations it might be wise to give a f about the people pulling the wagon.