Every year, Time to Talk Day gives us a powerful reminder: talking about mental health saves lives.
On Thursday 5 February 2026, people across the UK will join the nation’s biggest mental health conversation, encouraging each of us to take a moment, check in, and really talk.
For many men, that is easier said than done. Society still teaches men to “stay strong,” “keep calm,” and “carry on,” but those old expectations can stop us from getting the support we need.
At Exseed Health, we believe strength comes from openness, not silence. This Time to Talk Day, we are inviting men everywhere to start the conversation because you never know how much it might help.
Why Time to Talk Day Exists
Launched in 2014 by the charity Time to Change, a joint project by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, Time to Talk Day was created to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
The idea is simple but powerful:
A conversation about mental health has the power to change lives.
When we talk about our struggles, whether it is stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout, we take away their power to isolate us. We remind ourselves and others that it is okay not to be okay, and that help is available.
Time to Talk Day has grown into a nationwide movement, with schools, workplaces, and communities hosting events to encourage open conversations. But its real power lies in the small, everyday chats — the text you send to a friend, the quick coffee with a colleague, or the moment you ask someone how they are really doing.
The Link Between Mental and Physical Health
At Exseed Health, we often talk about the whole-body connection — how our physical health affects our mental wellbeing, and vice versa.
For men, this connection can be especially important. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression do not just take an emotional toll. They can also impact physical health in ways we sometimes overlook. High stress levels can affect sleep quality, testosterone production, libido, and even fertility.
Conversely, men who take care of their mental wellbeing tend to see improvements in energy, motivation, and overall health. Exercise, nutrition, sleep, and emotional openness are all connected, and talking is often the first step toward balance.
When we talk about “men’s health,” we are not just talking about physical fitness or reproductive function. We are talking about mental resilience, emotional connection, and the courage to speak up when life feels heavy.
The Mental Health Gap for Men
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics paint a concerning picture:
- Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
- Around 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health.
- One in eight men in the UK will experience a common mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.
These numbers highlight a deep cultural challenge. Too often, men are raised to believe they must handle problems alone. Bottling up emotions can lead to long-term harm, including increased stress, relationship strain, and a higher risk of burnout or breakdown.
It is time to challenge that narrative. Vulnerability is not weakness; it is human. Talking about what is going on inside does not make you less of a man. It makes you more connected, more self-aware, and ultimately stronger.
How to Start the Conversation
If you are not used to talking about mental health, it can feel awkward at first. But small, honest conversations are often the most meaningful. You do not need to have all the answers. Just being there and listening can make a huge difference.
Here are a few practical ways to start:
1. Check in with yourself
Before you can talk to others, pause and reflect on how you are feeling. Are you stressed? Overwhelmed? Tired? Simply acknowledging what is going on inside is a powerful first step.
2. Start with a simple question
You do not need a big, emotional opener. Something as small as:
- “You’ve seemed a bit quiet lately. How are you doing?”
- “I’ve been feeling stressed recently. How about you?”
These can be enough to start an honest chat.
3. Choose the right time and place
Some of the best conversations happen side-by-side — on a walk, during a drive, or over a coffee. It does not have to be face-to-face and intense. The goal is comfort and connection.
4. Listen without fixing
When someone opens up, resist the urge to offer solutions straight away. Just listen. Phrases like “That sounds really tough” or “I’m glad you told me” can go a long way.
5. Follow up
Checking in once is great, but doing it again shows you care. A simple message the next week — “Hey, how have you been since we chatted?” — can mean the world.
For more guidance, check out NHS Every Mind Matters for tips on starting mental health conversations and managing stress.
Bringing the Conversation Into Everyday Life
You do not have to wait for Time to Talk Day to make a difference. Talking about mental health should be a year-round practice. Here are some ideas for keeping the conversation alive:
At Work
- Take five minutes to chat with a colleague who seems quiet.
- Suggest a walk-and-talk meeting instead of sitting indoors.
- Share Mind’s workplace wellbeing resources with your team.
At Home
- Ask your partner how they are feeling and listen without distraction.
- Encourage your children to name their feelings early on.
- If you are struggling, be honest about it. It helps others open up too.
In Your Community
- Attend or organise a local event for Time to Talk Day.
- Share supportive posts online using the hashtag #TimeToTalk.
- Volunteer with a community group that promotes mental health awareness.
Every small action contributes to a culture of openness. That culture can save lives.
How Mental Health Affects Fertility and Relationships
At Exseed, we see firsthand how stress and mental health challenges can impact fertility. Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, lower sperm quality, and reduce motivation for self-care.
The good news is that when men prioritise mental health by talking, seeking support, and managing stress, they often see improvements in both emotional and reproductive wellbeing.
Healthy communication also strengthens relationships. Opening up to your partner builds trust and connection, especially during emotionally demanding experiences like fertility treatment or other health challenges.
If you have been holding things in, use Time to Talk Day as your moment to open up — for your health, your relationship, and your peace of mind.
Where to Find Help
If you or someone you care about is struggling, you are not alone. Here are some trusted UK resources offering free and confidential support:
- Mind – Expert advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
- Samaritans – Call 116 123, 24 hours a day, for anyone who needs to talk.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Support for men and anyone feeling low or struggling.
- NHS Mental Health Services – Find local NHS mental health support and self-referral options.
- Rethink Mental Illness – Support groups and advice for people living with mental illness.
- Men’s Health Forum UK – Resources and advice focused on men’s wellbeing and prevention.
The Exseed Health Perspective
At Exseed Health, we are on a mission to help men take control of their health — not just physically, but mentally too. We talk openly about fertility, hormones, stress, and lifestyle because we know they are all connected.
We have seen that when men feel empowered to talk — to partners, friends, or professionals — their wellbeing improves across the board.
So this Time to Talk Day, take a small step that could make a big difference. Send that message. Make that call. Open up to someone you trust. Every conversation matters, and it might just change a life — including your own.
Join the Conversation
At Exseed Health, we believe in supporting men’s health from every angle — mental, physical, and emotional.
This Time to Talk Day, let’s make mental health part of the conversation.
Visit exseedhealth.com to learn more about how we support men’s wellbeing, from fertility insights to mental health awareness.
