Luke Amasi.
The MFA DE&I Council would like to see an industry where everyone can thrive, feel heard, supported, and safe to do their best work. Let’s meet the Changers who are sharing their own lived experiences to inspire us all to change for the better.
In Australia, men’s mental health is a critical issue, intensified by societal pressures that discourage open conversations and seeking support. Alarming statistics reveal that half of Australian men will face a mental health challenge in their lifetime, while men make up 75% of all suicides. Despite this, only 40% of those accessing Medicare-subsidised mental health services are men, underscoring the urgent need for change.
In a conversation with Pawena Kaniah, a member of the MFA DE&I Advisory Council, Luke Amasi from iProspect shares his insights on why men’s mental health remains a challenging topic and how workplaces can foster support.
The silence around men’s mental health
Luke’s commitment to advocating for men’s mental health is rooted in his own experiences with anxiety and depression. “If I don’t consistently share, I forget to prioritise self-care,” he explains. Addressing mental health is not only about raising awareness; it’s crucial for maintaining his wellbeing.
However, many men find it difficult to open up. “Talking about feelings is often deprioritised – especially in first-generation Australian families where showing vulnerability was frowned upon,” Luke says. He emphasises the importance of having the emotional vocabulary to express feelings. “Language is essential; it can make all the difference.”
Why workplaces need to foster vulnerability
Luke believes that company culture is crucial in addressing men’s mental health. “In today’s world, if you can’t manage your emotions and their impact on others, you won’t succeed,” he observes. The era of hard-nosed, unemotional management is over. Now, vulnerability must exist alongside professionalism.
Workplaces, especially high-performance environments like iProspect, need to balance ambition with empathy. “Vulnerability doesn’t mean sacrificing productivity. In fact, my team respects me more when I lead with empathy while maintaining assertiveness,” Luke explains. This balance is essential for supporting male colleagues who may be silently struggling.
At iProspect, high performance drives major client successes, creating a culture where ambition and empathy work hand-in-hand to deliver exceptional results. Traditionally, top performers are the ones least likely to take time off, even when they need it. “We need to give each other permission to take mental health days – and model that behaviour ourselves. It’s great to see leadership setting the example,” Luke adds.
Breaking down misconceptions
Luke identifies a major misconception about men’s mental health: the belief that “we’re going to be okay.”
Referencing John Gray's book What Your Mother Couldn’t Tell You and Your Father Didn’t Know, he highlights how the damaging notion that “boys will be boys” pushes men to toughen up instead of learning to express vulnerability – ultimately preventing men from seeking help when they need it.
“Men process feelings internally, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy – if they don’t talk about it, they won’t receive support.”
Luke advocates for everyday mental maintenance. Simple actions – such as physical exercise, time in nature, and taking breaks from screens – can greatly improve wellbeing. “Mindful practices help me manage my mental health, like taking time out and articulating my feelings through self-talk or journaling.”
A call to action
Luke believes that by openly talking about mental health in the workplace, we can create a culture where everyone – men included – feel safe to to express vulnerability without fear of judgment. “Battling sickness to show up isn’t a badge of honour anymore,” he says. “Sick days aren’t just for physical health but for mental health too.”
For people managers, Luke proposes a call to action: reframe sick days as a proactive step towards maintaining overall wellbeing, encouraging everyone to prioritise their mental health just as they would their physical health.
As Luke continues to champion men’s mental health, especially through initiatives like Movember beginning this week, he reminds us that fostering a culture of understanding will lead to workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Luke Amasi is Client Director at iProspect
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