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Author: Martin Robb

Man up or open up?

Updated Friday, 8 May 2026
Why do men find it so hard to talk about their mental health?

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In this animated video, The Open University’s Professor Martin Robb explores the often-complicated relationship between men and their mental health. Made with the support of men’s mental health charity Alright Mate?, the video suggests that the persistence of outdated ideas about masculinity may prevent men from seeking help when they face mental health issues. However, a number of recent initiatives have achieved success in encouraging men to talk about their mental and emotional wellbeing, by using creative and imaginative methods, and by appealing to a common motivation to help others. The video ends with an appeal to rethink the messages we give to boys about what it means to be a man, so that men see that it’s better to open up than to man up.


Transcript (PDF document123.6 KB) .

Acknowledgement

This animation was originally published on OU Connect.

 

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