Why This Talk Matters

Midlife hits men hard. Some of the changes are physical. Some are emotional. Some are a mix of both. Many men feel low, tired or disconnected and have no idea whether it is age, hormones or depression. No one teaches men how to recognise these changes. Most men just get told to crack on.

This session with James Davis looks at what might really be going on when a man reaches his forties or fifties and feels like he is losing grip. The aim is simple. To help men and those around them understand what is happening and why it often goes unnoticed.

What the Research Shows in the UK

• The NHS and BAUS list common symptoms linked to age related testosterone decline. These include low mood, fatigue, irritability, reduced sex drive, poor concentration, sleep problems and lower confidence. All of these can look exactly like depression.

• Men are less likely to seek mental health support. Only around 36 per cent of referrals for NHS talking therapies come from men.

• Mental health treatment across England is rising. Around one in six adults is now receiving some form of help.

• Research consistently shows that men often avoid talking about mood or emotional pain because they fear shame, judgement or being seen as weak. This leads to isolation and a higher risk of crisis.

These points show why so many men slip through the system. The signs are there but they are easy to miss.

What You Will Learn

• What andropause or age related hormonal decline can actually feel like

• How these symptoms overlap with depression

• Why men often blame themselves rather than seek help

• How partners, friends and professionals can spot the signs

• Practical insight from James Davis on how to manage these changes

This session is useful for anyone. Men in midlife. Partners. Family members. Professionals. Anyone who wants to understand what men often hide.