Welcome to episode five of No Man’s an Island, powered by Men’s Therapy Hub. To round off our public launch week we sit down with Dr Luke Sullivan, co‑director of Men’s Minds Matter and a clinical psychologist with deep frontline experience in crisis intervention. Luke has spent two decades working across inpatient and crisis resolution home treatment teams, developing a structured model for suicidal crises that meets people where they are. We talk about what actually helps men during acute distress, why many view suicide as a life problem rather than a medical one, and how services can earn men’s trust through clear action, structure and urgency. We also explore male loneliness as emotional isolation, the role of emotions as guides rather than enemies, and how to make therapy feel purposeful for men. If you want a practical, compassionate take on reducing male suicide and engaging men sooner, this conversation is for you.
What we cover
- How Luke’s early life and NHS work shaped his focus on suicide prevention
- Why many men experience suicidality as a life problem and what that means for support
- Men’s Minds Matter and the psychological entrapment model for suicidal crises
- Meeting men where they are through structure, direction and clear next steps
- Emotional literacy, male loneliness and building safer relational spaces
- The system side: crisis pathways, access, signposting and collaboration
Listen and watch
- Listen to all episodes here: No Man’s an Island
- Watch on YouTube – https://youtu.be/C9cm23hawRQ
- Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-emotions-help-us-understand-the-world-with-dr/id1849171262?i=1000735640115
- Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/0rnyWTGdCSfRbCLPxl5vJp?si=BMNf9cWBTO-uxX27iFzk7A
Takeaways for men
- Seeking help is an act of courage that takes strength and intent
- Action plus empathy works: clear plans, structure and check‑ins keep you engaged
- Emotions are signals that guide decisions rather than problems to suppress
- Loneliness is often emotional not physical; build one honest connection at a time
- If therapy felt aimless before, try a more directive therapist or service that fits you
Quotes to share
- “We meet men where they are.”
- “Many men see suicide as a life problem they cannot solve.”
- “Emotions are there to guide you through life.”
- “Anonymity and consequence‑free conversations help men open up.”
Resources and links
Episode credits
Host: Chris Hemmings Guest: Dr Luke Sullivan, co‑director of Men’s Minds Matter Production: Men’s Therapy Hub
