Mental Health

Male Mental Health & Male Health Support

07 Nov 2024 4 min read

Men’s mental health is an issue that affects us all. Men are less likely than women to talk about their feelings or seek help when they are struggling, and they are far more likely to die by suicide. Too often, men suffer in silence until they reach crisis point.

Many of the reasons for this are rooted in long held expectations about what it means to be a man: to be strong, to provide, to stay in control and not to show weakness. These pressures can make it harder to open up, and can lead some men to cope in ways that cause further harm, such as drinking more or using drugs. But talking really does help, and there is a growing range of support designed specifically for men.

In this support hub, we look at why men can find it harder to reach out, and bring together trusted organisations offering mental health support, local groups, and help with cancer, domestic abuse, sexual violence and eating disorders. If you are struggling and need to talk to someone now, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time, or CALM on 0800 58 58 58.

The Mental Health Foundation report that three times as many men as women die by suicide and Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.

In 2017, pre- pandemic nearly 6000 suicides were recorded in Great Britain. Of these, 75% were men. Suicide as mentioned above is the largest cause of death for men under 50.

What are the possibly reasons for these concerning statistics?

We can perhaps look at this through past and perhaps even still ever-present stereotypes and expectations that are associated with being a Man or have been learnt behaviours throughout their childhood and adolescent years, these can include being strong and not showing weakness such as crying and expressing emotion, being the provider and always in control.

These learnt behaviours and expectations can make it harder for men to reach out for help and begin talking.

Due to many Men facing the inability to communicate their feelings openly, this then lends itself to more potentially dangerous and harmful coping strategies. Here we can look at areas such as Alcohol and Drug abuse.

Our links here, provide specific support for Men, showing the recognition around the need for specific Men’s Mental Health Support, some of these links look at individual support and other areas look at Men joining together to spend time talking and supporting each other in a group dynamic.

If you’re a man who is perhaps struggling right now or knows someone who is, hopefully these resources can be a help.

Resources for Male Mental Health

Men & Mental Health – Mental Health Foundation
Movember – Mens Health, Mental Health, Male Cancers, Family / Parenting Support
Mens Health Forum – General health advice for men
Mind – Information and support for all on many areas / Local support groups
Mental Health UK – Information and support for all
The Samaritans – Helpline 116 123 available 24/7
CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably – Support for Men and Women. Helpline 5pm – Midnight 0800 58 58 58
Man Up – Mens Mental Health Charity
Men’s Minds Matter – Information and Support for Men