How to Support Men’s Mental Health

Men’s mental health is a critical issue, often overshadowed by societal expectations and stigma. It is important that men speak up about their experiences.

 The Cost Silence

Why is there so much silence surrounding men’s mental health? If you are a man, would you reach out for help when feeling stressed or overwhelmed? As a result of societal pressure, men frequently suppress their emotions.

Men face anxiety, loneliness, and physical symptoms but hesitate to seek help due to embarrassment and societal expectations of masculinity.

Research consistently demonstrates the disproportionate impact of mental health issues on men. Statistics reveal that men are more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as substance abuse and self-harm, to cope with their emotional distress. Moreover, suicide rates among men are significantly higher than those among women, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions and support.

According to Mental Health UK;

• Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women, according to the government’s national wellbeing survey.
• Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
• Nearly three-quarters of adults who go missing are men.
• 87% of rough sleepers are men.
• Men are nearly three times as likely as women to become dependent on alcohol and three times as likely to report frequent drug use.
• Men are more likely to be compulsorily detained (or ‘sectioned’) for treatment than women.
• Men are more likely to be victims of violent crime (1.5 more likely than women).
• Men make up the vast majority of the prison population.​ There are high rates of mental health problems and increased rates of self-harm in prisons.

Men face anxiety, loneliness, and physical symptoms but hesitate to seek help due to embarrassment and societal expectations of masculinity. The silence surrounding men’s mental health has severe consequences.

Breaking the Cycle: How We Can Help

To address the crisis of men’s mental health, it is imperative to challenge the harmful stereotypes that perpetuate silence and suffering. By fostering open conversations about emotions and vulnerabilities, we can create a culture where men feel empowered to seek support without fear of judgment.

Here are three ways to support men’s mental health:

• Start a Conversation: Reach out to friends or family who seem withdrawn and encourage them to talk about their feelings.
• Make Small Lifestyle Changes: Prioritize physical activity, if you consume alcohol, stop or reduce consumption, and engage in enjoyable activities.
• Recognize It’s a Societal Issue: Everyone has a role in dismantling stereotypes and creating supportive environments for men.

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 A Call to Action

Addressing men’s mental health requires a multifaceted approach involving individuals, communities, and policymakers. Here are some key steps to promote positive change:

1. Normalize Conversations About Mental Health: Encourage open dialogue about emotions and well-being among men and boys.
2. Challenge Gender Stereotypes: Promote healthy masculinity that values emotional expression and vulnerability.
3. Increase Access to Mental Health Services: Ensure that mental health services are accessible and culturally competent for men.
4. Educate Healthcare Providers: Equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to identify and address men’s mental health needs.
5. Support Men’s Support Networks: Foster strong social connections and support systems for men.

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and every man deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and mentally healthy life.

Read: Encouraging Men’s Health Seeking Behaviours