Men’s Mental Health

Despite efforts to destigmatise the conversation around men’s mental health in recent years, it remains a highly pervasive issue affecting millions of men in the UK and beyond. Devastatingly, statistics show that in the UK, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, and they are around three times more likely to take their own lives than women. In addition, men are significantly less likely than women to seek psychological help when they need it. Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men, reflecting a persistent gap in accessing vital mental health support.

Why is this happening?

Throughout tradition, culture, and society, men have been expected to keep quiet about their struggles to uphold a ‘strong’, ‘tough’, and ‘self-reliant’ image. Despite a growing understanding that strength and resilience come from speaking openly about mental health struggles, traditional (and harmful) expectations of masculinity remain deeply ingrained and difficult to shake.

The stigma that encourages men to suffer in silence makes almost every corner of life feel like an unbearable challenge. This includes the workplace, where evidence shows that 52% of men hold reservations about taking time off for mental health issues, while 46% would be too ashamed to tell their employer that they are struggling.

These statistics underscore an alarming reality: men’s mental health is being neglected, both in and outside the workplace, causing catastrophic consequences that leave many feeling unsupported and alone. This poses a serious challenge not only for individuals but also for businesses, which will be impacted for reasons including:

• Lower productivity and engagement from employees

• Loss of valuable employees and the cost of replacing them

• Dip in team morale and negative workplace culture

• Damage to the company’s reputation if they fail to support staff

So, how can we address the issue?

Creating a culture of openness when it comes to mental health in the workplace will encourage men to get the support they need when they need it most. While this is easier said than done, there are proven strategies to help you put it into practice. These include:

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):

• Training for managers: Recognise signs and respond appropriately.

• Encouragement of open conversation; fostering an environment where men feel comfortable talking

• Discourage traditional views of masculinity in the workplace

• Introduce wellness action plans

• Promote healthy lifestyle choices, nutrition, sleep, and exercise

• Encourage team members to take holiday allowances to ensure rest and recuperation

• Introduce peer support groups – men can openly talk to one another about their concerns.

How can society change common stigmas about men’s mental health?

• Male-specific support groups (tailored to fatherhood, work-related stress, depression, anxiety, etc.) Male-only groups help promote men’s mental health struggles specifically.

• Education – start informing early; this helps boys understand from a young age that emotional stereotypes are damaging. Therefore, this prevents intervention later in life, when many people are set in their thinking and harbour a stubborn mindset.

• Introduce flexible policies, e.g. open conversations about paternity leave and mental health days.

• Media representation – male-specific coverage and greater attention drawn to male suicide as the largest killer in men under 50.

• Target high-risk groups – army veterans, financially unstable, LGBTQ+ offenders, alcoholics, and those who have depression and anxiety.

What is already in place?

Men’s Minds Matter

Andy’s Man Club

MANUP

• Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
• 52% of men hold reservations about taking time off for mental health issues.
• 46% would be too ashamed to tell their employer that they are struggling.
• Men account for 75-80% of deaths by suicide.
• For every 1 death by suicide, approximately 20 attempts are made
• There were 5656 suicides registered in England in 2023. This saw a devastating increase from the previous year.
• The 45-49 age bracket was responsible for the highest suicide rate in men (2023)
• Recent figures show that per 100,000 male deaths, 17.4 were due to suicide.