Anyone can experience mental health difficulties, but fear of judgement or discrimination may prevent people from opening up and seeking the support they need. This stigma tends to affect men disproportionately, and societal expectations and traditional gender roles are thought to play a big part in this.

  • Three times as many men as women die by suicide
  • Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK
  • Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women, according to the Government’s national well-being survey
  • Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men

Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up.

Mental health difficulties can be brought on by a range of different situations or experiences. The Mind report includes information on three factors which men have reported as having an impact on their mental health:

  • Work and unemployment
  • Physical appearance
  • Social media

Whilst there is research to suggest that men are becoming more willing to seek help for their mental health, it is likely that traditional masculine values, stigma and not knowing where to go for support still play important roles in why men are less likely than women to seek help from the NHS for a mental health problem. 

Three times as many men as women die by suicide, and suicide is the largest cause of death for men under 50. Less well-off middle-aged men in particular are more likely to die by suicide than any other age group (Samaritans).

Some of the risk factors for male suicide include:

  • Prior suicide attempts

  • Mental health issues such as depression (often revealed through irritability, anger or hostility)

  • Relationship problems

  • Social isolation

  • Exposure to bullying

  • A history of problem drink or drug use

  • Physical illness or disability

  • Access to medication or weapons

  • Recent bereavement (family member or a close friend)

  • Losing a friend or family member to suicide

Seeking help can feel more difficult for men, but you’re not alone and it doesn’t make you ‘weak’ to need support. If you’re worried about your mental health, have a look at our resources on anxiety and low mood, or chat to a member of our team for further support. 

The Mental Health Foundation has published tips for men that may be helpful to pick themselves up when things get tough. 

  • Reach out - chat to a mate when you start to hide yourself away
  • Be listened to - have a chat and get it off your chest 
  • Follow social media accounts that you can relate to 
  • Have a chat with someone who will listen and not ‘fix’ – a mate, colleague, family or a helpline
  • Keep up with your routine - or add new structure to your day 
  • Get outside for a short walk  
  • Make a motivational playlist 
  • Read a motivational or inspirational quote - to get perspective 
  • Do something new like volunteering
  • Take up a new hobby 
  • Get out of your comfort zone - feel a sense of achievement from this 
  • Stop and pause – take time to check in with your head by using mindfulness, writing or meditation 
  • Focus on breathing – breathe in and out slowly for 3 minutes 
  • Switch off – in a way that works for you, with a book, film, video game etc. 
  • Ask a mate how they are – doing something for a mate can make you feel better

Please get in touch with our team for further support. We can provide a free, confidential chat. There are many ways to get in touch email us, call 0300 123 1705 or complete a self-referral form. 

Starting conversations with men who are struggling may seem daunting. But getting them to open up can be easier with practice.

Movember have put together 'how to tackle important conversations with men' guidance. Pick a topic such as:

  • He's withdrawn and obsessing
  • He's struggling to juggle work and family life
  • He's heartbroken 

They will help guide you through how to start the conversation with confidence and keep it moving in a helpful direction.

Also learn how to use simple, proven, and helpful phrases to reach out to a man who’s going through tough times. Read free Movember articles and resources to download. 

Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men. Here are few things you can get involved with this Movember:

  • ‘Movember Conversations’ gives you the confidence to have conversations with the men in your life who might be struggling.
  • Grow a moustache - your face will raise funds and awareness for men’s health.
  • Move for Movember - Run or walk 60km over the month. That’s 60km for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour across the world.
  • Host a mo-ment - Rally a crew and do something fun and easy, virtual or in person. Hosting is all about having a good time for a good cause.

It can often be tricky spotting a friend who’s struggling, watch the video below to spot the signs.

Sharing stories

As part of Movember, we are sharing the experiences of male colleagues who have reached out to our service when they need support. 

Marcus, an NHS worker shared his experience of using the Keeping Well NWL service when he had feelings of low self-esteem and confidence. In his role as an NHS support and recovery worker, it involves working with people who are experiencing mental health difficulties, specifically children and young people struggling in school. Marcus started to experience feelings of low self-esteem and confidence, which brought about feelings of his own childhood.

"I didn’t know such services existed but my first contact with [a Keeping Well practitioner] really helped me understand that they can help me. The service can really help people with what they are going through."

Read Marcus' full story.

Men's views and mental health - how they deal with it

Curated by Ilyas Sagar-Ouriaghli, a NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research PhD Student, this film features interviews with five different men of all ages discussing their mental health. Topics covered include race, family, stereotypes, tips to manage their health and the benefits of speaking to others.

  • Headsup Guy: For more information about men’s mental health and practical support.

  • Zero Suicide Alliance Training: This training will provide you with the skills to help someone who needs support; this could be a colleague, friend or family member.

Talk to us

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