Men are dying, on average, four and a half years earlier than women due to issues such as suicide, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer. One of the key reasons behind this is that men often don’t seek support for their mental or physical health until it reaches a crisis point, which can sometimes be too late. In fact, globally, one man dies by suicide every minute, and in the UK, 75% of suicides are committed by men. The highest risk is seen in men aged 45-49, a period in life often marked by pressures like providing for a family, work demands, relationship changes, and financial strains.
Men’s reluctance to seek help often stems from deep-rooted societal expectations and gender stereotypes. Men are typically seen as strong, providers, protectors, and breadwinners. These roles can make it difficult for them to admit vulnerability, as doing so may be perceived as a sign of weakness, or an inability to perform their role in society. Additionally, men may not want to burden their family or friends with their struggles.
Another contributing factor is the nature of men’s social networks. Unlike women, who may engage in more emotionally supportive relationships, men’s interactions are often more topic-focused and transactional. As a result, men may not have the same emotional outlets, and their feelings and concerns can remain bottled up for long periods.
Breaking the Silence
One of the biggest misconceptions about men’s mental health is the belief that men don’t want to talk about it. In reality, once men do open up, many report feeling a significant sense of relief. For some, it’s the first time they’ve expressed concerns or emotions they’ve kept to themselves for years. This highlights the importance of creating spaces where men can feel safe and encouraged to share their struggles without fear of judgment.
Building Awareness and Wellbeing
Self-awareness is crucial for men to manage their mental health effectively. Understanding what works for their wellbeing—whether it’s exercise, sports, creativity, or relaxation—is key. Identifying personal boundaries, such as not working past 7 pm or disconnecting from work emails on the weekend, can help establish a healthier lifestyle. It’s important to have non-negotiables when it comes to mental and physical health, like taking daily walks or maintaining a good sleep routine.
Workplaces have a significant role to play in fostering a culture that supports men’s mental health. Companies can help by providing mental health awareness training, mental health first aiders, and clearly signposting mental health support options. It’s vital that this support is tailored to men’s specific needs, with male-specific resources that resonate and make a real impact.
Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture
A whole-workplace approach is essential when addressing mental health. Mental health first aid training should go beyond being a mere box-ticking exercise. First aiders should be trained at various levels within the organization, ensuring that employees always have someone to turn to, regardless of their position.
The importance of male role models cannot be overstated. When men in leadership positions are open about their struggles with mental health and show vulnerability, it sets a positive example for others. Leaders who practice good self-care and share their personal journeys can significantly improve psychological safety and workplace culture.
Furthermore, it’s crucial that workplaces support mental health throughout the entire employee journey—from recruitment to retirement. Younger generations entering the workforce are more attuned to wellbeing issues, and they expect organizations to prioritize mental health. If an organization doesn’t meet their needs, employees may seek opportunities elsewhere.
Access to Support
Fortunately, there are many resources available to support men’s mental health. Organizations like Andy’s Man Club, which has over 200 locations across the UK, provide accessible peer support for men. National mental health crisis support is available by dialing 111, option 2. For those who prefer texting, SHOUT offers support via text message at 85258. The Samaritans also provide 24/7 support by phone at 116 123.
Final Thoughts
After reading this article, consider the mental health strategies that work best for you. It’s equally important to look out for the men in your life—whether they are friends, family, or colleagues. Small gestures of support, an open conversation, or simply being there for someone can make a profound difference.
Men’s mental health is an issue that needs more visibility and support, but through open dialogue, understanding, and a shift in workplace and societal norms, we can make significant strides in ensuring that men are no longer silent in the face of mental health challenges.
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