Men and Mental Health

Summary

• Why don’t men talk about mental health?
• Is depression different for men?
• Suicide and men
• What can I do if I’m worried about my mental health?
• I’m worried about someone’s mental health. How can I help them?

As with many mental health statistics, it’s hard to know if the figures really represent what is happening. They can only tell us about mental health problems that have been reported – many cases may go undiagnosed.

This may be especially true when it comes to men’s mental health.

Other signs might give us a better picture of the state of men’s mental health:

• Three times as many men as women die by suicide
• Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK
• At times during the coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic), females experienced lower life satisfaction and happiness than males, which differs from pre-coronavirus pandemic analysis, as seen in our Personal well-being in the UK: October 2016 to September 2017 bulletin.
• Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men

In addition, men are far more likely than women to go missing, sleep rough, become dependent on alcohol and use drugs frequently. Find out more about how mental health problems affect men and women differently.

While all this can paint a gloomy picture, help and support are available if you’re worried about your own or someone else’s mental health.

Why don’t men talk about mental health?

Society’s expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems. We know that gender stereotypes about women – the idea they should behave or look a certain way, for example – can be damaging to them. But it’s important to understand that stereotypes and expectations can also damage 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.

Men may also be more likely to use potentially harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol and less likely to talk to family or friends about their mental health. However, research suggests men will get the help that meets their preferences and is easy to access, meaningful and engaging. For example, Men’s Sheds provides community spaces for men to connect and chat, often over practical activities.

Is depression different for men?

While there isn’t a different sort of ‘male depression’, some symptoms are more common in men than women. These include irritability, sudden anger, increased loss of control, risk-taking and aggression.

Men may also be more likely to use alcohol and drugs to cope with their depression rather than talking about it. They may use escapist behaviour too, such as throwing themselves into their work.

If you’re experiencing depression, there is help available. Read more about the symptoms of depression and ways to get support.

Suicide and men

In 2021, there were 5,583 suicides registered in England and Wales. Around three-quarters of the suicides were males. Suicide is the largest cause of death for men under 50.

Higher rates of suicide are also found in minority communities, including war veterans, and those with low incomes. Less well-off middle-aged men are particularly likely to die by suicide.

If you feel suicidal, there are helplines you can call, email or contact via web chat to get support.

What can I do if I’m worried about my mental health?

If you want some tips on staying well, start by looking at our best mental health tips – backed by research. Making simple changes such as talking about your feelings, keeping active and eating well can help you feel better.

If you’re concerned you’re developing a mental health problem, talk to your GP. It can be daunting, but most people find that speaking to their GP and getting help and support can make a big difference in their lives^.

If you’re in distress and need immediate help or are feeling like ending your life, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress.

Some organisations offer practical and emotional advice and support. Find out more on our Getting help page.

I’m worried about someone’s mental health. How can I help them?

If you’re concerned about a friend or relative, there are things you can do to help them.

• Let them know you’re there to listen to them without judgement
• Someone who is experiencing mental health problems may find it hard to reach out, so try to keep in touch. A text message or a phone call could make a big difference
• Find out about local services such as talking therapy or support groups. See if there are any specifically for men if you think they’d prefer that. Hub of Hope offers local, national, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services.
• Help them to get help. Reassure them it’s okay to ask for help and that support is out there. You could help them contact their GP or accompany them to their appointment if they want you to
• Take care of yourself. Looking after someone else can be hard, so make sure you consider your wellbeing too

CALM has a helpful webpage about what to do if you’re worried someone might be suicidal, including warning signs, what to say and what to do next.

Organisations that can help

Contact these organisations if you need support or want to learn more about men’s mental health.

• CALM
• Samaritans
• Men’s Health Forum

Our work on men’s mental health

We strive for good mental health for all. Find out more about the work we do on men’s mental health.