Men’s mental health is a growing area of concern in the UK, where stigma, societal expectations, and limited awareness have created barriers to addressing and managing mental health issues. Statistically, men are more likely to suffer from mental health challenges in silence, which can lead to serious consequences. Understanding the current landscape, including the statistics and challenges men face, can help pave the way for more effective support systems and reduce the stigma around men seeking help.
The narrative around men’s mental health is gradually changing as more public figures and organisations champion mental health discussions. Celebrities, athletes, and influencers are using their platforms to encourage men to speak openly about their mental health. We would like to contribute towards this continuing change and have several team members taking part in the Movember challenge.
Here we look at the statistics on mental health in men and what can be done in the workplace to help support it.
The State of Men’s Mental Health in the UK: Key Statistics
Suicide Rates Among Men Are Alarmingly High
- According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 75% of suicides in the UK in 2022 were men, with the highest rates among those aged 45-49. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK.
- Men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide, and this trend has remained consistent over the last decade. These numbers underline the need for accessible mental health support and the importance of early intervention.
High Rates of Depression and Anxiety
- A study by the Mental Health Foundation found that one in eight men experience depression at some point in their lives. Similarly, NHS Digital reported that around 10% of men suffer from common mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, yet they are far less likely to seek help.
- Men often hesitate to reach out for support due to societal pressures that promote self-reliance and discourage vulnerability. This leads many to internalise their struggles, which can exacerbate mental health conditions.
Men Are Less Likely to Seek Therapy or Counseling
- Only 36% of referrals to NHS psychological therapies are for men, highlighting a significant gender gap in mental health service usage. Social attitudes play a role here; men may fear being perceived as weak or feel they need to "man up" and push through their struggles alone.
- Research from the Movember Foundation shows that men are less likely than women to talk openly about their mental health, especially with friends and family. Many report feeling shame or discomfort around these discussions, even though talking about mental health is one of the most effective first steps toward healing.
Impact of Financial Pressures and Unemployment
- Financial instability and unemployment significantly affect men’s mental health. Recent data from Mind, a leading UK mental health charity, shows that men facing unemployment are twice as likely to experience depression compared to those who are employed.
- With recent economic challenges, many men have faced job losses or financial insecurity, amplifying stress, anxiety, and depression. Financial pressures are often linked to feelings of worthlessness or loss of identity, particularly in a society where many men tie their self-worth to career success.
Men Are More Likely to Use Harmful Coping Mechanisms
- According to research by the Men’s Health Forum, men are significantly more likely than women to rely on alcohol or substance use as coping mechanisms for stress and mental health challenges. Excessive drinking, smoking, or drug use can offer a temporary escape but ultimately worsen mental health.
- This avoidance pattern can lead to long-term addiction issues, strained relationships, and increased mental health challenges if not addressed. Recognising these behaviours as red flags rather than coping methods is an important part of mental health awareness for men.
What can be done in the workplace to help support men’s mental health?
- Offer an open-door policy - Encourage your employees to feel safe approaching you in a time of need.
- Train several members of the team to be mental health first aiders. They will then be able to recognise how men might express mental health symptoms differently. This understanding can lead to better diagnoses, timely interventions, and more effective treatments.
- Offer mental health support - We offer our team an Employee Assistance Programme to support them when they need it most or help ease them back into the workplace after a medical break.
- Provide a quiet space for employees to go to if they feel overwhelmed or stimulated and need some time out.
- Provide regular ‘check-in’ sessions, especially at the beginning of their career within your company to ensure they are happy and don’t need any additional support.
- Offer flexible working benefits and a good work-life balance
- Implement ‘No meeting’ days
- Create a happy and calm atmosphere in the office that the team feel happy to come into. Find our tips on how to create a positive work environment on our blog page.
Where to Find Help
There are various resources available in the UK for men seeking help with their mental health:
- Samaritans: Provides 24/7 support for anyone struggling to cope. Call 116 123 for free.
- Mind: Offers resources and guidance for those struggling with mental health challenges. Visit mind.org.uk for more information.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): A charity aimed at preventing male suicide. Call 0800 58 58 58 for their helpline.
- Shout: A free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. Text “Shout” to 85258 to get started.
- Men’s Sheds: Offers a place where men can build friendships and learn new skills in a supportive environment.
Moving Forward: Creating a Culture of Support for Men
Mental health challenges affect everyone, but traditional gender roles and stigma can make it particularly difficult for men to reach out. By fostering understanding, empathy, and open dialogue, we can empower more men to seek help and access the support they need. The more society recognises the importance of men’s mental health, the closer we come to reducing stigma and improving mental health outcomes for men across the UK.
If you would like to donate to our Just Giving page for Movember, please head over to our Just Giving page.
