We’re here to help bring this conversation to the forefront & help signpost to mental health support for all
This article covers topics around depression, suicide, alcohol and drug use which some readers may find upsetting. If you’re affected by the content of this article, and would like further information on available support, please see the list of resources at the end.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or are at risk of harming yourself or others, please call 999 or NHS 111, go to your nearest accident and emergency department (A&E), speak to your GP or the Samaritans on 116 123, or text Shout on 85258.
Anyone of any gender can experience problems with their mental health, but how do traditional gender roles impact the way mental health is talked about and experienced amongst men?
Here we look at the facts and figures surrounding men’s mental health, why stigmas around masculinity may make it harder for men to talk about their feelings, and what support and resources are available for those concerned about their mental health.
Men’s mental health statistics
Mental health problems are significant for all genders, but research suggests that men in particular are facing challenges when it comes to seeking help. In 2009, mental health charity Mind found in their Get It Off Your Chest report that men were far less likely than women to seek support when they were worried or feeling low for more than a couple of weeks.*
Although in their most recent report from 2019, they found that men were three times more likely to see a therapist when worried or low than they were in 2009*, they also reported in contrast to this that:
• The amount of men who admit to feeling low has actually increased since then from 37% to 43%*
• The amount of men who experience suicidal thoughts when feeling low has doubled to 10%*
• The number of men who say that nothing would put them off finding help if they were feeling low has decreased by almost a fifth*
Further research supports the seriousness of this situation:
• According to the most recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 75% of deaths by suicide are men, which is consistent with long-term trends since the mid-1990s**
• Suicide is the leading cause of death amongst men under the age of 50 in England and Wales†
• Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are made for men††
As with all statistics, they can only tell us about what’s been reported and many cases of mental health may go unreported. However, the above does help us gather a picture of men’s mental health that suggests there are still challenges when it comes to seeking and getting support, showing why this is such an important conversation.
Why may it be harder for men to talk about their mental health?
Whilst the discussion around men’s mental health has certainly opened up more in recent years, the charity Mind reports that one of the reasons some men still face barriers to seeking help is due to stigmas around masculinity. They also found that many are more likely to turn to alcohol and recreational drugs to help cope with mental health problems rather than talking things through.*
We may have all heard phrases such as “man up”, “take it like a man” or ‘’boys don’t cry”. Traditional gender roles and social conventions have long suggested that men should be strong, stoic and silent – all traits that fall under the umbrella of toxic masculinity, where men are pressured to be brave and bury their struggles. This is in contrast to softer more vulnerable traits traditionally associated with femininity, which are often viewed as more socially acceptable amongst women.
Although gender conventions are breaking down more and more, long-standing stigmas within society are still hard to completely overcome.
Barriers to reaching out for help only increase when combined with other factors such as race, sexuality and gender identity, and age. Facing life experiences like stigma, discrimination and/or racism can contribute to mental health problems and make it harder to access support. For example:
• In the UK, African and Caribbean men have a much higher likelihood of developing mental health problems as an adult, but are less likely to access the support they need*
• Gay, bisexual and trans (GBT) men are more likely to report poor mental health, substance misuse, social isolation, self-harm and suicidal thoughts than heterosexual men*
• Middle-aged men between 40 and 59 have experienced the highest average suicide rate of any age group in the UK since 1996^
Other barriers to talking about men’s mental health
There’s more to the story than just traditional gender roles and social stigmas around masculinity, though. Research suggests that some men are also less likely to get help because of other reasons including:
- Not knowing where to start looking for help
- Being less knowledgeable about mental health
- Resources aren’t conveniently available
- Fear of being told they were mentally ill
So, who is talking about men’s mental health?
Speaking up about mental health has the power to help break down stigmas and encourage others to open up about their struggles and seek support. The topic of men’s mental health has long been a priority for charities and organisations like Mind, Samaritans, Movember and the Mental Health Foundation to name just a few.
It has also been a focus of recent government inquiries and initiatives including the Mental Health of Men and Boys Follow Up Inquiry, the NHS Long Term Plan and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy which look into long-term ways to support people with their mental health.
In their most recent Get It Off Your Chest Report, Mind found that more men themselves are taking positive steps compared to their 2009 report, including:
• Looking for mental health information (up 10%)*
• Seeing their doctor (up 12%)*
• Talking to family and friends (up 5%)*
• Finding a therapist or a counsellor (up 11%)*
They suggest this may reflect that stereotypes around masculinity are slowly starting to change, and that wider awareness of mental health in society and in the media may be helping to normalise the idea of asking for help.*
More awareness of the conversation has been helped by public figures such as Roman Kemp, who has spoken openly about his own experiences with mental health in the media and with Boots. You can read more in our interview with Roman Kemp and listen further to his thoughts in our Taboo Talks podcast.
What can I do if I’m concerned about my mental health?
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or are at risk of harming yourself or others, please call 999 or NHS 111, go to your nearest accident and emergency department (A&E), speak to your GP or the Samaritans on 116 123, or text Shout on 85258.
At Boots, we’re here to continue the conversation and help everyone feel empowered and equipped to speak up and seek support. If you’re concerned about your mental health, it’s important to know you’re not alone and support is available. Here are some of the steps that can be taken:
Speak to your GP
Your GP can assess your symptoms and may recommend support or treatment options such as referring you for talking therapies like counselling on the NHS. Here we cover some useful tips on how to prepare for an appointment with a medical professional such as a GP.
In some cases, people are referred to social prescribing for their mental health, which is an approach that connects people to activities, groups and services in the community. This could include things like local walking, gardening, arts or volunteering groups which have been shown to help improve mental and physical health and reduce loneliness. Your GP will be able to advise if this is something available or suitable for you.
Self-refer for talking therapies
It’s possible to self-refer for talking therapies on the NHS if you’re registered with a GP in England and over the age of 18. Here’s how to find an NHS talking therapy near you.
Access online mental health services & support at Boots
Mind’s research found that men would be more likely to seek support if it was available online.* At Boots we have several mental health resources which you can access online including:
• Boots Online Doctor Depression & Anxiety Treatment– offers an easy-to-access and confidential consultation with a medical professional, treatment (if suitable for you) and ongoing support‡
• Boots Mental Health Hub– offers information, advice and support for looking after your mental health
Talk to friends or family
If you feel comfortable, it may be helpful to talk to trusted family and friends about your feelings. They may be able to offer a listening ear, help you find information about how you’re feeling, or provide practical support with daily tasks if your mental health is making them more difficult to face.
Look after your wellbeing
There are also several self-help tips you could try which may help manage your day-to-day wellbeing, including:
• Exercise – moving your body helps release feel-good chemicals called endorphins which are known to have a positive effect on mental health
• Getting out in nature – spending time outdoors amongst green spaces can go a long way in helping to improve your mood. It could be useful to try this with friends or join a local outdoor-based group which can help connect you with other people
• Finding ways to relax and unwind – making time for yourself to wind down can help manage everyday stress. Here we share four relaxation techniques to try if you’re not sure where to start
How to support a loved one with their mental health
If you’re concerned about the mental health of a loved one, there are many things you can do to help support them, if you feel comfortable to do so. Everyone is different and there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution but here are some steps which can be a good starting point to open up the conversation and let someone know you’re there:
• Reach out – if you’ve noticed your loved one doesn’t seem themselves, simply checking in can give them the space they need to talk about how they’re feeling
• Listen – you don’t need to have all the answers and solutions to what your loved one is experiencing. Listening can be just as powerful in reassuring them and letting them know you’re there for them
• Ask what help they need – try not to assume what would be best for your loved one. Ask if there are any specific ways you could help, for example they may need support with practical tasks like grocery shopping or helping them get to an appointment
• Keep in contact – experiencing mental health problems can often feel lonely and make people more likely to isolate themselves because of a fear of being viewed as a burden. Keeping in regular contact can help your loved one know that they’re not alone
• Don’t forget to look after yourself, too – it can be difficult and upsetting to hear about another person’s mental health struggles. It’s okay to set your own boundaries with what you feel comfortable to help with
Afraid of saying the wrong thing? It’s completely normal to find it difficult to talk to someone about how they’re feeling. Here we share some advice on what not to say – and what to say instead – to someone struggling with their mental health.
When it comes to talking to men about their mental health, the charity Movember has a tool called Movember Conversations which offers practical guidance on how to help men open up through practice conversations.
Men’s mental health organisations
There are a whole range of organisations offering resources and advice to those in need of mental health support.
Whilst not all of these are solely for men’s mental health, many have information catered towards men and campaigns dedicated to raising awareness of this discussion.
Mind – a mental health charity providing advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They run a number of campaigns to improve services, awareness and understanding and have published findings on the challenges facing men’s mental health in their Get It Off Your Chest reports of 2009 and 2019.
Movember – a men’s health charity, funding projects and raising awareness on men’s mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
The Mental Health Foundation – a charity providing support for all, including plenty of resources and advice on men’s mental health.
Samaritans – a 24/7 helpline providing confidential, emotional support for those in need of advice or who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Call 116 123 for free.
Shout – a 24/7 free crisis text line. Text SHOUT to 85258 to get support if you’re struggling and need immediate help.
Remember, nobody has to face their struggles alone. We’re here to help, as are the other organisations mentioned throughout this article.
