Every November is home to men’s mental health awareness month. Men experience disproportionately high-rates of suicide, with death by suicide being the biggest killer of men under the age of 50 in the UK. There are many reasons why men might talk less about mental health, such as societal expectations of masculinity. Each November, we tackle this stigma and encourage men to talk.
Mental illness affects people of every gender, and while the specifics may differ, it’s incorrect to assume that men don’t struggle simply because they are often portrayed, or expected, to be strong and silent. This expectation is rooted in toxic masculinity and has resulted in poor mental health outcomes for men. Men are more likely to experience substance abuse and exhibit violence, and more likely to die by suicide. Skewed expectations around how men should display emotion can lead to a fear of being judged, or for crying or appearing “weak.”
Media and television shows often portray crying men as something to be mocked, but mocking this healthy, human emotional release only serves to discourage men from crying and talking to others about their difficulties.
Statistics about men’s mental health
While women are more likely to be diagnosed with common mental disorders than men, this doesn’t mean that men don’t struggle with their mental health.
12.5%
Of men in England have a mental health disorder.
NHS Digital
3 times
more men are likely to die by suicide in England than females.
Samaritans (2023)
Almost double
the rate of men die from alcohol-specific causes than women.
Office for National Statistics (2022)
Why men might hide their mental health struggles
Societal expectations
Toxic masculinity is a term describing certain unhelpful assumptions about what it means to be “masculine” such as being stoic, not showing emotions, or being outwardly violent and “tough” versus being “soft” and emotional. These perceptions can be perpetuated by the media, which portrays men showing vulnerability as “weak” and something to be mocked.
Response from others
Regardless of which gender they open up to about how they are feeling, men are often told to “man up” and to bury their struggles. They may even be bullied by their peers. This discourages them from reaching out for help again in the future.
Race
Due to systemic racism and social expectations of masculinity, Black men are more likely to hide their mental health struggles, are more likely to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act, and face disproportionate barriers to seeking help. You can find out more about the impact of race on mental health on this page.
Resources to Support
D-EXY has a whole section designated to boys and men’s mental health – it only takes a minute to sign up…and it’s free…join up here!
