Anyone can suffer from mental health problems, regardless of their gender, race or socioeconomic background, but it’s no secret that men’s mental health poses the greatest threat to young men worldwide. Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50, yet in spite of this statistic, many men shy away from the mental health support they so desperately need.

As we mark another International Men’s Day on 19 November, we are reminded of the need to shine a light on men’s mental health and facilitate more conversations about this often-neglected topic. In this article, we will highlight the extent of this issue through statistics on men’s mental health, before addressing the unique barriers preventing men from recognising and seeking help for their struggles.

Statistics on Men’s Mental Health

The severity of men’s mental health is laid bare in the following figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which approximate that men account for 75% of suicide victims internationally. This tragically high number is mirrored in the UK by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which reported that male suicide rates in 2023 were 17.1 per 100,000 compared to 5.6 per 100,000 for women.

The reasoning behind this imbalance is illuminated by the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS), which found that only one in eight men reported symptoms of common mental disorders (CMD) such as depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas one in five women were forthcoming with the same symptoms. In reality, upwards of 35% of men suffer from a diagnosable mental health condition at some stage in their life; however, according to a survey conducted by the Priory Group, only 60% of these men feel that they can share their issues.

Of the 40% that choose not to talk about their mental health, 20% avoid the subject for fear of being stigmatised, while 16% did not want to appear weak to their family, friends, or even healthcare professionals. In fact, this proportion of men claimed they would only seek support for their mental health once they had experienced suicidal thoughts or committed self-harm.

Why Do Men Not Seek Mental Health Support?

From fears of being perceived as weak to systemic alienation deepening feelings of isolation, there are numerous psychological obstacles and social pressures preventing many men from seeking support with their mental health. Some of the most common reasons men remain silent are:

• Toxic masculinity

Social expectations of masculinity put pressure on men to be strong, concealing their emotions behind a hard exterior. These stereotypes are perpetuated by hyper-masculine figures in the media, which further stigmatises men’s mental health and reinforces their reluctance to be vocal about their problems.

• Being dismissed

Even when men find the courage to speak about their mental health, they run the risk of their feelings being minimised, dismissed, or even mocked by their peers. For too long, men have been told to “man up” for expressing their emotions, resulting in them burying their feelings and making them less likely to seek help when their symptoms inevitably worsen.

• Being marginalised

Cultural barriers and systemic racism have made it disproportionately difficult for men from marginalised backgrounds to access mental health support. South Asian men face additional stigma due to the patriarchal nature of their communities, while Black men are statistically more likely to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act for presenting with CMD, influencing them to minimise their feelings to avoid being incarcerated. Men with disabilities and in the LGBTQIA+ community are similarly alienated from seeking support due to a lack of culturally sensitive services, which makes them feel ashamed of their own identities as much as their mental health problems.

How Is International Men’s Day Supporting Mental Health?

International Men’s Day encourages conversations around vulnerability, making it clear that mental health struggles are very much a human experience, not a weakness. Breaking the silence is essential. Creating supportive environments where men feel safe to open up is a crucial first step.

Whether in the workplace, at home, or among friends, fostering a culture where mental well-being is prioritised can help dismantle the stigma. Additionally, promoting mental health resources, encouraging self-care practices, and engaging in active listening can make a world of difference.

On International Men’s Day, let’s commit to advocating for men’s mental health, ensuring that every man feels empowered to speak out, seek support, and embrace the importance of mental well-being. It’s time to change the narrative and create a world where men can thrive, both physically and mentally.