London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), November is recognized globally as a month dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention.
In the UK, approximately one in four adults will experience a diagnosable mental health condition each year. Current figures for 2024 indicate that one in seven adults rate their mental health as either poor or the worst it has ever been. Alarmingly, suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK, accounting for three-quarters of all suicide-related fatalities.
Men are significantly less likely than women to seek psychological help, representing just over one-third of referrals to the National Health Service (NHS) talking therapies. Furthermore, men make up nearly 90% of rough sleepers and are more likely to go missing than women.
Depression manifests in distinct ways for men, which complicates both diagnosis and treatment. Although women are diagnosed with depression more frequently, men are up to three times more likely to die by suicide in the UK. This disparity may be partially attributed to social stigma, which discourages men from seeking help.
Research indicates that men living in deprived areas are at a higher risk of experiencing depression compared to those in more affluent neighborhoods, underscoring the influence of environmental factors on mental health.
To effectively tackle these issues, experts advocate for improved access to psychological services and the implementation of collaborative care models that cater to men’s specific needs. Abhijit Nadkarni, NIHR Professor of Global Health Research at LSHTM, emphasizes the importance of non-stigmatizing care platforms, such as community support groups, which can provide safe spaces for men to discuss mental distress.
Petra Gronholm, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Global Mental Health at LSHTM, notes that men’s mental health struggles often go unrecognized or undiagnosed. “Men are much less likely than women to express their feelings or seek help,” she explains.
Gronholm highlights the damaging impact of stereotypes surrounding masculinity, which contribute to the stigma men face regarding mental health issues. Traditional gender roles and societal expectations can lead men to fear judgment or perceive vulnerability as a weakness. “It is a misconception to assume that men do not struggle with mental health issues simply because they are expected to be ‘strong,'” she asserts.
As men are typically less inclined to seek help, they may resort to harmful coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or excessive focus on work and hobbies, which can delay seeking assistance. This trend is reflected in the higher likelihood of men being detained under the Mental Health Act in the UK due to urgent mental health concerns.
While monthly awareness campaigns play a crucial role in fostering conversations about these often-taboo topics, it is essential that discussions around mental health and well-being occur year-round. “If you are facing challenges with your mental health, remember that you are not alone,” Gronholm advises. “Talking about mental health is not a sign of weakness; it is a vital step toward recovery.”
For those seeking to understand mental health conditions better, resources such as the World Health Organization’s toolkit to combat stigma can be invaluable. Additionally, reaching out to a trusted friend or family member to share feelings can be an important step toward healing.
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