Ten years ago, The World Health Organisation identified suicide as an issue disproportionately affecting men. The most recent data, collected in 2022 by the U.K. Office of National Statistics, showed that male suicide occurs at a rate approximately 3 times higher than in females. Perhaps surprisingly, this peaks for males in their 90s, but is followed closely by males aged between 35 – 55.
Traditional gender norms have led men to feel discouraged from seeking help or expressing their emotions, creating a culture of stoicism and emotional silence. Negative role models, espousing the notion that ‘real’ men aggressive, dominant, and unemotional can perpetuate harmful attitudes about masculinity. Such stereotypes can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and shame among men. This can make it even more difficult for men to seek help for mental health issues, as they may fear being seen as weak or unmanly.
Social media increasingly promotes hyper masculinity as valuable, along with the attainment of wealth, power, and sex. However, the lived reality for most people is in stark contrast with that. Economic challenges, such as the rising cost of living, have meant we are working longer for less; leaving the majority far removed from the fantasy lives lived out in the media by the rich and famous. With the financial gap between the rich and the working classes growing to the highest in the last 100 years, disillusionment high and negative comparisons with the more financially fortunate are easy to make. Upward social comparisons, comparing oneself negatively with others, have been linked to increased depression, anxiety and mental health issues and social media is a breeding ground for such negative comparisons.
Further, financial stress and insecurity can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can in turn impact mental wellbeing. This may be especially true for men who feel pressure to provide for their families and to meet societal expectations of success and achievement. As stated, the middle years of a man’s life, 35 to 55, are a suicide hotspot, and this is often when familial and work pressures are at their highest, along with the sense that one must achieve before a certain age.
Once we leave our twenties, socialising tends to reduce as a result of work and family commitment. Social connection has been shown to be one of the biggest indicator of longevity and mental wellbeing. It is interesting that the ninetieth decade of a man’s life is when he is most likely to resort to suicide. Elderly males tend to be more socially isolated than females. The traditional idea of men as stoic and emotionally silent can also be a barrier to men seeking help from friends and professionals for mental health issues. It is vital that men continue to invest in their social relationships and engage in activities they can share with friends.
With men accounting for three-quarters of all suicides in the UK in 2020 (ONS) we are starkly reminded of the urgent need to address the mental health needs of men and to provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive. Although NHS counselling services have been hit by increased wait times, it is imperative for men to feel confident in approaching their doctor to ask for the help they need. A growing awareness of the importance of mental health in men hopefully means that men will feel able to come forward and ask for help.
The recognition that men need support has inspired the creation of positive initiatives and organisations that are working to address men’s mental health issues and to promote healthy masculinity. Men’s groups that encourage brotherhood and bonding through healthy activities and emotional support have been growing in number. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for men to connect with others, to share their experiences, and to learn from one another. They also provide men with the tools and resources they need to improve their mental health and to live happier and more fulfilling lives.
Dan Cossins-White, former British athlete, turned holistic personal trainer (White Line Coaching), has found that the monthly men’s group he runs near Bath has grown exponentially over the last two years, signalling the need for such groups. He remarked that, “the space we have created has become a vessel for men to share their joys and woes. In the spirit of togetherness, we have all helped one another to navigate many of life’s problems.” He goes on, “if we are to create a healthy world that is nurturing to both men and women it is vital that men continue to build strong and supportive communities with each other.”
By fostering a sense of community and encouraging open dialogue, these groups play a vital role in promoting positive mental health and well-being a moment ultimately contributing to healthier and happier, individuals, families, and communities. The impact of male suicide on family and friends is devastating. Male suicide is not a male problem, but a society problem.
The crisis in men’s mental health and wellbeing is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. Men are facing a range of challenges that can impact their mental health, including negative social comparisons exacerbated by social media, the rising cost of living, a lack of social care, and limited access to NHS counselling services. These challenges are embedded in the traditional gender norms that discourage men from seeking help or expressing their emotions, leading to a culture of stoicism and emotional silence. However, there is hope for the future of men’s mental health, with a growing awareness of the importance of men’s mental health and a recognition of the need to provide men with the support and resources they need to thrive.
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Please note that the information in this blog is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for psychological or medical care.
