Breaking the Silence: Addressing the Crisis in Men's Mental Health

Libby Ellmer.

For years, mental health was a misunderstood and often neglected topic in society, however the awareness surrounding mental health has grown significantly in recent years. This is because the importance of mental health is now acknowledged, recognizing it impacts on not only emotional wellbeing but also on physical health. Consequently, there is greater support for those suffering from mental illness which in turn is helping to break down the stigma surrounding the problem. With this growing awareness mental health is now a prioritized societal issue. Despite this, men's mental health has been hugely overlooked and stigmatized in comparison to women. This takes a toll on men's wellbeing, leading to them to be reluctant to get help for their mental health problems.  

Behind the Statistics: Understanding Men’s Mental Health Struggles  

Statistics clearly highlight the crisis of men's mental health. Men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women (Census, 2021). Despite this shocking figure, men are significantly less likely to seek help and support for their problems. According to the Mental Health Foundation (2021), men account for only 36% of NHS talking therapy referrals. These statistics raise an important question: Why do so many men suffer in silence?  

The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Silencing Men 

One of the main barriers preventing men from seeking help lies deeply ingrained in gender stereotypes. Through socialization men are taught to associate masculinity with toughness and pride, leading to the belief that expressing their emotions is a weakness. As a result, men feel pressured to suppress their feelings believing that they need to appear as strong despite their struggles mentally. This societal expectation can prevent men from getting support from loved ones or attending counseling due to the stigma surrounding. Overtime, this emotional suppression can lead to feelings of isolation and a higher chance of developing severe mental health issues such as depression. Tragically, these struggles can lead to suicidal thoughts. 

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms and Their Consequences  

When men silence their emotions, they may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms as an escape. One of the most common is overconsumption of alcohol. Instead of dealing with their emotions, some men rely on alcohol as a temporary escape from their struggles by numbing the pain (Bilsker, Fogarty and Wakefield, 2018). However, this creates a dangerous cycle of addiction. Ultimately, developing an alcohol dependence can worsen mental health conditions, such as depression, as when the numbness effects of alcohol fade, they are overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness. Excessive drinking can also increase the risk of physical illness, which can further isolate those suffering. Additionally, the combination of alcohol misuse and emotional distress can lead to impulsive decision-making, which contributes to the higher rates of suicide among men (Bilsker, Fogarty & Wakefield, 2018).   

What Can Be Done to Support Men's Mental Health?  

In response to these shocking statistics, there has been a growing concern for men's mental health struggles and the stigma surprising them. This has resulted in great efforts to directly provide men with greater support and to break the stigma with aims that men feel comfortable to express their emotions. Campaigns and interventions have been introduced with aims to do provide this support and to better men's mental health.  

A well-known campaign is Movember, when during the month of November that men will grow their facial hair in aims to also encourage them to speak about their mental health (TheAimGroup, 2025). This is effective as it normalizes discussions about emotions and mental well-being, encouraging men to open up and access support when they need it (TheAimGroup, 2025). It also educates the population; by helping others to recognize the symptoms of mental illness so they can help those struggling silently.  

In addition to awareness campaigns, there are a vast number of programs designed to better men’s mental health. An example is BroMatters, this provides men with education and practical tools for men to manage and prevent depression (Bilsker, Fogarty and Wakefield, 2018). This includes providing men with strategies to maintain a good emotional wellbeing whilst encouraging them to seek help when they need it (Bilsker, Fogarty and Wakefield, 2018)  

Additionally, there are a vast number of programs designed to better men's mental health, one is BroMatters aimed to provide men with education on tips for dealing and preventing depression and the symptoms (Bilsker, Fogarty and Wakefield, 2018). Therefore, these campaigns and programs reflect the progress that society has made in addressing men's mental health. Despite there being much more improvements to be made we are taking crucial steps towards breaking the silence and encouraging men to prioritize their mental health.  

Moving forward  

Breaking the silence around men's mental health challenges requires ongoing attention and action. By challenging harmful stereotypes, encouraging open conversations, and providing accessible support, we can change society to be a place where men feel comfortable in expressing their emotions.   

Men's mental health matters and it's time we treat it as a priority.  

References:

Psychology Today. (2020). Men’s Mental Health Stigma: A Male Issue or a Social Issue? [online] Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-men/202011/mens-mental-health-stigma-mens-issue-or-social-issue?msockid=396d480fd0f26e5011e35d33d16d6f75 [Accessed 4 Mar. 2025].  

Office for National Statistics (2022). Suicides in England and Wales - Office for National Statistics. [online] Office For National Statistics. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2021registrations.  

Mental Health Foundation (2021). Men and Mental Health. [online] Mental Health Foundation. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/men-and-mental-health.  

Theaimgroup.co.uk. (2025). Available at: https://theaimgroup.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-men-s-mental-health [Accessed 4 Mar. 2025].  

Team (2019). Men’s mental health - why men suffer in silence. [online] Counselling-directory.org.uk. Available at: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/articles/mens-mental-health-why-men-suffer-in-silence.  

Chatmon, B. (2020). Males and mental health stigma. American Journal of Men’s Health, [online] 14(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988320949322.  

Bilsker, D., Fogarty, A.S. and Wakefield, M.A. (2018). Critical Issues in Men’s Mental Health. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, [online] 63(9), pp.590–596. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743718766052.  

Theaimgroup.co.uk. (2025). Available at: https://theaimgroup.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-men-s-mental-health.