Suicide: A Focus on Men's Mental Health

Suicide is a deeply important and universally concerning issue that affects people of all genders, ages and backgrounds. While it is crucial to acknowledge that men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women, it is equally important to recognise that suicide prevention efforts must address the needs of everyone, regardless of gender.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), men account for approximately three-quarters of all suicides in the UK. In 2023, over 4,500 men died by suicide, with the highest rates recorded among those aged 45-49 – highlighting the need to support men, who may face unique societal pressures, stigma around mental health and a reluctance to seek help.

Why are men at greater risk?

Several factors contribute to the elevated suicide risk among men:

• Stigma and cultural expectations: Traditional notions of masculinity often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help, equating mental health struggles with weakness.
• Reluctance to seek help: Men are less likely to access mental health services due to stigma, fear of judgment or beliefs that they should handle problems themselves.
• Economic and social pressures: Unemployment, financial stress, relationship breakdowns and social isolation can exacerbate mental health issues.

• Limited support networks: Men often have fewer social connections or feel less comfortable discussing their feelings, leading to loneliness and untreated mental health conditions.

   

Breaking the cycle: What can be done?

Reducing the stigma around men’s mental health and providing targeted support are vital steps in addressing the links between men’s mental health and suicide. Here are some key strategies:

• Meeting men where they are: Delivering care in familiar settings such as pubs, sports clubs, gyms or building sites can make men feel more at ease and encourage deeper conversations in environments where they naturally feel comfortable.
• Pairing talking with activities: Engaging in parallel activities like sports, hiking, fishing or watching a game can make it easier for men to discuss difficult topics. These activities reduce conversational pressure, allowing men to open up at their own pace.
• Shoulder to shoulder: Sitting or standing side by side, rather than face to face, can make conversations feel less confrontational. Avoiding direct eye contact helps men feel more relaxed and open to discussing their feelings.
• Adapting language: Use action-oriented, empowering language that reframes struggles positively. Phrases like "getting back on track" or "tackling problems" resonate better with men and reduce stigma, fostering a sense of control and problem-solving.

For a deeper dive in to how we can all help make talking more accessible and simpler for men, read our article on ‘encouraging men to talk’, written by Dr Oana Barnett, Counselling Psychologist for Psych Health, a Health Partners company.