The Mental Health Foundation report that three times as many men as women die by suicide and Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.
In 2017, pre- pandemic nearly 6000 suicides were recorded in Great Britain. Of these, 75% were men. Suicide as mentioned above is the largest cause of death for men under 50.
What are the possibly reasons for these concerning statistics?
We can perhaps look at this through past and perhaps even still ever-present stereotypes and expectations that are associated with being a Man or have been learnt behaviours throughout their childhood and adolescent years, these can include being strong and not showing weakness such as crying and expressing emotion, being the provider and always in control.
These learnt behaviours and expectations can make it harder for men to reach out for help and begin talking.
Due to many Men facing the inability to communicate their feelings openly, this then lends itself to more potentially dangerous and harmful coping strategies. Here we can look at areas such as Alcohol and Drug abuse.
Our links here, provide specific support for Men, showing the recognition around the need for specific Men’s Mental Health Support, some of these links look at individual support and other areas look at Men joining together to spend time talking and supporting each other in a group dynamic.
If you a Man who is perhaps struggling right now or knows someone who is, hopefully these resources can be a help.
Resources for Male Mental Health
Men & Mental Health
Mental Health Foundation
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/men-and-mental-health
Movember
Mens Health, Mental Health, Male Cancers, Family / Parenting Support
https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/mental-health
Mens Health Forum
General health advice for men
https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/
Mind
Information and support for all on many areas / Local support groups
Mental Health UK
Information and support for all
The Samaritans
Helpline 116 123 available 24/7
Papyrus
Prevention of Young Suicide
https://www.papyrus-uk.org/mens-mental-health-and-toxic-masculinity/
CALM
Campaign Against Living Miserably – Support for Men and Women
Helpline 5pm – Midnight 0800 58 58 58
Man Up
Mens Mental Health Charity
Men’s Minds Matter
Information and Support for Men
Charities with Local Support Groups
Mens Sheds – Social Connections / Friendship Building / Hobbies
Andy’s Man Club – Local Support Groups held Nationwide
Mens Health – NHS
Mens Health – NHS Website
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/mens-health/
Male Cancer Support
Orchid – Supporting Male Cancers
Prostate Cancer UK
Cancer Research – Mens Cancer
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mens-cancer
Look Good Feel Better – Facing Cancer with Confidence
https://lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/support/men/
Domestic Abuse Support
Respect – Male Support for Victims of Domestic Abuse
https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
Mankind Initiative – Helping men escape domestic abuse
Refuge – Support for men
https://refuge.org.uk/i-need-help-now/other-support-services/support-for-men/
Sexual Violence & Abuse
Survivors UK – Help and support for men who have experienced sexual violence and abuse
Eating Disorders Support
National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCFED) – eating disorders in males
https://eating-disorders.org.uk/information/eating-disorders-in-males/
Beat Eating Disorders – eating disorders in men