Men and Mental Health
Breaking the Silence on Emotional Wellbeing
For generations, men have been told to “man up,” “stay strong,” and suppress their emotions. The idea that expressing vulnerability is a sign of weakness has led many men to suffer in silence when it comes to their mental health. But the consequences of this stigma are devastating- suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK.
The good news? Conversations around men’s mental health are changing. More men are speaking up, challenging outdated stereotypes, and seeking support.
The Stigma Around Men and Mental Health
Despite growing awareness, men still face unique barriers when it comes to discussing mental health. According to Mind, 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health. But why?
Societal Expectations of Masculinity
From a young age, boys are often conditioned to avoid showing vulnerability. Phrases like “boys don’t cry” reinforce the idea that emotion equals weakness. This mindset follows men into adulthood, making it harder to admit when they’re struggling.
Fear of Judgement
Many men worry that opening up about their mental health will make them seem less capable at work, less desirable in relationships, or even less respected by their peers. A Mental Health Foundation study found that 35% of men believe they would be judged negatively for seeking professional help.
Lack of Role Models
Historically, there have been fewer high-profile men discussing mental health openly. While this is changing, thanks to figures like Prince Harry, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Tyson Fury, many men still don’t see mental health conversations as something they can participate in.
The Cost of Staying Silent
The impact of bottling up emotions is severe.
- Suicide Rates: Samaritans report that 75% of all UK suicides are men. Many of these deaths are preventable, but stigma often stops men from seeking help before reaching crisis point.
- Depression and Anxiety: Men are less likely to be diagnosed with depression, even though they experience it just as often as women. Instead, symptoms may appear as anger, irritability, or substance abuse.
- Physical Health Impact: Research from Harvard Medical School suggests that chronic stress and suppressed emotions can lead to higher risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other serious conditions).
Ignoring mental health doesn’t make the problem go away, it makes it worse.
How to Break the Silence: Steps Men Can Take
The first step in changing the conversation is challenging the outdated belief that struggling with mental health is a weakness. Here’s how:
Talk to Someone You Trust
You don’t need to have all the answers, but opening up to a friend, family member, or partner can be a game-changer. Sometimes, just saying, “I’ve been feeling low lately” is enough to start the conversation.
Seek Professional Support
Therapy isn’t just for extreme cases, it’s for anyone who wants to feel better. Whether it’s counselling, coaching, or online support, talking to a professional can help develop coping strategies and improve mental resilience.
Find a Healthy Outlet
Mental health isn’t just about talking, it’s about action. Exercise, mindfulness, journaling, or even joining a men’s mental health group can help process emotions in a constructive way.
Challenge Toxic Masculinity
If you hear someone dismiss mental health concerns with phrases like “just get over it” or “man up,” challenge it. Being mentally strong doesn’t mean ignoring emotions: it means facing them.
Resilience Training: A Practical Solution for Men’s Mental Health
One of the best ways to manage stress, anxiety, and low mood is by building mental resilience – the ability to cope with challenges in a healthy way.
The PsycApps CPD-Certified Resilience Development Programme is an innovative digital tool designed to help men build emotional resilience and improve mental well-being. Based on cognitive behavioural therapy, positive psychology, and interactive modules, it provides:
- Practical strategies to reduce stress and anxiety
- Tools to improve problem-solving and emotional strength
- A digital, accessible format that fits busy lifestyles
Clinical research has shown that resilience training can have a 40% reduction in anxiety symptoms (Firth et al., 2019). This proves that mental fitness- like physical fitness, can be developed with the right tools.
Strength Comes from Speaking Up
For too long, men have been told to suffer in silence. But real strength comes from acknowledging struggles and taking action.
It’s okay to ask for help.
It’s okay to talk about your mental health.
It’s okay to put yourself first.
By breaking the silence, we can create a world where men feel empowered to prioritise their mental well-being, without shame, without stigma, and without fear.
Explore our CPD-Certified Resilience Development Programme to start your journey today.
