*Sensitive content. Please note that this article mentions suicide. If you need help please reach out, there are resources listed at the bottom of this page or you can speak with your GP. If you are seriously worried about yourself or a loved one, you can visit your nearest A&E, or call 999 in an emergency.
Every November, men from around the world put down their razors and let their moustaches grow for Movember to raise awareness around men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer.
One of the causes that Movember focuses on and aims to raise awareness of is suicide, with a particular focus on prevention and early intervention.
The supporters of Movember believe that improving overall mental health and strengthening social connections can help to reduce the risk of suicide. To achieve this, the Movember campaign focuses around 6 key themes: education, meaningful conversation, services that work for men, innovative projects, community, and advocation for all men.
With statistics showing that men are more likely than women to die by suicide, it is vitally important that we continue to work to open up the conversation around men’s mental health.
The latest report from the Office of National Statistics recorded 3828 suicides in England and Wales between April and December 2020. The male suicide rate was 14.8 persons per 100,000 males, while the female suicide rate was almost two thirds lower at 5 persons per 100,000 females.
Additionally, in reports from 2018 and 2019 from the Office of National Statistics, three quarters of suicides were among men.
In fact, the gender gap has existed for a number of years, with men being three times more likely to die by suicide than women since the mid-1990s.
Men’s Mental Health
A report published by Mind in December 2020, titled Get It Off Your Chest, found:
Typically, there has also been a stigma around men’s mental health and seeking help. In the past, many men may have felt societal pressure to be strong, and any sign of emotion would be considered weak.
Men may often hear the phrase “man up”, implying that they should toughen up, show less emotion and be stronger. This phrase is harmful and perpetuates the male stereotype that men are weak for showing their emotions.
The good news is that this is changing – in the , it was highlighted that men are now more likely to take positive steps when feeling low than in previous years.
Between 2009 and 2019, there was a 10% increase in the number of men who reported seeking information when they are feeling worried or down; a 12% increase in the number of men who visited their doctor; a 5% increase in the number of men who talked to a family member, and the same increase for talking to a friend; and an 11% increase in the number of men who sought counselling or therapy when feeling low.
The Importance of Talking
As the report from Mind shows, things are slowly moving in the right direction regarding attitudes towards mental health. One of the biggest things we can do to continue to help break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and mental health in general is to talk. Encourage the men in your life, and all your loved ones, to share how they are feeling with you – being open and honest is a great way to normalise talking about our emotions and knowing that to do so is in fact a sign of strength, not weakness.
Thinking carefully about the language we use can also help break down stereotypes and stigma. Phrases such as “man up” have been commonly used for so long that many of us may have used them without even thinking about it, and not realised the negative connotations until now.
If you need help, there are a range of organisations and resources available online. You can also visit your GP to discuss any concerns.
Help and Support
There are lots of organisations dedicated to men’s mental health and suicide prevention that provide a wealth of information, advice, and resources, these include:
If you would like to talk to someone, you can call Samaritans free 24/7 helpline on 116 123, or email [email protected] for a response within 24 hours.
There are also a range of NHS urgent mental health helplines across the UK. Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline in England.
If you are worried about yourself or a loved one and require immediate help, please visit your nearest A&E or call 999 in an emergency.
Photo by whoislimos on Unsplash.
