It is well documented that men’s mental health has not received the due attention that is required to address the disparities in access and engagement with mental health support. Men are more likely to suffer unaware of their mental health difficulties, minimise their experiences and experience shame due to feeling unable to cope.

Around 40% of men will not speak about their mental health yet around a quarter to a third of men experience multiple life stressors which impact their mental wellbeing. Many men feel unable to speak openly about difficult experiences and often anticipate others being judgemental if they were to share their experiences.

Signs of Mental Health Difficulties in Men

Men are not immune from presenting in similar ways to females however, often due to prior negative experiences common mental health symptoms can be masked. When compounded with shame this can present as anger, frustration and agitation. These secondary emotional responses are commonly misunderstood in men.

Usually common signs of poor mental health in men can present at self-destructive behaviours and withdrawal from activities that previously offered a sense of enjoyment or reward. In addition men are more likely to experience difficulties in family and romantic relationships and generally experience becoming disconnected from friends.

Although men are less likely to access mental health support there are considerably more likely to attempt suicide using drastric measures or impulsively. It is crucial that men’s emotions continue to be validated and spaces created to suit specific needs of men which are culturally specific to suit various groups. Normalising conversations with men about their mental health is a start to normalising speaking up about their experiences and seeking help.

Ways to Support Men

It can be difficult to know what to do when someone experiences a lot of shame about their mental wellbeing however, this does not mean it is impossible. Key things to try are:
sharing your emotions, particularly when you experience low mood, stress and other difficult emotions
Gently exploring whether they can relate to your emotions
Sharing your appreciation when they have opened up even if it was brief
Although it can feel more productive to jump straight into finding solutions, considering the profound impact sitting with someone’s emotions alongside them can have

Opening up conversations about seeking therapy can also be useful but may not always be positively received if this is suggested whilst emotions run high.