Men's Health UK: Improving Wellbeing In England And Wales And Beyond

Men’s mental health and well-being in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales is a growing concern. Despite increasing awareness of this issue, many men in the United Kingdom continue to experience conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic stress in isolation. This may be due to a combination of cultural factors that can pressure men to always appear strong or self-reliant and various practical barriers to receiving care.

Mental health is important for all individuals, including men, and certain strategies can help a person improve their overall health and wellbeing. Mindfulness techniques, lifestyle changes, and connecting with a mental health professional are examples of potentially effective ways to enhance mental well-being. Below, we’ll examine common mental health concerns for men in the UK and explore options for improving men’s health.  

Common mental wellbeing concerns for men in the UK

Men in the UK can be affected by any number of mental health conditions, with men in the LGBTQ+ community and men of color at even higher risk due to lived experiences of discrimination. Some of the most common mental health conditions that those who identify as men in the UK face today are outlined below.

Anxiety among men in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions that men may experience in the UK and worldwide. While occasional worry can be normal, persistent anxiety can affect a person’s happiness and quality of life and may qualify as a diagnosable and treatable disorder. Anxiety disorders are thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. 

Common symptoms of an anxiety disorder include psychological or emotional symptoms such as constant worry or dread, difficulty maintaining focus, and irritability. These symptoms can cause social withdrawal from friends or family members and difficulty with daily functioning. Physical effects are also common, such as muscle tension and elevated blood pressure.

Depression and men’s health UK

Another common mental health challenge that men in the UK may face is depression. Depression is a mental health condition that involves persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, impacting how a person thinks and feels each day. Individuals with depression may find it hard to maintain motivation at school or work, and they may have a loss of interest in or feel less satisfied with activities that once were enjoyable. People with depression may also experience physical symptoms that can include changes in appetite, lack of energy, unexplained aches or pains, and sleep disturbances. 

Stress that impacts wellbeing

While stress can be a natural and, in some cases, healthy response to environmental stimuli, consistent and severe stress may harm both the mind and body. Long-term, unaddressed stress can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. Burnout is especially prevalent in those with high-pressure jobs and among people juggling multiple responsibilities with minimal support.

Additional potential effects of high stress levels may include things like:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Lack of focus or concentration
• Detachment from work
• Strain on relationships
• Appetite or sleep changes

Substance use disorder

Some men in the UK—whether they’re a member of generation Alpha, millennials, generation Z, or another age group—may turn to substance use as a way to try and reduce stress and mask symptoms of anxiety and depression. Men may be at higher risk of this maladaptive coping mechanism since, within some social circles, drinking or using other substances may be seen as a way to demonstrate masculinity or toughness. Substance misuse can cause strains on interpersonal relationships and may negatively impact a person’s health and functioning. 

Common barriers to care in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales

Societal stigma around vulnerability

One persistent barrier to obtaining mental health care for many is the societal stigma around vulnerability. Due to socialization, some men may have a strong belief that they should work out their mental health challenges in isolation, or that expressing emotional pain is a sign of weakness. These often-harmful cultural expectations can make it difficult for individuals to share when they are struggling or seek professional support.

Insufficient education on mental well-being

Education can play a crucial role in improving mental well-being across the UK. When individuals understand the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for mental health conditions, they may be more likely to take action early and care for themselves and others effectively. Formal education around mental health is still lacking in many schools and communities, with many children receiving little education on this topic.

Using a standard health check as a starting point for men’s health UK

One strategy for maintaining mental health can start with visiting your doctor for routine health checks. In addition to the standard physical evaluations during a check-up, medical professionals may also perform routine mental health screenings. By making mental health a part of routine health care in the UK, doctors may be able to identify signs of mental health conditions early and refer individuals for treatment as needed. 

Mental health in the context of a routine health check

More doctors are now incorporating mental health screenings into a routine health check. Targeted questions related to anxiety, depression, stress, and other common mental health concerns can open the door for further support. 

During a physical check-up, a person may also raise any mental health questions they might have to their general practitioner, which can be another way of starting a conversation about mental health. Routine mental health screenings can be a way for doctors to identify mental health conditions earlier and connect patients to treatment, which can improve overall outcomes. 

Next steps

Men in the UK may start improving their mental health by educating themselves on common mental health conditions or asking their doctor about any concerns or changes that they may notice. Once a concern has been identified, a person can seek professional help through a therapist or counselor as well as make lifestyle changes to improve mental well-being. Keep in mind that mental health can change quickly and that improving mental health may be an ongoing process. 

Cultivating a support network

In addition to seeking professional help, another key way to improve mental well-being can involve cultivating a broader support network, which might include friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers, and mental health professionals. These are people whom you can lean on for advice and support during challenging times. Connecting with others may also help a person feel less isolated and more empowered while coping with mental health challenges. 

People can formulate both formal and informal support networks, each of which has potential benefits. Informal options can include friends and family members, who can provide support and encouragement in daily life. More formally, individuals may choose to connect with support groups or other community-based resources.

Lifestyle changes for health and well-being

Protecting or improving emotional well-being may also involve making lifestyle changes that can positively impact both mental and physical health. Examples of these changes can include focusing on nutrition, workouts or other physical movement, and sleep. While not a cure-all, they may provide a strong foundation.    

Potential benefits of exercise and nutrition for men’s and women’s health

Getting regular physical exercise may help reduce anxiety and depression in people of any gender. A workout can help increase levels of serotonin and endorphins, which may help boost mood and reduce stress. Additionally, exercise can often contribute to improved sleep quality. In addition, incorporating nutrient-rich foods into one’s eating patterns as often as possible could help with brain health, energy levels, and cognitive functioning.

Improving sleep quality

A good night’s rest may do more than help you feel rejuvenated; it can also be a time for the body and mind to heal. Getting high-quality sleep can often start by setting up a distraction-free, quiet sleep environment. Reducing screen time and caffeine use before bedtime may also help improve sleep. 

Other techniques to improve men’s health, women’s health, or any person’s well-being

There are also plenty of other techniques that a person of any gender may find helpful in improving their daily well-being. For example, mindfulness strategies may help reduce anxiety and stress. Examples include the following: 
Deep breathing exercises. A deep breathing routine may help counteract your stress response in moments of tension.
Grounding strategies. Grounding techniques can involve things like naming objects around you or focusing on a positive mantra to help you come back to your body and your senses when your mind is spiraling.
Reflective journaling. Taking time to reflect on the day and write about it can help a person track their mindset and notice trends in their mood. 
Meditation. Setting up a meditation routine could help improve focus and reduce anxiety. 

Finally, remember that there generally isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to improving mental health. It may be beneficial to try many different strategies to find one that works for you. If you’re experiencing signs of a mental health condition or are otherwise looking for emotional support, also connecting with a qualified mental health professional can be important as well. 

Connecting with a mental health professional

Managing mental health conditions and improving overall health and well-being often involves connecting with a qualified mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can address symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, and others and can also support a person in addressing trauma, building self-esteem, navigating major life changes or relationship conflict, and more.

Talk therapy is available for free through the National Health Service (NHS). You can receive a referral from your primary care physician or do a self-referral online. For those who are interested in seeking independent therapy, options of this type are available as well. For example, if attending in-person therapy is not convenient or feasible for you, online therapy through an independent provider is another option to consider. 

With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a qualified UK therapist and then meet with them virtually, from anywhere you have an internet connection. You can also switch therapists at any time for no additional cost, which can help you find the right fit. BetterHelp subscriptions can be as low as £65, billed every four weeks, which may be cost-effective. Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. Finally, research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as in-person therapy.