When Is Men's Mental Health Month (UK)? Support For Men With Depression & Anxiety
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
While people today are openly discussing mental health more than ever, many still experience stigma related to this topic. Men in particular might feel embarrassed to open up about their mental health struggles or might not recognize the symptoms they’re experiencing as something that may require support.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month in the UK is an initiative to change perceptions of men’s mental health. The goal is to empower people to have vulnerable conversations about their experiences and feel confident in seeking the help they need. Here, we’ll talk more about initiatives that are part of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and then we’ll share a few different ways that men in the UK can seek support.
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When is Men’s Mental Health Month (UK)?
In the UK, Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month takes place each November. The month-long initiative raises awareness about the mental health challenges that men may face, educates people about mental illness, and encourages honest conversations that may help reduce stigma.
The goal is to make it easier for men to get support in addressing concerns such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, which are often underreported and undertreated among men because of societal expectations and a pressure to appear “strong.”
What happens during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month?
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month usually includes a variety of activities designed to help accomplish its goals. One of the most popular events is “Movember,” also known as “No Shave November.” Those who choose to participate grow their mustaches or other facial hair to help raise awareness for men’s health topics such as mental health struggles, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
Many associations and corporations also plan events during the month, such as webinars and in-person gatherings. For example, groups like Men’s Circle and Andy’s Man Club organize talking circles, where men can meet to discuss how they’ve been feeling. Some workplaces may also plan initiatives to educate employees about mental health and highlight resources available within the company. To stay up-to-date on what events will be taking place during this year’s Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, you can follow Mental Health UK on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Why some men struggle to talk about mental health
From a young age, men are often taught that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. As a result, they may grow up to believe that being emotionally vulnerable isn’t masculine. This belief can make it hard for them to talk about mental health struggles, because they may fear that people will think less of them.
In the past few years, however, conversations have started to shift. For example, many parents have become more intentional about teaching their children of all genders that it’s healthy to express their emotions. Picture books such as The Boy with Big, Big Feelings and Tough Guys reinforce this message and may help boys feel more comfortable in sharing how they feel rather than perpetuating harmful stigma.
How health awareness month campaigns can help combat stigma
For men who grew up hearing that feeling sad or upset or talking about their feelings wasn’t manly, health awareness campaigns can play a big role in reducing the stigma associated with mental health. When everyone is encouraged to discuss emotional well-being openly and honestly, the topic may become less taboo and more accepted as a common conversation topic among friends and loved ones, in the workplace, and in other spaces and relationships.
When is Men’s Mental Health Month (UK) making a difference?
While numbers aren’t available for Men’s Mental Health Month specifically, research does suggest that such campaigns can make a difference in the lives of the public. For example, from 2009 to 2019, England’s “Time to Change” campaign used traditional and social media to educate people on mental health. Research suggests that by the end of the campaign, people were more informed about mental health and had more positive attitudes regarding mental health. Individuals under the age of 25 showed especially marked improvements in their attitude toward emotional well-being.
Men’s mental health statistics
Men in the UK report significantly lower life satisfaction than women, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Here are some other numbers about how mental health struggles can impact UK men specifically:
- 12.5% of men in England are currently experiencing a mental health disorder.
- 75% of people who die by suicide are men.
- The highest suicide rates are among men aged 45–49 years.
- 40% of men have never spoken to someone about their mental health.
- Men are almost three times more likely than women to become dependent on alcohol.
- Almost twice as many men than women die from alcohol-specific causes.
Why depression and anxiety often go unrecognized in men
Men are less likely to be diagnosed with or receive treatment for a mental health condition. Approximately one in ten men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half of them will receive treatment. Raising awareness about how depression and anxiety affect men may help them or their loved ones recognize when they may be experiencing symptoms so that they can seek the appropriate support.
Common depression and anxiety symptoms in men
Depression and anxiety often go undiagnosed in men because the symptoms might not be what they or others expect. Instead of seeming sad or hopeless, for example, men with these conditions might exhibit symptoms such as:
- Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
- Physical symptoms like headaches or other pain
- Spending a great deal of time “escaping” through work or hobbies
- Engaging in risky behavior like reckless driving
- Having trouble concentrating
- Experiencing intense anger or irritability
Mental health resources for men living in the UK
The resources below offer support for people experiencing mental health struggles as well as their loved ones. This list includes a mix of organizations designed to serve all people and organizations that were created specifically to serve men. Keep in mind as well that free talking therapies are available through the National Health Service (NHS), which can be an effective way to address and get support for poor mental health.
Mental Health Foundation
Mental Health Foundation is a UK mental health charity with a focus on building strong mental health. Their website offers resources where a person can learn more about specific mental health challenges, read stories from individuals who have experienced mental health difficulties, and discover places where people can find help for mental health concerns. The Mental Health Foundation also designed and published a mental health improvement project to encourage public health practitioners to better support public mental well-being.
Men’s Sheds
Almost 1,100 Men’s Sheds are available across the UK in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The Sheds are spaces where men can meet to connect and participate in activities such as woodworking, music-making, gardening, gaming, and more. The goal is to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Research suggests that 89% of people who regularly attend a Men’s Shed experience a decrease in depression symptoms.
Samaritans
Samaritans offers a suicide prevention helpline where people can seek support 24/7/365 by calling 116-123. You can also write them an email or a letter, even if you just need to offload some stress.
Andy’s Man Club
Andy’s Man Club aims to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. The organization offers face-to-face men’s groups across the nation, from southwest England to the north of Scotland. Online groups are also available for men who can’t attend in person. It’s completely free to attend a meeting and you are not required to reserve a spot; all you need to do is show up.
MindOut
MindOut provides mental health services specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people as well as individuals of other marginalized sexual and/or gender identities. MindOut offers peer support groups, peer mentoring, online support, and advocacy services aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ communities.
ManHealth
ManHealth serves men across northeast England, offering weekly peer support groups where men can connect with others who have faced mental health challenges. Groups also participate in physical activities such as organized walking and football, providing social interaction that can help improve self-confidence and connectedness.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp offers a connection to a pool of thousands of qualified online therapists who can provide virtual mental health services tailored to your unique needs. Most people can be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours, and BetterHelp also allows you to switch providers at any time for no additional cost until you find the right fit. Because BetterHelp is 100% online, you can attend remote sessions from the comfort of your own home or anywhere you have an internet connection.
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The efficacy of online therapy for treating mental health challenges
Online therapy has grown in popularity in recent years due to its easy availability and flexible scheduling, and research points to its effectiveness in many cases as well. For example, a 2023 study analyzed mental health outcomes for more than 27,000 patients in the UK who participated in online therapy. The findings suggest that internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy can offer clinical effectiveness that’s comparable to in-person therapy but in even shorter treatment times. The researchers hypothesize that this was because patients were able to receive mental health support sooner, which prevented their concerns from becoming more severe.
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What colour is Men's Mental Health Month?
The color blue is frequently used to represent Men’s Mental Health Month. This event typically takes place in June to raise money and support men’s mental health.
What is the mental health rate in the UK for men?
Research suggests that 12.5% of men in the UK are living with a mental health disorder. However, this number may be larger in reality, as it can be common to underreport men’s mental health struggles.
Where does the UK rank in mental health?
A 2024 global survey ranked the UK as second-to-last in terms of mental health. The happiest country, according to the same survey, was the Dominican Republic.
What is the stigma behind men's mental health?
Men are often taught to avoid vulnerability and asking for help from a young age. This mental health stigma and societal pressure can make it challenging for men to speak up about what they’re experiencing. It can be important to encourage men to seek mental health care and have more open conversations about mental health topics like suicide prevention.
What are the stereotypes for men's mental health?
Some common stereotypes include “Men don’t cry” and “Real men don’t need help.” Often, these ideas are taught to young boys by a family member or society as a whole. These stereotypes can be harmful and may even contribute to mental health concerns and decreased mental well-being.
What is the biggest mental health concern in men?
One of the most notable mental health concerns in men is suicide. Men tend to be much more likely than women to die by suicide.
Why is men's mental health so overlooked?
Men’s mental health may be overlooked because they are taught to “tough it out” rather than to seek help. While many people may be willing to provide support, it’s common for men to remain quiet about their struggles and unique challenges.
What do men struggle with the most?
Loneliness tends to be a common struggle for men. Other common concerns include depression, work stress, and substance misuse.
How can we fix men's mental health?
A potential strategy to fix men’s mental health may be to teach people the value of prioritising mental health from a young age. If a child’s school consistently helps them understand that they matter and that help is available, they may grow up with a greater willingness to seek support when needed.
How do I go to therapy in the UK?
You can self-refer to the NHS for talking therapy or ask your GP for a referral. You could also seek support through an in-person practice or online therapy. All of these options can provide a safe space for you to discuss your challenges and receive support.
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