Men’s Mental Health Month: Breaking the Silence to Save Lives

June is Men’s Mental Health Month — a vital time to spotlight an often-overlooked crisis. Men are disproportionately affected by mental health issues, including suicide, despite representing about half of the population.

Alarming Statistics

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that men commit suicide three to four more times than women. In some countries, the disparity is even more pronounced — for example, in the United States, men account for nearly 70% of all suicide deaths. In the UK, men account for around 75% suicide deaths. Suicide is still the leading cause for death in men between the ages of 15 and 49 around the world.

The problem is deeper than just these tragic results. The reason men are less likely than woman to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety is not that they suffer from these conditions less but because they don’t seek help as often or report symptoms. A 2023 study published by The Lancet Psychiatry Men are 30%-50% less likely than women to seek mental health care.

Why do men have a higher risk than women?

The root causes of this crisis are multi-faceted, but the cultural expectations around masculinity play an important role. Early on, boys are told that they shouldn’t cry and to “be tough”. These teachings discourage men from expressing their emotions and being vulnerable. Instead, they encourage them to bottle up their feelings, avoid asking for help, or cope by using risky behaviours such as substance abuse.

Experts call this “mental health stigma” which is a result of these ingrained attitudes.

• The men are not able to recognise mental health problems.
• This can lead to a delay in seeking professional assistance.
• Men are more likely to engage in harmful coping mechanisms.

Silence has a high social cost

Silence has a cost. Beyond suicide, men suffer higher rates of substance use disorders and are more likely to engage in violence — both self-directed and towards others. Untreated mental illness can affect relationships, productivity and quality of living.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that More than 6 million American men experience depression every yearFewer than half of those who need treatment receive it. Over the past decade, suicides have claimed over Each year, 700 000 lives are savedMen are the ones who bear the brunt.

Recognizing warning signs

It’s important to know the signs that indicate a man may be having a mental health issue. These can be subtler than the typical symptoms.

• Withdrawal of social contacts, activities, and family members
• Anger, irritability or increased aggression
• Sleep patterns or appetite changes
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Feeling trapped or hopeless is expressed in a number of ways.
• Risky or reckless behavior
• It is not acceptable to talk about suicide or death, even in an indirect way

Listen without judgement to the person if you see these signs and encourage them to get help.

Workplaces: their role

Workplaces are a great way to support men’s mental wellbeing by:

• Open conversations about mental health
• Employee Assistance Programs or confidential counselling
• Mental health awareness training for managers
• Create a culture that normalises and supports asking for help
• Reduce stress by allowing flexible working arrangements

Shifting the conversation

Men’s Mental Health Month has been created to challenge this narrative.

1. Normalise emotional openness: Men should be empowered to express their feelings without fear. Emotional expression does not indicate weakness but rather strength.
2. Encourage early intervention Early support is important to prevent mental health crises.
3. Toxic masculinity is not acceptable: It is time to move past stereotypes of masculinity as stoicism and emotional suppression.
4. Improve access to healthcare: Men’s mental health is a unique issue that requires a more tailored and welcoming healthcare system.

What can we do together?

• Men: Reach out. Reach out to friends, family or professionals you trust. Use helplines, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US: 988; Samaritans UK: 116 123).
• To loved ones: Listen attentively and with compassion. Do not dismiss the struggles of men or tell them “man up.” Encourage professionals to help you if necessary.
• For Communities Create environments where men feel safe to discuss mental health — in workplaces, sports clubs, and social settings.
• For policymakers: Men’s mental programs and research are needed to better understand the gender-specific barriers that prevent men from receiving care.

Strength is in vulnerability

The truth is, mental health doesn’t discriminate by gender — but how we treat it often does. Men don’t need to suffer in silence. Stopping the stigma will save lives.

Men’s Mental Health Month reminds men that it’s OK to cry, ask for help and be open. Real strength lies in vulnerability, and together, society must stand behind every man to say —‘We’re here for you’.

You are not alone if you feel upset after reading this article. Call the free 24-hour Helpline in Spain.
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