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A BIGGER PICTURE
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Sadly, men across the country are struggling to open up about their mental and physical needs. As a result, men are dying too young.
The mental health crisis
The latest National Study of Health and Wellbeing for England, also known as Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey reported that around one in eight men has a common mental health problem, including different types of depression and anxiety as well as panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). In contrast, one in five women was found to have a common mental disorder (CMD).
36%
Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men
Higher rates of suicide are also found in minority communities, including gay men, war veterans, men from BAME backgrounds, and those with low incomes.
Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women, according to the Government’s national well-being survey
95%
Men make up 95% of the
prison population.
There are high rates of mental health problems and increased rates of self-harm in prisons.
11%
In a survey conducted for the Men’s Health Forum, 12% of men said that the last time they took time off work to see a GP was because they were “constantly feeling stressed or under pressure” and 11% because of “prolonged feelings of sadness.”
The lifestyle issue
11,9000
In males in the UK, prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death, with around 11,900 deaths in 2018
Instead of speaking to friends and family about mental health issues, men may be more likely to turn to potentially harmful coping methods including drugs and alcohol. Across all age groups, men are more likely than women to drink at increasing and higher risk levels. Coping mechanisms can also include eating disorders, body dysmorphia or withdrawal from social interactions.
55%
People who are obese have a 55% increased risk of developing depression over time, whereas people experiencing depression have a 58% increased risk of becoming obese.
Men have measurably lower access to the social support of friends, relatives and community
You are not alone
Have you got suicidal thoughts? Help and support is always available, and it is important that you tell someone about it – you do not have to struggle alone.
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These are helplines that are open to provide support and advice.
Samaritans (open 24 hours a day) – 116 123
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – 0800 58 58 58
Papyrus (for people under 35) – 0800 068 41 41
If your life is in danger, call 999 immediately or go to A&E. Alternatively, ask someone else to call 999 for you or take you to A&E.