By Amber Ali

Around the world, among various races, ethnicities and religions, males often avoid speaking about their mental wellbeing.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a higher rate among men who take their own life compared to females. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death across the globe, according to WHO’s latest estimates.

Society often expects men to be strong, not show vulnerability, and handle their emotions on their own. Additionally, stereotypes and societal expectations about masculinity can make it difficult for men to openly discuss their feelings and seek support, contributing to the stigma surrounding male depression and mental health.

UK Council for Psychotherapy spokesperson and transactional analysis psychotherapist Ronen Stillman believes men are constantly told to “man up” and this societal norm has negatively impacted the ability of men to be open and vulnerable about how they are feeling.

‘Vulnerability is often seen as weakness, the colloquial that we use is man up…

for most men, there is no real role model of a caring, vulnerable, masculine man…men don’t have a role model” he said.

Men are less likely to seek support for mental health issues. This could be due to a number of reasons including the stigma and the ‘man up’ term that society uses for males to be the traditional, strong stereotype.

Research from Priory claims that 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, and of those men, 29% say they’re too embarrassed.

“The worst thing that can happen for somebody who is depressed or anxious is to be isolated. Isolation is the bedrock for depression.” Dr Ronen Stillman reiterated in a recent interview.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, approximately one in eight men in the UK have a common mental health disorder, including anxiety and depression.

Mohammed Ameen, a British Pakistani male believes the stigma behind mental health issues within the male community, is even more prevalent within the Asian community.

“Within the Pakistani and Indian community, it is very much that these things don’t happen to men. You’re the man of the house. Work and support your family. It is really really frowned upon” he said.

By making some adjustments like eating healthily, exercising, and talking about your feelings, this can help you feel better.

It is important to know which support services are available for you to access, whatever you are going through. If you need help with a mental health crisis you can call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans.

You can also text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line

If you require any further information regarding what help you can access, please click here: