07/06/2025
Breaking the Silence on men’s mental health!!!
At ‘Say More’, we want to shine a light on an important, often overlooked aspect of men’s mental health.
Did you know that in the UK, men account for 76% of all suicides, making it the leading cause of death for men under 35? This alarming figure underscores a quiet crisis. Despite similar levels of mental health struggles, men are less likely to access therapy than women.
Societal pressures often teach men to be stoic, to "man up," and to suppress their emotions. While also telling them their "masculinity is toxic"—as if the answer is being somehow more like women.
Research suggests that approximately 80% of surveyed individuals find the term "toxic masculinity" insulting, potentially harmful to boys, and unlikely to genuinely improve men's behavior.
Additionally, unhelpful public discourses that proclaim the Western model of society is still patriarchal can undermine a man’s will to lead and push ahead. As a consequence of these social narrative changes, many have lost touch with their innate masculinity believing it to be somehow wrong or bad.
Studies indicate that masculinity is "conflicted and struggling to adapt to modern demands," leading many modern men to "harbour profound guilt over being male, leading to self-deprecating language and behaviours."
This can lead to a silent struggle, where feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress go unaddressed. In fact, 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, with many citing embarrassment or the stigma around showing vulnerability as reasons.
Furthermore, some do not find the validation they need due to the lens many therapists are trained in; research suggests that clinicians sometimes rely on gender stereotypes in their interactions with male clients, and historical focuses in research have highlighted negative aspects of masculinity, potentially leading men to perceive therapy as concentrating solely on their flaws.
But here's the truth: seeking support is not a weakness. When you see therapists who are not looking at the world through the prism of the demonisation of masculinity, you will find validation and support; seeking support is an act of profound strength.
At ‘Say More’, we are committed to fostering a therapeutic environment where you feel heard, respected, and understood. We provide professional, compassionate, and effective support, empowering individuals to discover their resilience and capacity for growth. We're here to help you navigate life's challenges.
You don't have to carry life’s burdens alone. It's time to say more.
Sources: Physique Academy, "20 Key Statistics on Men's Mental Health You Should Know" - PubMed Central, "The belief that masculinity has a negative influence on one's behavior is related to reduced mental well-being" - WorkLife Central, "What Place Does Masculinity Have In The Modern World?" - Priory, "Men's Mental Health: Why 40% of men won't talk about it" - White Rose eTheses Online, "Masculinity and psychotherapy: a qualitative study of clinical psychologists' experiences working with men" - PubMed Central, "Counseling With Male Clients: The Case for Relational Resilience Approach"
