Men & Mental Health
Though not a subject they like to discuss, stress is constant in the lives of men. It can have severe impact on quality of life, longevity, and can negatively impact those close to them. Stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other severe mental health disorders. To many it seems, there is an epidemic of mental health problems in men.
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Work Related Stress
On average, 191,000 men a year report stress, depression or anxiety caused or made worse by work. The peak age is 45 to 54.
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A survey of 1,112 employed men suggested:
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9% described themselves as severely / extremely stressed
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8% agreed that “overwork and stress caused by a need to achieve on the job or in school affects or hurts my life”
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34% felt “constantly feeling stressed or under pressure”
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Mental Health
Mental health disorders in men are often undiagnosed. Women are more likely to be formally diagnosed, but there is much unrecognised mental distress in men.
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Over 75% who kill themselves are men. The suicide rate was highest in men 40 to 44.
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Men report lower life satisfaction than women.
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Men have lower access to social support of friends, relatives and community.
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8.7% of men are alcohol dependent compared to 3.3% of women.
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Men are three times as likely to report frequent drug use than women.
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73% of adults who ‘go missing’ are men; 87% of rough sleepers are men.
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​Also, male emotional and psychological distress can show in ways that don’t fit conventional diagnostic approaches. A picture, which mirrors what is known about men’s poorer physical health, emerges suggesting, men generally may:
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Not see or act on warning signs, and be unable / unwilling to seek support.
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Rely on unwise self-management, damaging themselves and those around them.
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Access to Support
Men are less likely to access psychological therapies. In a Men’s Health Forum survey:
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34% would be embarrassed or ashamed to take time off work for mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression compared to 13% for a physical injury.
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38% would be concerned their employer would think badly of them if they took time off for a mental health issue – compared to 26% for a physical injury.
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Living your Best Life
A life of happiness and fulfilment is what everyone wants. Modern life is stressful. Accepting how you feel is the start. Support yourself and those around you, and when necessary, seek help . The first step is often the hardest but most important.
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References
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Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2014, Executive summary: Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey
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https://www.samaritans.org/about-samaritans/research-policy/middle-aged-men-suicide/