Why do men struggle to prioritise their health?
Despite growing awareness of mental health issues, many men still find it difficult to seek support. According to the Mental Health Foundation, men are less likely than women to access psychological therapies, with only 36% of NHS talking therapy referrals coming from men. This disparity stems from various cultural and social factors, particularly long-standing ideas of masculinity.
Traditional masculinity emphasises strength, stoicism and self-reliance. While these traits can be positive in some contexts, they can also lead men to suppress emotions, avoid seeking help and view vulnerability as weakness. In a survey by Mind, over one in three men (37%) said they had felt down or low for more than two weeks at a time, but had never told anyone.
When it comes to physical health, the trends are similar. Men are less likely than women to visit their GP, and they often wait until symptoms are severe before seeking help. As a result, men have higher mortality rates from preventable conditions, such as heart disease, liver disease and some cancers.
These patterns have real and alarming consequences:
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK.
- Three out of four suicides in the UK are by men.
- Men are more likely to use harmful coping strategies, such as alcohol, drugs or risk-taking behaviours, rather than speaking openly about their mental health.
The silence around male mental health is costing lives. It’s time to challenge outdated norms and create a culture where seeking support is seen as a sign of strength - not weakness.
Redefining masculinity: what does healthy masculinity looks like?
To improve men’s health outcomes, we must redefine what it means to be a man in today’s society. Healthy masculinity includes:
- Emotional honesty: allowing men to express a full range of emotions without judgement.
- Connection: encouraging strong relationships, friendships and open communication.
- Self-care: promoting habits that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Courage to ask for help: recognising that reaching out is a brave and responsible act.
By changing how we talk about manhood and encouraging positive role models, we can help break the cycle of silence and stigma.
Support for men in West Sussex
At West Sussex Mind, we are committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces where men can share their experiences and access the support they need. Kit Dunston is a social activities peer support worker who runs weekly groups in Worthing and Littlehampton for male service users, offering a confidential space to talk openly and connect with others. He says: “Running a men’s group, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful it is when guys drop the act and actually talk about things. That’s where change starts. As a man, being real about your mental health shouldn’t be seen as brave, it should just be normal.”
We are also planning a training session around men’s mental health, which will be available in early autumn. The course will give participants the ability to develop strategies that create a supportive environment for male colleagues in the workplace. It will also give participants skills to identify personal triggers, practise techniques that will support their own wellbeing and understand how to support male colleagues facing difficult situations.
Some other ways to get involved or find help with West Sussex Mind include:
- One-to-one mental health support – available for those who may need help navigating their emotions, relationships or life changes.
- Workshops and social activities – including fitness, mindfulness and wellbeing sessions that foster connection and build confidence.
You can also explore external resources, such as:
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – offers a helpline and webchat service for men feeling down or in crisis. www.thecalmzone.net
- Dad La Soul – organisation tackling social isolation among fathers and male carers. www.dadlasoul.com
- Andy’s Man Club – a growing network of free support groups for men across the UK. www.andysmanclub.co.uk
- Men Walk Talk – mental health charity encouraging men to connect whilst taking a walk. www.menwalktalk.co.uk
This Men’s Health Week, let’s talk
If you’re struggling, remember: you’re not alone. Whether it’s speaking to a friend, calling a helpline or attending a support group, taking that first step is a powerful act of self-care.
Together, we can challenge outdated stereotypes, support each other and promote a healthier, more compassionate model of masculinity - one that encourages men to thrive in every aspect of their health.
For more information on how West Sussex Mind can support you or someone you care about, visit www.westsussexmind.org or contact our team directly.