Men and mental health
In England, around one in eight men has a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Three times as many men as women die by suicide.
- Men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.
- Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women according to the Government’s national well-being survey.
- Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
In addition, men are far more likely than women to go missing, sleep rough, become dependent on alcohol and use drugs frequently. Find out more about how mental health problems affect men and women differently on our statistics page.
While all this can paint a gloomy picture, there is help and support available if you’re worried about your own or someone else’s mental health – see below.
If you’re concerned you’re developing a mental health problem, talk to your GP. It can be daunting, but most people find that speaking to their GP and getting help and support can make a big difference to their lives.
If you need support, or want to learn more about men’s mental health, contact these organisations.
