In the UK, November marks a month to shine the spotlight on men’s mental health. Both through the Movember campaign, which raises awareness of the high suicide rates among men and highlighting their unique mental health challenges, and also through International Men’s Day (19), which this year aims to highlight the impact of positive male role models
In recent years, suicide rates among middle-aged men, particularly those aged 45-64 have remained consistently high (1-3). Research investigating the underlying risk factors for increased suicide in this demographic highlights a combination of social, economic and psychological factors as key contributors(4).
Men are often reluctant to seek help for mental health issues, largely due to stigma driven by societal norms, gender expectations and traditional views of masculinity, which depict men as strong, stoic and resilient. This month of awareness also aims to break this stigma and encourage open conversations and support. Talking about mental health strengthens emotional resilience and fosters healthier coping strategies, reducing the risk of severe mental health crises. Opening up can also lead to earlier intervention, better access to support and resources, and ultimately reduce the risk of suicide.
Image caption: A man texting on his phone
What is on male texter’s minds?
Since we launched Shout in May 2019, our data shows suicide has been the primary reason men aged 45-64 reach out, representing more than a third of all conversations.Our data insights team conducted a large-scale machine learning analysis of conversations with texters in this demographic, which identified relationship breakdowns, financial pressure, work-related stress and physical health issues as key triggers for suicide.
To gain deeper insights into texters’ experiences of these issues, we conducted thematic analysis of a random selection of conversations. We found that many texters were struggling with mounting bills, debt, burnout, job loss and declining physical health. Others were dealing with various problems stemming from relationship problems including reduced income, the risk of homelessness, child custody battles, isolation, abuse, restraining orders, and arrests. Texters expressed feeling trapped and overwhelmed, unable to envision a way out, and shared deep feelings of shame, uncertainty and hopelessness.
We also found that societal pressures to “man up” or “tough it out” frequently prevented many from fully opening up to friends, family or mental health professionals. As a result, they often felt lonely and unsupported, without an outlet to express emotional distress. Additionally, our research showed that many turn to alcohol, drugs or gambling to cope with the emotional distress caused by these issues, further worsening their mental health and leading to suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
How texting provides an accessible form of support for male mental health
Shout understands the barriers that prevent many middle-aged men from talking about their mental health, and empowers them to open up and express their emotions. The service provides free, confidential, anonymous and silent, 24/7 text-based support for individuals in distress. The anonymity of the service may be especially appealing to middle-aged men, who struggle to show vulnerability. Shout provides a discreet and safe space for them to express their emotions without fear of stigma, helping to break down barriers to seeking support. Over half of the middle-aged men who reached out to the service (50%) said they did so because they wanted to speak with someone unfamiliar to them.
“Thank you, It's so easy to speak to a person completely unconnected to my situation” - Shout texter
Trained volunteers offer empathetic, non-judgmental support, creating a compassionate environment where texters feel heard and valued, encouraging open communication. Through active listening, emotional validation, and problem-solving, volunteers help texters reach a calmer state, navigate their challenges, and provide resources for further support. This approach can be especially meaningful for middle-aged men who may feel compelled to suppress their emotions to maintain control or avoid appearing weak. By offering a space where they can be truly heard, Shout helps break down these internal barriers, which is an important step towards healing. 83% of middle-aged men who reached out to Shout for support with suicidal feelings reported that they found the service helpful.
How we’re working to break down the stigma around men’s mental health
Across Mental Health Innovations we’re working to de-stigmatise male mental health. Through our Shout service we’re encouraging more men to sign up to become volunteers, working with mental health campaigners such as Ben West to talk about the benefits of volunteering and supporting others, holding volunteer webinars where a range of volunteers can talk openly about their experiences on the platform and the impact volunteering has, as well as working with our Shout Patron Will Young to shine a spotlight on male suicide and mental health.
Through The Mix’s digital resources, we’re also working to de-stigmatise male mental health to a younger audience, co-creating content with young people with lived experiences and shining a spotlight on a range of mental health issues on our new podcast, The Mix Six, which features mental health campaigner Kyle Stanger, who founded the clothing brand Boys Get Sad Too, Joe Wicks aka the Bodycoach and Owen Woods, winner of the 2024 Race Across the World television show.
Encouraging men to express their emotions is crucial for mental well-being, especially in a society where they often face stigma around vulnerability. By creating supportive environments, normalising emotional expression and promoting help-seeking behaviours, we can reduce stigma, and provide a vital lifeline for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Article references
- Office for National Statistics: Suicide in England and Wales: 2020 registrations.
- Office for National Statistics: Suicide in England and Wales: 2021 registrations.
- Office for National Statistics: All data related to suicide in England and Wales: 2023 registrations.
- Mughal, F., Bojanić, L., Rodway, C., Graney, J., Ibrahim, S., Quinlivan, L., ... & Kapur, N. (2023). Recent GP consultation before death by suicide in middle-aged males: a national consecutive case series study. British journal of general practice, 73(732), e478-e485. https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2022.0589
