Men’s Mental Health: Why the Conversation Is More Important Than Ever

The conversation around mental health has changed significantly over the past decade, but experts warn that many men are still struggling in silence.

Recent figures continue to highlight a stark reality: men remain significantly more likely to die by suicide than women, while many are still less likely to seek professional support when facing mental health challenges.

According to the latest data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), males accounted for approximately three-quarters of all suicides registered in England and Wales. In 2024, the male suicide rate remained at 17.6 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with 5.7 per 100,000 for females.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50 in the UK, prompting continued calls for greater awareness, earlier intervention and improved access to support services.

The issue has become a growing focus for charities, employers and healthcare organisations.

The men’s health charity Movember states that around three out of every four suicides in the UK are men. The organisation says tackling social isolation, improving mental health literacy and encouraging help-seeking behaviours are key priorities.

Meanwhile, research highlighted during Men’s Health Awareness Month found that many men continue to face barriers to seeking support. One survey reported that half of men have experienced mental health difficulties at some point, yet fewer than half had sought professional advice. The same research found that 37% admitted hiding mental health struggles from their partners.

Employers are also becoming increasingly involved in the conversation.

The 2025 Bupa Wellbeing Index found that 43% of working British men would like greater mental health support from their employers.

Mental health specialists say workplace culture can play an important role in encouraging men to access support.

As one recent NHS campaign noted, “far too many men struggle silently.”

Advocates argue that changing perceptions around masculinity and help-seeking remains essential.

While awareness campaigns such as Movember have helped bring the issue into the public spotlight, experts say progress will depend on normalising conversations around mental health in homes, workplaces and communities across the country.

The Bigger Picture

Behind every statistic is a father, son, brother, friend or colleague.

Support organisations continue to stress that mental health challenges are common, treatable and nothing to be ashamed of. Seeking help early can make a significant difference, whether through professional services, peer support, family conversations or workplace wellbeing initiatives.

Editor’s View

“We hear the message everywhere: talk more, reach out, ask for help.” Said our Editor in Chief, Jill.

“It’s an important message, but recently I spoke with a male colleague who wished to remain anonymous. He told me that after months of struggling, he finally decided to seek support. He called the number he had been encouraged to use and was met with a voicemail. His experience stayed with me.

Not because it means support services are failing, but because it reminds us that encouraging people to speak up is only part of the solution. We must also ensure that when someone takes that difficult first step, somebody is there to answer.”

Mental health support matters. Awareness campaigns matter. But accessibility matters too.

Real progress will come when we create a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength and where support is available when people are ready to reach for it.

You’re Not Alone

At The Daily Round, we believe wellbeing conversations should be open, honest and accessible to everyone.

Over the coming months, we will be developing a dedicated Men’s Mental Health section within our wellbeing pages, bringing together trusted resources, signposting, practical guidance and real-life stories from men across the UK.

We know that reaching out for support is not always easy. We also recognise that finding the right support can sometimes feel challenging. Our aim is to create a place where men can find information, encouragement and a reminder that they do not have to face life’s challenges alone.

Whether you are struggling yourself, supporting a friend, colleague or family member, or simply looking to learn more, we hope these resources will help start conversations that matter.

If there is one message we would like every reader to take away, it is this: You are not alone. Help is available, and asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.