The Gender Gap in Suicide: Why More Men Are Losing the Battle.
- sussexpsychtherapy
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
Why Is Men’s Mental Health Such a Hot Topic?
Research consistently shows that men are statistically more likely to die by suicide, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2021) reporting that approximately 76% of all suicides in the UK are male. Men are also less likely to seek help for mental health concerns, which means that they often live with untreated mental health problems. The stigma surrounding masculinity—such as notions that men must be strong, stoic, and self-reliant can also prevent men from recognising their own mental health needs or reaching out for support, contributing to silent suffering.
Common Stressors:
Work-related pressures: Expectations to succeed professionally, provide financially, and be providers. Unemployment or job insecurity can significantly impact mental wellbeing.
Financial concerns: Anxiety about debts, housing costs, or inability to meet societal standards of success and stability.
Relationship breakdowns and parenting challenges: Divorce, separation, or conflicts within personal relationships can increase feelings of failure or loss.
Health issues: Men are more prone to delaying seeking medical or psychological help for physical symptoms, which often coexist with mental health problems.
Cultural notions of masculinity: Gender Role Conflict Theory (O’Neill & Pleck, 2001): This theory highlights how rigid masculinity norms, , such as suppressing emotions, conforming to societal expectations of masculinity, restrict emotional expression, leading to internalised stress, risk of depression, and substance misuse.
Absence of adaptive coping mechanisms: Not having access to coping resources to manage difficult feelings can lead to reliance on other ways of coping that can be harmful in the long-term, such as substance or alcohol abuse, avoidance, self-harm or high-risk behaviours, as examples.
What Men Can Do for Better Mental Health?
Work on Developing Emotional Literacy: Recognising, understanding, and openly expressing feelings through journaling, mindfulness practices, or talking with trusted friends or professionals.
Engage in Regular Exercise: Physical activity boosts endorphin levels, reduces stress hormones like cortisol, and improves overall mood.
Develop Alternative, More Adaptive Coping Mechanism: Examples might include resilience training, mindfulness-based approaches, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which have all been evidenced to support stress management.
Build and Maintain Social Connections: Maintaining meaningful relationships reduces loneliness and enhances emotional regulation.
Limit Harmful Coping Strategies: Reducing reliance on alcohol or substances and avoiding emotional suppression helps prevent long-term mental health issues.
Seek Professional Help When Necessary: Early intervention through therapy, counselling, or specialist support groups can dramatically improve outcomes, especially when symptoms persist.
Routine Health Checks: Regular physical and mental health screening can catch emerging issues early, promoting proactive care.
Potential Barriers to Support
Despite the availability of support, many men face barriers that prevent help-seeking:
Stigma & Norms: Fear of being perceived as weak, vulnerable, or less masculine.
Lack of Awareness: Not recognising symptoms or where to seek help.
Reluctance to Seek Help: Cultural conditioning that men should 'handle everything themselves' and a fear of being judged.
Fear of The Unknown: This includes fear of what talking therapy or engaging in support groups might be like.
Accessibility Issues: Long waiting times, limited male-focused services, or concerns about confidentiality.
The Real Risk of Not Getting Support
Research consistently shows that men are more likely than women to die by suicide in the UK, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2021) reporting that approximately 76% of all suicides in 2021 were male. This statistic has often been linked with gender norms which stigmatise support seeking amongst males, and associate it with signs of weakness.
This reluctance to seek support can delay intervention during mental health crises, increasing the risk of suicide. Men can often live for long periods with untreated mental health problems that remain undetected by friends or loved ones. The first sign of significant distress may be an attempt to end their life. Research has also found that men tend to be more successful than women when attempting to end their life (Pirkis et al., 2017). Research also indicates that men often experience higher rates of substance use and untreated depression, both strong risk factors for suicide (Kalafat et al., 2020).
The stigma surrounding mental health, combined with help-seeking barriers and societal expectations of masculinity, all contribute to the higher rate of completed suicides among men in the UK.
How to Overcome These Barriers
Overcoming these barriers requires a collective effort: public health campaigns, culturally sensitive support services, and normalising conversations about mental health. This is an area that is increasingly gaining attention, with more men being openly public about their mental health struggles. It is really important to continue building on this, both individually and collectively.
Mental health problems are treatable, and there are many options for treatment and sources of support, and there will be something suitable for everyone. Not all evidence-based psychological treatments require lengthy conversations, with options like EMDR and Neurofeedback being easily accessible. Support groups offering alternative activities, such as walking, team sports, or hobbies, can be just as beneficial as talking therapies.
It is important to remember, most people have struggled with their mental health at some point or been touched by someone who has. You are not alone!
What to Do If You or a Loved One Is Not Coping or Feeling Suicidal and Needs to Access Immediate Support?
If you or a loved one is feeling suicidal, remember that help is available and you don’t have to face these feelings alone. You can contact the NHS urgent mental health helpline by calling 111, which provides immediate advice and support. The Samaritans also offer a 24-hour confidential helpline at 116 123, available to listen and support you at any time of day or night.
If you’re in immediate danger, always dial 999 or go to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, and help is always within reach.
If you are concerned about your mental health or that of a loved one, and do not require immediate crisis support, you can use the link below to arrange a free initial telephone consultation to explore available therapeutic options.
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