Breaking the silence
Fact! Men's mental health matters - full stop.
Let’s look at the facts. Over the last four decades;
Suicide rates among different male age groups have shifted dramatically.
Older men (aged 75+) had the highest rates between 1981 and 1991.
Then, younger men aged 20-44 faced this crisis head-on from 1995 to 2009.
Today, men aged 45-64 carry this burden, with suicide rates peaking at 20.1 deaths per 100,000 in 2021 (Office of National Statistics, 2021).
While progress has been made, the battle is far from over. Thankfully, we're starting to see cracks appear in the wall of silence that’s surrounded men's mental health for far too long.
The conversation is changing
It’s not all doom and gloom. The good news is that we’re finally talking about men's mental health openly, honestly and fearlessly. Celebrities like Dwayne Johnson, Prince Harry, and Ryan Reynolds have boldly shared their own mental health stories, making it crystal clear that strength lies in vulnerability. They’ve inspired countless men to realise they're not alone and that reaching out is an act of courage.
Closer to home, initiatives like Sussex-based Dad La Soul are actively challenging outdated perceptions about masculinity, creating safe spaces where men can comfortably talk about emotional wellbeing (BBC, 2022). These might be small movements, but they are powerful proving that change is possible and happening right now.
Understanding the reality
The reality might be tough, but facing it head-on is empowering.
Men are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to women. In England, about 12.5% of men struggle with mental health disorders, yet men represent just 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies. Alarmingly, men are also three times more likely to become alcohol dependent, often masking deeper emotional struggles (Mental Health Foundation, 2022).
Even more striking, over two in five men regularly feel worried or low, with those aged 45–49 at particularly high risk. These statistics aren't meant to depress, they're a rallying cry for change.
Why men's mental health is often neglected
So why have men's mental health struggles been hidden in the shadows for so long?
From childhood, many men are conditioned to suppress emotions. They’re taught that strength means hiding vulnerability. Terms like "man up" have perpetuated this harmful narrative, leaving many men isolated in their struggles.
But here's the thing: vulnerability is courageous. It's brave to speak about what you're feeling, and doing so can be life-changing.
Many men often struggle with finding the right words to articulate their emotions, potentially misinterpreting signs of mental health distress. For example, instead of sadness, men might express irritability, anger, or even physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues. This often delays recognising problems, preventing timely help.
Recognising the signs
Spotting mental health issues early can change lives. Here are some signs that can often fly under the radar for men:
Anger and irritability
Substance misuse
Physical symptoms (fatigue, headaches, stomach pains)
Withdrawal from activities and relationships
Risky behaviours (reckless driving, excessive risk-taking)
Awareness of these signs is the first step toward intervention, support, and recovery.
The power of coaching
I’ve personally experienced the incredible impact of coaching. It's not therapy, but rather a forward-looking, structured approach to emotional wellbeing. Coaching provides a safe space to explore emotions, unpack challenges, and most importantly, find practical solutions. It’s confidential, empathetic, and empowering.
Through coaching, I've learnt practical tools such as mindfulness techniques, emotional regulation strategies, and ways to identify triggers and patterns in my emotional life. Journaling, encouraged by my coach, allowed me to delve deeper into my feelings, confront vulnerabilities, and rebuild resilience.
Coaching doesn’t remove life's hurdles, but it equips us to overcome them confidently. It's accessible, stigma-free, and offers an approachable first step toward deeper mental health support when needed.
Taking positive action
Change starts with us (you), and we’re perfectly positioned to drive it forward:
Encourage conversations
Talk openly about mental health at home, work, and with friends. Normalise vulnerability and celebrate emotional honesty.
Institutional change
Companies can lead the charge by implementing supportive mental health policies and awareness training. Openly discussing mental wellbeing in the workplace can dismantle harmful stereotypes and encourage men to seek support sooner.Advocacy for better resources
Advocate for increased investment in male-friendly mental health services, including coaching. Tailored resources are essential to make men feel comfortable, understood, and empowered.
Addressing men's mental health is more than just socially responsible - it's vital. Each conversation, each small shift in attitude, makes a difference.
Through coaching, open dialogue, and advocacy, we can dismantle old stereotypes and build a future where men are encouraged, supported, and celebrated for embracing their mental health.
Together, we have the power to break down barriers, challenge outdated perceptions, and pave the way for genuine, lasting change.
If you want to explore coaching and learn how it works, reach out and let’s get your bounce back.
