Men’s mental health: Warning signs, where to get help

Men’s mental health is an important issue, but some men find it difficult to talk about their feelings or ask for help.

Recognising the signs of poor mental health can help you understand when you or someone you care about might need support.

This guide explores the warning signs of poor mental health in men, the challenges they may face and practical ways to improve mental wellbeing, including where to find professional help.

What are the signs of poor mental health in men?

Mental health difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, some men may find it difficult to recognise or talk about their feelings.

The signs of poor mental health vary from person to person and may develop gradually or appear after a difficult experience.

Common warning signs include:

• Feeling persistently sad, anxious or overwhelmed
• Becoming withdrawn from friends, family or social activities
• Feeling unusually angry, frustrated or irritable
• Changes in sleeping patterns, including sleeping too much or struggling to sleep
• Feeling tired or lacking motivation
• Finding it difficult to concentrate or make decisions
• Losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed
• Drinking more alcohol or using drugs to cope
• Taking unusual risks or behaving impulsively
• Experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach problems

Some men may continue working and carrying out their usual responsibilities while struggling with their mental health.

These signs don’t necessarily mean someone has a mental health condition. However, if changes persist, become more severe or affect everyday life, it’s important to seek advice from a GP.

Why do some men find it difficult to talk about mental health?

Some men grow up believing they should be strong, independent and able to deal with problems without asking for help.

Traditional expectations to ‘man up’ or hide emotions can make it difficult to admit when things aren’t going well.

Men may worry about appearing weak, being judged by others or becoming a burden on family and friends.

Dr Natasha Bijlani, a consultant psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Roehampton, has highlighted how traditional ideas about masculinity and the stigma surrounding mental health can discourage men from seeking support.

A survey of 1,000 UK men by Priory found that 40% had never spoken to anyone about their mental health.

Reasons given included:

• Feeling they should deal with problems themselves
• Not wanting to burden other people
• Feeling embarrassed
• Worrying about the stigma surrounding mental health

Although attitudes towards mental health are changing, these concerns can still prevent some men from asking for help.

Talking about mental health isn’t a sign of weakness. Sharing concerns with someone you trust can be an important first step towards feeling better.

What can affect men’s mental health?

Mental health difficulties rarely have a single cause. A combination of personal circumstances, physical health, relationships and wider pressures can affect how someone feels.

Some common factors include:

Work and financial pressures

Job insecurity, unemployment, long working hours and financial difficulties can contribute to stress, anxiety and feelings of uncertainty.

Loneliness and social isolation

Having limited opportunities to connect with others or feeling unable to share personal worries can affect mental wellbeing.

Relationship difficulties

Separation, divorce, family conflict and relationship breakdowns can be emotionally challenging.

Bereavement and loss

Losing a partner, relative or friend can lead to grief, sadness and loneliness. Everyone experiences bereavement differently.

Physical health problems

Living with chronic pain, a long-term health condition or a disability can affect someone’s emotional wellbeing, particularly if it changes their independence or daily routine.

Trauma and difficult experiences

Abuse, bullying, discrimination and traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact on mental health.

Alcohol and drug use

Some people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with difficult emotions. However, substance use can worsen mental health difficulties and make it harder to access appropriate support.

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also affect men.

People with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or ADHD may experience additional challenges or co-occurring mental health difficulties, but these conditions are not themselves mental illnesses.

Men’s mental health and suicide

Men are significantly more likely than women to die by suicide in the UK, highlighting the importance of recognising when someone may be struggling and helping them access support.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 6,162 suicides registered in England and Wales in 2025.

The suicide rate was:

• Men: 17.5 deaths per 100,000
• Women: 5.5 deaths per 100,000

Men aged 50 to 54 had the highest suicide rate among male age groups, at 28 deaths per 100,000.

These figures relate to deaths registered in 2025, rather than necessarily occurring during that year.

Suicide is complex and rarely has a single cause. Mental health difficulties, loneliness, financial pressures, relationship problems and other circumstances can contribute to someone feeling overwhelmed.

Not everyone who experiences suicidal thoughts has a diagnosed mental health condition, and not everyone experiencing poor mental health has suicidal thoughts.

Recognising changes in someone’s behaviour, listening without judgement and encouraging them to seek support can make a difference.

Source: Office for National Statistics, Suicides in England and Wales: 1981 to 2025, published October 2026.

How can loneliness affect men’s mental health?

Loneliness can affect anyone, including people who regularly spend time with others.

Someone may have colleagues, friends and family around them but still feel isolated if they don’t have anyone they feel comfortable talking to about personal problems.

Research by Samaritans has highlighted how social disconnection, relationship difficulties and limited support networks can affect some middle-aged men.

Its 2020 report, Out of sight, out of mind, explored the experiences of men who had faced difficult circumstances, including unemployment, relationship breakdown and loneliness.

Some participants described feeling disconnected from their communities or struggling to develop meaningful relationships.

The research highlighted the importance of helping men build supportive connections and access services where they feel comfortable discussing their experiences.

Regular social contact, shared interests and community activities can help reduce feelings of isolation.

For some men, joining a group centred around a hobby or activity may feel easier than attending a traditional support group.

How can peer support help men’s mental health?

Peer support brings together people who may have shared experiences or understand similar challenges.

It can provide opportunities to talk openly, develop friendships and feel less alone.

Samaritans’ research into the experiences of middle-aged men found that some participants benefited from community groups and activities where they could connect with others.

These included groups focused on gardening, drama and other shared interests.

Having somewhere to go regularly, feeling welcomed and contributing to a shared activity helped some men develop a greater sense of belonging.

Finding support through community activities

One man featured in Samaritans’ research described how attending a local community group helped him reconnect with others after a difficult period.

Another participant found that joining a depression support group became easier once he overcame his initial embarrassment about attending.

These experiences show how taking the first step towards connecting with others can be difficult, but potentially rewarding.

Peer support isn’t a replacement for professional mental health treatment when this is needed. However, it can be a valuable source of friendship, understanding and encouragement.

Can exercise and volunteering improve men’s mental health?

Physical activity and volunteering can support mental wellbeing by providing opportunities to connect with others, build confidence and establish a routine.

Exercise doesn’t have to involve joining a gym or taking part in competitive sport.

Walking, gardening, swimming, cycling or joining a local activity group can all be ways to stay active.

How walking rugby helped one man

Aled, from Gwynedd, shared his experiences of mental health difficulties in a blog published by the charity Mind.

After struggling with his mental health, he became involved in volunteering and developed the idea of a walking rugby group.

The group brought people together to exercise, socialise and talk with others who had experienced similar challenges.

With support from Conwy Mind, Aled also received training to help encourage conversations about mental health and connect people with appropriate services.

His experience highlights how shared activities and volunteering can help people rebuild confidence and develop supportive relationships.

How can men improve their mental health?

There are several practical ways men can look after their mental wellbeing.

Small changes may help, although professional support may also be needed, particularly if symptoms are persistent or affecting everyday life.

1. Talk to someone you trust

Sharing how you’re feeling with a friend, partner, family member or colleague can help you feel less alone.

You don’t have to explain everything at once. Starting with a simple conversation about what’s been difficult can be enough.

2. Stay connected with others

Try to maintain regular contact with friends and family.

Joining a local group, volunteering or taking part in community activities can also provide opportunities to meet people.

3. Keep physically active

Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve sleep and support mental wellbeing.

Choose something you enjoy, whether that’s walking, swimming, gardening or playing sport.

4. Look after your sleep

Poor sleep can affect mood, concentration and the ability to manage stress.

Try to maintain a regular sleep routine and speak to your GP if sleep problems continue.

5. Find ways to manage stress

Taking breaks, spending time outdoors, practising relaxation techniques or enjoying a hobby can help manage everyday pressures.

6. Limit alcohol and avoid using drugs to cope

Alcohol and drugs can make symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health difficulties worse.

If you’re concerned about your drinking or drug use, your GP or a specialist support service can help.

7. Seek professional help when needed

You don’t have to wait until your mental health becomes unmanageable before asking for support.

A GP can discuss how you’re feeling, assess your needs and explain what treatment or support may be available.

How can you support a man who is struggling with his mental health?

If you’re worried about a partner, relative, friend or someone you care for, starting a conversation can help them feel supported.

You don’t need to be a mental health professional to listen or show someone that you care.

Here are some ways to help:

• Choose a comfortable setting: Find a quiet place where you can talk without interruptions.
• Ask how they’re feeling: Open questions such as ‘How have things been lately?’ can encourage someone to talk.
• Listen without judgement: Allow them time to explain their feelings without immediately offering solutions.
• Avoid putting pressure on them: Some people need time before they feel ready to open up.
• Offer practical help: You could help them arrange a GP appointment, research support services or accompany them to an appointment.
• Keep checking in: Regular contact can reassure someone that they’re not alone.

If you’re concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, it’s okay to ask them directly whether they’re having suicidal thoughts. Asking about suicide does not put the idea into someone’s head.

Take their response seriously and help them access appropriate support.

Where can men get mental health support?

There are several organisations and services offering mental health advice and support across the UK.

Your GP

A GP is a good starting point if you’re concerned about your mental health.

They can discuss your symptoms, explore possible treatments and refer you to specialist services where appropriate.

NHS mental health services

The NHS provides mental health support, including talking therapies and specialist treatment.

In England, adults can refer themselves directly to NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression without needing a GP referral.

Visit the NHS mental health services website to find out more.

Samaritans

Samaritans provides free emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope.

You can call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Visit Samaritans.

ANDYSMANCLUB

ANDYSMANCLUB provides free peer support groups where men aged 18 and over can talk openly about their mental health in a supportive environment.

Visit ANDYSMANCLUB to find out about meetings.

Mind

Mind provides information and guidance about mental health conditions, treatment and support.

Visit Mind.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

CALM provides information and support for people who are struggling, including those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Visit CALM for current helpline and webchat information.

Hub of Hope

Hub of Hope is a directory of mental health support services, helping people find organisations in their local area.

Visit Hub of Hope.

What should you do if you’re having suicidal thoughts?

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, you don’t have to cope with them alone.

Talking to someone about how you’re feeling can be an important first step, and help is available.

If you need urgent mental health support:

• Contact your GP: Explain how you’re feeling and ask for an urgent appointment.
• Call NHS 111: In England, select the mental health option to access urgent support.
• Contact Samaritans: Call 116 123 free, any time of day or night.
• Speak to someone you trust: A friend, partner or family member may be able to stay with you or help you access support.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.

If possible, stay somewhere safe and avoid being alone while waiting for urgent help.

You can also read the NHS guidance on help for suicidal thoughts.

How can you help someone who may be at risk of suicide?

If you’re worried that someone may be thinking about suicide, take their concerns seriously.

You can help by:

• Listening calmly and without judgement
• Asking directly whether they’re thinking about suicide
• Reassuring them that support is available
• Helping them contact a GP, crisis service or trusted person
• Staying with them, if it is safe to do so, when there is an immediate risk
• Calling emergency services if they are in immediate danger

Don’t promise to keep suicidal thoughts secret if someone’s safety is at risk.

If the person has seriously injured themselves or you believe their life is in immediate danger, call 999.

Found this useful? You can also read about mental health care at home.