Men's Mental Health
Every area has their own specific organisations to help with mental health support. Here are some for your area.
Please let us know if there are any we've missed by clicking here and we'll add them.
Statistics
Men's mental health has become a major talking point over the last few years. This is because male suicide has been on the increase for a long time now. Reasons for this are many, but the main one is thought to be because men are often made to feel like they have to hide their emotions and just 'get on with it'.
Men, on the whole, are brought up, expected to be tough, not cry, protect all before themselves and be strong no matter what. This expectation can be a difficult one to deal with. Especially when mixed in with what life has to throw at us anyway.
Obviously, every persons mental health is important but women generally tend to be more open about their emotions and just generally stronger emotionally by nature. Society expects women to show and share their feelings frequently but if a man is seen as doing this, the stigma can be seen as him being weak.
A big part of the idea of 'That's Mental Mate' came from the increase in men's mental health issues, including our founder's. Having dealt with sexual abuse, trauma, homelessness and addiction amongst other things, he decided that trying to find help for mental health issues can be a minefield and there's no, one place to go for all your needs. We hope that this site makes that easier, especially for men. Reach out directly if you need someone to talk to and see if we can help direct you to the best local support. Here are some statistics:
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK. (Calm Zone).
- 75% of deaths by suicide are males, and they are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
- 52% would be concerned about taking time off work, whilst 46% would be embarrassed or ashamed to tell their employer. (Men's Health Forum).
- Only 36% of all NHS referrals for psychological therapies are for men. Men are less likely to seek help for their mental health.
Please let us know of any organisations that we may be missing from your local area by clicking here and we'll be sure to add them.
'Real' men don't talk about it.
Fact: Society says men should be “strong” and not talk about their struggles, but research clearly shows that suicide rates for men are dramatically higher than those for women. Men are also more likely to “cope” with their depression and other disorders through substance abuse.
Men don't experience depression or anxiety.
Fact: While mental disorders appear to be slightly more common in women, men aren’t immune. In 2014, about 1 in 5 women in England experienced a common mental health problem compared to 1 in 8 men. These statistics may be skewed, though, as men often don’t report their experiences.
Talking about suicide makes it more likely to happen.
ButtonFact: It is a misconception that talking about suicide, or asking somebody if they are feeling suicidal, will “put the idea” into their heads. Research shows that talking or asking about suicidal thoughts is actually more likely to save a person’s life.
Men don't experience the 'baby blues'.
Fact: Postpartum depression (also known as postnatal depression) and other postpartum disorders are often associated only with women, occurring in around 1 in 10 new mothers. However, studies show that 1 in 10 men may also experience postpartum depression and anxiety.
Needing help means you're weak.
Fact: Reaching out for help might feel like the hardest thing you have to do. It takes courage to admit you’re struggling when you’re accustomed to hiding your struggles, and everybody, regardless of gender, needs support sometimes. Reaching out also means you’re taking charge of your mental wellbeing, a step that is equally as important as taking care of your physical health.
(All info taken from Mental Health UK. 2024.)
Support
When sportmen and other well known figures come out in support of speaking up about mens mental health, it really hits people hard. One of the best examples of this was when Paddy Pimblett made it a part of his speech after winning his MMA fight in the UFC.
There are plenty of other examples too but this one gave us goose pimples because one of his best friends had committed suicide 36 hours before this fight and he used this moment to highlight the epidemic. Well done Paddy lad!
"People would rather, I know I'd rather my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week. So please, let's get rid of this stigma and MEN, START TALKING!"
Platform 1
Our peer-support groups offer a welcoming space for individuals experiencing emotional distress. Whether you want to open up about your mental health journey or simply listen, the choice is yours. Our informal and relaxed gatherings provide you with the freedom to decide.
These are peer-support groups, where individuals like you come together to support one another. While they're not therapy sessions, many participants find therapeutic benefits in sharing their experiences.
Each group is guided by a trained volunteer facilitator or co-facilitators. Their role is to nurture a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment where the group can grow and flourish.
Platform 1 recognises that many things can contribute to causing your mental health to deteriorate. Some of these things can be the practical things in life. When you are at your lowest point it is difficult to sort out things such as paying bills or making phone calls.
Our welfare service will help people to fill in forms, sort housing and benefit issues, make doctors appointments and if needed act as an advocate when the person needs to attend a meeting. This service is open to all the people that use our service.
Ben's Place
Specialist Support for male sexual abuse survivors.
Survivors West Yorkshire (SWY) and its male-focused Ben's Place online trauma-informed counselling service is survivor-led and focused. Its vision is to support the development of a range of evidence-based services that are gender-informed and accessible across West Yorkshire. Services which are user-friendly and proactively involve survivors.
Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (PDAP)
Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (PDAP) is a key provider of domestic abuse support services in Kirklees. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from all forms of abuse and have the right to be free from potential or actual harm.
PDAP have 3 refuges across Huddersfield which vary in size and facilities with some communal areas and your own private room. We have resources and facilities to support women and children with special needs and disabilities, assessed on an individual basis.
One of our refuges is a specialist refuge for black and Asian minoritised women with or without children.
Unfortunately, PDAP refuges cannot accommodate male victims of domestic abuse but we can provide support to men who need to access emergency accommodation.
Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre
RASAC is a feminist organisation; registered charity, No. 1013211, that offers support and advisory services for people, aged 8+, who have experienced rape, sexual and domestic abuse, at any time in their lives, living in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.
Whilst we primarily focus on the needs of women; we recognise the social and psychological impact of men’s experiences as male identifying survivors and how this can compound their reluctance to disclose. Therefore we run a project on specific days that provides support service for males, aged 8 and over.
We offer counselling, emotional support, group therapy, reiki, male support services, art therapy, ISVA/Advocacy services, yoga and body work, pre-trial therapy and a helpline service that includes webchat, email and telephone.
Luke's Lads
Male suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, with many men suffering in silence when they experience feelings of sadness, loneliness or anxiety.
In July 2018 after a battle with mental health and depression, Luke took his own life. For years Luke struggled by bottling up his feelings and worries, finding it difficult to reach out and talk about his mental health. One of his greatest passions was fitness and weight training which he turned to in darker times.
Luke's Lads encourages and offers mental health support and offers sessions for men to talk about their feelings in an alternative environment. Studies have shown that exercise can release endorphins to energise your spirits and lift your mood. Talking isn't a sign of weakness, it's a way to take care of your wellbeing and help cope with problems. Come and join our FREE male only 45 minute circuit training and 30 minute support session offering you a safe place to speak.
SHOUT
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.
To start a conversation, text the word 'Shout' to 85258. Trained Shout Volunteers are here to listen at any time of day or night and messages won't appear on your phone bill.
If your life is at imminent risk, please call the emergency services on 999.
If you would like to see some National Organisations please click here.
That's Mental Mate!
