In England and Wales, men have a higher mortality rate than women and are more likely to die prematurely. Research shows that there is a higher proportion of male deaths under the age of 65 in comparison to women. Findings also suggest that men are less likely to visit their GP and acknowledge or seek help when they are sick in comparison to women.
Through raising awareness about men’s health and signposting people to support we can encourage more men to reach out, make positive changes while helping to reduce stigma associated around men and their health.
This toolkit covers some of the key health issues affecting men and offers practical steps to reduce risk of illness and promote wellbeing.
Click on a topic area below to find out more:
Mental health
At any one time, it is believed that one in eight men have a common mental health problem, such as depression and anxiety. Unlike women, men are less likely to talk about their feelings, which can cause issues to worsen.
Things you can do to if you’re struggling with mental health
Firstly, know that you are not alone. Mental health struggles are common, but there are a variety of things you can try to help support it.
- Talk to someone – One of the best things you can do is talk to someone. This could be a friend, family member or someone at work. To speak to someone immediately call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free at any time of day for confidential emotional support.
- Access your EAP service – An employee assistance programme (EAP) can offer guidance on a range of topics and may allow you to be referred for counselling. Check if your employer has this service in place if you are not sure.
- Speak to your line manager – This enables them to review whether any reasonable adjustments can be put in place at work. They can also signpost you to any supportive services provided by your employer and direct you to the relevant policies.
- Engage in healthy ways to cope – This could include physical activity, spending time with social connections, making time for hobbies as well as time to relax. Eating a healthy balanced diet and minimising alcohol intake can also help you to feel better in general.
- Practice self-care – Being kind to yourself can help you to manage your symptoms in a more positive way. Looking after your mental health is something that has to be continually practiced, and having compassion for yourself can go a long way.
- Seek further support – If your mental health is having a significant impact on your daily life see your GP who can advise on other services and treatments.
Ways to support other men
- Ask how they are – If you’re worried about someone, try asking them how they are. Asking them twice can sometimes invite them to share how they are ‘really’ feeling, and help the conversation move a little further past a typical response such as ‘I’m fine’.
- Offer reassurance – Try to reassure them that it’s ok to reach out for support. You could also consider sharing an experience you’ve had with your own mental health to help normalise the idea of opening up about inner feelings and struggles.
- Signpost them to further support – This could include mental health charities such as Mind, services available through their employer or encouraging them to make an appointment with their GP.
- Check-in with them – Follow-up with someone to see how they are getting on. If you suggested signposting services, you could ask whether they decided to get in touch.
Supportive links
Mind – Mental health support.
Movember – List of helplines and organisations.
BBC – Advice on how to help someone who’s struggling.
Samaritans – 24/7 free confidential helpline.
Mental Health Foundation – Men and mental health.
Mental Health UK – Information and support on men and mental health.
Suicide prevention
Another issue affecting a high proportion of men is suicide. In the UK, it is the single biggest killer of men under 45, with men accounting for 3 out of 4 suicides. Research by Samaritans shows that middle-aged men from disadvantaged backgrounds are more vulnerable to suicide.
Beyond this, their findings also showed that personality traits, masculinity, challenges of mid-life, relationship break-downs, emotional illiteracy and socio-economic factors all played a role in someone’s suicide risk.
Getting support if you’re feeling suicidal
If you’re feeling suicidal or having thoughts about ending your life it’s important to speak to someone you trust immediately. Try to keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to talk about suicidal feelings.
- Call the Samaritans on 116 123 (freephone) available 24 hours a day. They will be able to listen without judgement and offer emotional support.
- Call your GP and ask for an emergency appointment.
- Call the NHS 111 service who can signpost you onto support.
- If you are in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999.
Supportive links
Mind – List of helplines.
NHS – Getting help for suicidal thoughts.
Samaritans – 24/7 free confidential helpline.
Shining a Light on Suicide – Real-life story of feeling suicidal by Danny Sculthorpe.
Shining a Light on Suicide – Real-life story of feeling suicidal by Michael.
CALM – Support and information.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. It usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years. But what are the main symptoms to look out for:
- An increased need to pee (often during the night)
- Straining or taking a long time while you pee
- Having a weak flow
- A feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied
- Blood in your urine or semen
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, but they should not be ignored. It’s more likely they’re caused by something else, such as prostate enlargement. This is why it’s important to visit your GP if any of these symptoms do occur.
Risk factors
The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. But certain factors can increase your risk of developing the condition, including being over 50 years of age, being of African-Caribbean or African descent and being over weight or obese. Having a father or brother who’s had prostate cancer also increases your risk.
There is no single test for prostate cancer, but your GP will advise on the best course of action. This may include a urine sample, conduct a PSA test, or carry out a digital rectal examination (DRE).
Things you can do
- Speak to your GP if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet and get plenty of physical activity to help maintain a healthy weight and support your overall health. No one knows how to prevent prostate cancer, but there is strong evidence that being overweight increases your risk of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.
Supportive links
Cancer Research UK
Prostate Cancer UK
Orchid Charity
Prostate Cancer UK – Paul’s story of being diagnosed.
Cancer Research UK – Living with prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer UK – Wellbeing hub.
Cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular health covers conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. According to British Heart Foundation, 4 million men are living with a heart or circulatory disease in the UK, and one in eight men will die from coronary heart disease.
Ways to reduce your risk factors
Some things can’t be changed, such as age, ethnicity, or having a family history of heart disease. However, below are some things you can do to help reduce your risk.
- Monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis and takes steps to maintain a healthy reading if it is high or low.
- Check your cholesterol, and if it’s high, take steps to reduce it.
- Manage diabetes as having it increases your risk of heart disease. Diabetes UK include advice on ways to manage and treat diabetes.
- Move more by engaging in regular physical activity, this helps you to maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure and help manage diabetes.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet and minimise things such as salt, sugar, and processed meats which can increase your risk of heart disease.
- Maintain a healthy weight as excess weight can put additional strain on your heart and increase risk of other conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Stop smoking as this can damage your heart and blood vessels and is one of the best habits you can stop to support your overall health.
Supportive links
Diabetes UK
Blood Pressure UK
British Heart Foundation – Advice about high cholesterol.
Further support
Below are some further links out to supportive organisations and resources covering men’s health. Don’t forget to also check what initiatives your employer has in place i.e. a wellbeing platform or services in place such as occupational health and an employee assistance programme (EAP).
Men’s Health Forum
Mind – Support for loneliness.
Movember – Men’s health support.
BBC – Men’s health news stories.
Men’s Health Forum – Health over the age of 50.
Andy’s Man Club – Information about discussion groups
NHS – Alcohol support, and drug addiction support.
Sources:
truenorth.movember.com/article/diet-exercise/heart-disease-prostate-cancer
www.counselling-directory.org.uk/men-and-mental-health-stats.html#menandmentalhealth
Ref: WPW0258 This information was published November 2023.
