November is Men’s Health and Mental Health Awareness Month, a dedicated time to highlight the unique physical and mental health challenges men experience. This month aims to break down the barriers that often keep men from seeking support, especially in a society where traditional expectations may pressure men to appear strong and unaffected. Research reveals that men are statistically less likely to pursue mental health support, despite facing serious risks such as higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide.
“Movember” is an annual campaign each November dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The term “Movember” is a blend of “moustache” and “November,” reflecting the campaign’s signature activity: growing a moustache throughout the month as a symbol of support and a conversation starter.
The Movember Foundation, a global charity behind the movement, encourages men to “grow a mo” to spark discussions around men’s health topics that often go unspoken. The movement also encourages physical activity and other healthy lifestyle changes, aiming to tackle the barriers men face in accessing mental health care and physical health screening. Movember has evolved into a global initiative, started in Australia in 2004, it is now celebrated across New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and throughout Europe, supporting numerous programmes and research efforts to improve and extend men’s lives.
Why is men’s health and mental health awareness important?
Increasing awareness around men’s mental health is vital because men face unique challenges that can lead to higher mental health risks, yet they are often less likely to seek help. Societal norms and expectations have historically discouraged men from expressing vulnerability, with ideals around masculinity that sometimes equate emotional openness with weakness. This can lead to feelings of isolation and untreated mental health issues, often manifesting as anger, aggression, or substance abuse.
The consequences of unaddressed mental health struggles are stark. Men account for a significant percentage of suicides worldwide (75-80%), with many feeling unable to reach out for support.
Figures from the UK indicate:
- Four out of five suicides involve men, making suicide the leading cause of death among men under 35.
- In 2022, men aged 40 to 54 had the highest suicide rates in the UK.
- In 2017, 12.5% of men in the UK were living with a common mental health condition.
- One in eight men experience depression.
- One in five men experience anxiety.
- Over 75% of men will struggle with a mood disorder or stress at some point in their lifetime.
- Nearly three-quarters of missing adults are men.
Unfortunately, men are much less likely than women to openly discuss mental health struggles; an estimated 40% of men choose to remain silent instead of seeking help. Despite the clear need for support, men are significantly underrepresented in mental health services, making up only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies.
This means they are suffering in silence: Using alcohol, drugs, and addictive behaviours as a coping mechanism, which frequently leads to further complications including dependency, addiction, and physical health problems.
Substance abuse in men.
According to global reports, men are 2-3 times more likely than women to misuse substances such as alcohol and drugs. Men start using substances for a variety of reasons; to self-medicate, to be part of a group, to fit in, to take the edge off, or even just for fun.
Substance abuse is a critical issue among men, affecting their physical health, mental well-being, and social lives. Substance abuse in men is often linked to underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, which may go untreated due to social stigmas that discourage men from seeking support.
This pattern of substance abuse can lead to severe health consequences, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and an increased risk of mental health crises. Additionally, substance abuse can impact men’s relationships, work stability, financial security, and overall quality of life, often reinforcing a cycle of isolation and further substance use.
Addressing substance abuse among men requires a comprehensive approach that combines mental health support, substance use treatment, and efforts to reduce societal stigma, encouraging men to seek help early and openly.
Symptoms of mental health disorders in men.
The following signs may suggest that you or someone you love is struggling with their mental health.
- Alteration in temperament, mood swings.
- Significant shift in energy level, sleeping or eating.
- Inappropriate and excessive anger, aggression, controlling, violent or abusive behaviour.
- Reckless or dangerous behaviours, i.e., erratic driving or a sudden interest in extreme sports.
- Irritability, restlessness; difficulty with concentrating, retaining information, or making decisions.
- An increase in the use of substances (alcohol, drugs, prescription medication).
- An uptick in addictive or compulsive behaviours or patterns.
- Escapism – spending an increased amount of time hiding in a task, work, hobby, sport.
- Physical symptoms – headaches, stomach problems, unidentified aches and pains.
Recognising there is a problem is the first step toward getting the right help and care. The sooner someone receives treatment, the sooner they can start to feel better.
It is of fundamental importance that as a society we help men to understand they are not alone. That it is not weak or unmanly to reach out and ask for help. It is good to talk, and that we will all be there to listen when needed.
Mental health rehab treatment clinic in Spain.
At our luxury residential rehab centre, located on the beautiful Balearic Island of Ibiza, Spain, we offer a range of therapies suitable for the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, compulsive and addictive behaviours, and other co-occurring mental health conditions.
Our highly qualified team of doctors, therapists and counsellors use a carefully designed programme, which includes individual and group therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, EMDR and equine- assisted therapy.
For further information and details on admissions to our Spanish rehab centre contact sharon@ibizacalm.com