International Men's Day
Julia Davies
To all our fabulous Men!
Today on International Men’s Day, we’re celebrating the men in our lives — dads, brothers, mates, colleagues — and also shining a very important spotlight on men’s mental health. Because it matters. A lot.
In the UK, the stats are clear: men continue to face mental health challenges often in silence. For example, in England and Wales in 2023 the suicide rate for men was 17.4 deaths per 100,000, compared to 5.7 for women. Office for National Statistics
And even more stark: around three-quarters of suicide deaths are by men.
On top of that, men make up just about 36% of referrals to NHS talking-therapies in the UK, meaning a lot of guys aren’t getting connected with support. UK Therapy Guide
Why is this the case? Often, it’s because of stigma, ideas of “just get on with it”, perhaps worry about being judged. But here’s the truth: seeking support is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of strength.
So on this International Men’s Day, let’s encourage the men around us to open up. It could be a simple message: “How are you really doing?” or “I’m here if you want to talk.” Whether that leads to a chat with a friend, a cup of tea, or contacting a professional, these small steps matter.
If you’re a man reading this: you don’t have to face things alone. If you’re supporting a man: your listening ear could change a life. Let’s make talking about mental health the norm, not the exception. Because every man deserves to feel heard, supported and valued.
Here’s to men’s health, men’s wellbeing — today and every day..
In the UK, the stats are clear: men continue to face mental health challenges often in silence. For example, in England and Wales in 2023 the suicide rate for men was 17.4 deaths per 100,000, compared to 5.7 for women. Office for National Statistics
And even more stark: around three-quarters of suicide deaths are by men.
On top of that, men make up just about 36% of referrals to NHS talking-therapies in the UK, meaning a lot of guys aren’t getting connected with support. UK Therapy Guide
Why is this the case? Often, it’s because of stigma, ideas of “just get on with it”, perhaps worry about being judged. But here’s the truth: seeking support is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of strength.
So on this International Men’s Day, let’s encourage the men around us to open up. It could be a simple message: “How are you really doing?” or “I’m here if you want to talk.” Whether that leads to a chat with a friend, a cup of tea, or contacting a professional, these small steps matter.
If you’re a man reading this: you don’t have to face things alone. If you’re supporting a man: your listening ear could change a life. Let’s make talking about mental health the norm, not the exception. Because every man deserves to feel heard, supported and valued.
Here’s to men’s health, men’s wellbeing — today and every day..