The Toolkit

Men's Mental Health

Many men grow up believing they need to be strong, hide their emotions and deal with problems alone. But strength isn’t about staying silent.

Around three in four people who die by suicide in the UK are men.

Talking about your mental health isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a step towards understanding what you’re going through and getting the support you deserve.

All tools

Breaking the myths

  1. 1

    “Real men don’t cry”

    Everyone experiences pain. Showing emotion doesn’t make you any less of a man.

  2. 2

    “I should deal with it myself”

    You don’t have to carry everything alone. Asking for support takes courage, not weakness.

  3. 3

    “Nobody will understand”

    You might be surprised by how many people have faced similar struggles. You deserve to be heard.

  4. 4

    “Talking won’t change anything”

    One conversation may not solve everything, but it can be the first step towards positive change.

Simple ways to open up

  1. 1

    Start with someone you trust

    A friend, family member or colleague. You don’t need to explain everything at once.

  2. 2

    Talk while doing something

    A walk, a drive, a coffee or the gym can make difficult conversations feel easier.

  3. 3

    Find your community

    Connect with others through local support groups, community activities or people who share similar experiences.

  4. 4

    Write it down

    If speaking feels difficult, try writing a message or putting your thoughts on paper.

  5. 5

    Seek professional support

    Your GP or a mental health professional can help you explore what you’re experiencing.