Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: November 2024

Every November is home to men’s mental health awareness month. Men experience disproportionately high-rates of suicide, with death by suicide being the biggest killer of men under the age of 50 in the UK.

There are many reasons why men might talk less about mental health, such as societal expectations of masculinity. Each November, we tackle this stigma and encourage men to talk.

Mental illness affects people of every gender, and while the specifics may differ, it’s incorrect to assume that men don’t struggle simply because they are often portrayed, or expected, to be strong and silent. This expectation is rooted in toxic masculinity and has resulted in poor mental health outcomes for men. Men are more likely to experience substance abuse and exhibit violence, and more likely to die by suicide. Skewed expectations around how men should display emotion can lead to a fear of being judged, or for crying or appearing “weak.”

#WEALLHAVEAMANINOURLIFE

 

 

 

Event Programme

Our events series includes talks from external partners around the themes:

• Breaking the Stigma around Men's Mental Health
• Finding ways to support yours and others wellbeing

No need to register - just show up! Workshop and Talks will be accessible online after the event.

 

Manchester 21st November, 11am – 3pm, Room LGR1 & LGR2

• 11AM: Event Starts
• 12:45PM: Mandem Meet Up
• 1:30PM: Togetherall
• 3PM: Event Close

 
Moorgate 25th November, 11am – 3pm, Foyer

• 11AM: Event Starts
• 12:45PM: R;PPLE
• 1:30PM: Togetherall
• 3PM: Event Close

 

Bristol

Thanks to everyone who could make it on 19/11 for our Bristol Men's Mental Health Event. Please find a video of one of the talks below.

Men's Mental Health Event - Ben Aker, Talk Club

TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide Reference and explicit language.

Ben Talks about his experience, why he set up Talk Club and how Talk Club helps men to understand how they are feeling by asking How Are You? out of 10?

Why is this campaign needed?

• Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the uk
• 36% of all NHS referrals for psychological therapies are for men
• 52% would be concerned about taking time off work, whilst 46% would be embarrassed or ashamed to tell their employer
• 1 man takes their own life every 2 hours and 1 man's death affects 135 people
• Young people, aged 16-24 are the most affected by mental health struggles, with nearly a quarter (23.5%) describing their mental health as either bad or the worst it’s ever been
• In the UK in 2024, the term ‘How to reduce stress’ is searched on Google once every 10 minutes, on average

Men's Mental Health Myths

• Men do not experience depression or anxiety
• Talking about suicide makes it more likely to happen
• Men do not experience the “baby blues”
• Needing help means that you are weak

Get Support

• The ULaw Wellbeing services provides advice, guidance and support to students on a variety of personal, practical and/or social issues: Wellbeing-[yourcampus]@law.ac.uk
• Samaritans – 116 123 Josamaritans.org
• NHS – 111 (1800 111)
• SHOUT – 85258 (TEXT SHOUT)