'Silence is killing people': Why men need to talk about mental health
When it comes to mental health, men are known for not being as open about it as women. While more is being done to take away the stigma of having mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, there's still a long way to go.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2021 the global suicide rate for men was 12.3 per 100,000, more than double the rate for women, which stood at 5.9 per 100,000. This stark contrast highlights the urgency of addressing men's mental health.
Scott Armstrong, a mental health advocate and founder of the mentl.space platform , says: 'That's a devastating number. Yet we still struggle to get men to talk about their mental health. It tells us that silence is literally killing people.'
Mental health
So, what do we actually mean when we say 'mental health issues'? 'I don't think anyone — clinical professionals or campaigners — can easily sum this up because mental health issues cover a wide range of conditions — anxiety, depression, burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder,' adds Armstrong.
'But at their core, they're about how we think, feel, and cope with life's challenges. Mental health is just as real as physical health, and like any health issue, ignoring it only makes it worse.'
Middle-aged men, especially those juggling careers, family life, and financial pressures experience high stress and burnout. 'Older generations grew up at a time when vulnerability was often seen as weakness, leading many to suffer in silence. The mentality of 'just get on with it' still lingers,' says Ciarán McBreen, managing director at CMB coaching and training.
Younger generation
Does that mean it's easier for younger people to talk about mental health? 'Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are more open to discussing mental health, thanks to growing awareness and social media,' explains McBreen. 'However, stigma still exists, especially in high-pressure work environments.'
Indeed, young men face new pressures — social media, economic uncertainty, and an always-on work culture. Mental health experts agree that each generation has different struggles, but the common theme is that many men still find it hard to ask for help.
Kes Smith-Green, the founder of KSG Wellness Coaching, says: 'Look at social media, young men suffer from fear of missing out (FOMO), expectations to dress a certain way, to look a certain way, to spend X amount on a woman, to earn this much money, and another endless list. It is a different list of expectations, but one that we can control compared to the older generations.'
It's only recently that mental health in the workplace became a hot topic, and now this focus has spread outside the office. 'Even 15 years ago, male mental health was swept under the carpet. Access to mental health support was hard to come by without serious money,' adds Smith-Green, who is also a positive psychology coach.
Governments, particularly in Europe, have been picking up the mantle and are now putting laws in place to support those with mental health problems. For example, Sweden is recognised for its robust mental healthcare system, offering accessible services and promoting work:life balance.
Maqsoud Kruse, chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution UAE, joined the mentl space live recently to highlight the UAE's commitment to mental health and well-being in the community and the workplace.
Ask for help
For many men, mental health struggles don't always manifest in obvious ways. Instead of expressing sadness or distress, men often show signs of anger or irritability, emotional withdrawal or isolation, and even self-destructive behaviours, such as overworking. 'Understanding these signs is crucial in supporting men who may be silently struggling,' adds McBreen, who also launched the podcast Men's Time to Talk, an initiative within the group British Dads Dubai.
'This is a safe, non-judgmental space where men can share their interests, challenges, or simply connect. What started as a small gathering has now evolved into a weekly session, led by a team of trained professionals, each bringing a unique perspective and support to the group.'
Dubai culture
Loneliness is on the rise, even in bustling cities like Dubai. Its fast-paced environment, long working hours, and high expectations can fuel stress, anxiety, and burnout. Many professionals feel pressured to chase success, often at the cost of their mental wellbeing.
'Some people thrive on stress, some don't. Some know how to optimise the things they need such as good nutrition, exercise, sleep, etc., and some don't. These all have a bigger impact on mental health than the longer hours,' adds Smith-Green.
Arab men
Western cultures seem to be leading the way when it comes to tackling men and mental health concerns. So, what about us in the Middle East? 'There's still a stigma, but it's shifting. The Middle East has strong cultural expectations around masculinity, and for many Arab men, there's still a perception that talking about mental health is a sign of weakness,' says Armstrong.
Thankfully, things are changing. More leaders, athletes, and influencers in the region are opening up, and the government is prioritising mental well-being. 'We need to keep breaking the stigma because men everywhere — regardless of culture — need to know it's okay to ask for help.'
However, on the rise are pressures caused by financial worries. 'The issue is that debt in the UAE is becoming more focused in the laws,' explains Smith-Green. 'I've supported people through understanding money and having those family conversations around it.'
Asking for help
Two of the main paths to help men struggling with mental health issues are to talk about them and ask for help. While this can involve talking to friends and colleagues; more often than not, it involves calling on a professional.
'My aim as a wellness and mental health coach is simple. To work on small things that have big impact on wellbeing and, therefore, mental health,' says Smith-Green. This involves exploring emotions, and the reason why a person has certain behaviours. 'And if the person wants to change those behaviours, what they think is the right [replacement action] and talk them through discovering how to do it. Coaching is about self-discovery, not tips and tricks.'
At mentl, it is about raising awareness and having honest conversations, mainly through podcasts and live events. 'We amplify stories that show vulnerability isn't weakness; it's strength,' adds Armstrong.
And his best advice? 'Talk. Whether it's a friend, a coach, or a professional, don't try to navigate it alone. Speaking up doesn't make you less of a man — it makes you a healthier one.'
For Ciaran McBreen, it's also about having real and honest conversations. 'Whether through coaching, structured support groups, or informal conversations, the mission remains the same: to break down barriers and let men know they are not alone. Sometimes, one honest conversation can change someone's life.'
Men and women
But how is dealing with male mental health different from female mental health? The struggles are often similar — stress, depression, anxiety. However, the way men and women respond can be different. 'Women are more likely to seek support, while men often bottle things up until they hit a breaking point. It's important to understand that both men and women are struggling and need more support,' concludes Armstrong.
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