Men’s Mental Health Week: Why it Matters
- natmarrie
- Jun 10
- 4 min read
In a nutshell, why does it matter?
💡Because the leading cause of death of men under the age of 50, is suicide.
💡Because 3 out of every 4 suicides in the UK is a man.
💡Because 1 in 8 men in the UK experience a mental health problem.
💡Because men are more likely to use harmful coping mechanisms (e.g., alcohol, isolation).
💡Because men are less likely to seek help than women.
This sad statistic should be enough to know that this is an area that needs urgent greater awareness and action.
At Argan Training Solutions, we’re proud to support Men’s Mental Health Week (9–15 June 2025) — a time to highlight the often, overlooked mental health struggles men face.
Mental health is just as important as physical health—yet it’s often misunderstood or overlooked. It affects how we think, feel and act, shaping our ability to handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.
Good mental health isn’t about being happy all the time; it’s about coping with challenges, building resilience, and knowing when to seek support. Poor mental health, on the other hand, can impact every aspect of life, from how we perform at work to our relationships, both personal and professional.
Despite growing awareness, stigma still prevents many people—especially men—from speaking up. This sheds light on the suicide statistic above.
This Men’s Mental Health Week, we’re breaking the silence and exploring how workplaces, families and communities can foster a culture of openness and support.
At its core, parity of esteem
means valuing mental health equally with physical health. Yet, while a broken arm receives immediate sympathy and medical care, a struggle with anxiety or depression is often met with silence, stigma or even dismissal.
This disparity has real consequences. People delay seeking help for mental health concerns, workplaces overlook emotional wellbeing, and our healthcare system is underfunded in vital mental health services. The result? Preventable suffering.
True parity means:
✅ Treating mental health with the same urgency as physical health
✅ Ensuring equal access to support and treatment
✅ Challenging the idea that mental ill-health is a "weakness"
💡 Did you know? The NHS enshrined parity of esteem in law in 2012 within the Health and Social Care Act, yet significant gaps remain in funding and attitudes.
As we mark Men’s Mental Health Week,
this principle becomes even more critical. Societal expectations often pressure men to dismiss emotional struggles while prioritising physical toughness. But health is holistic—mind and body together.
Mental health struggles don't discriminate by gender. Yet, men are far less likely to seek help, often suffering in silence.
John's Story - Breaking the Silence in Men's Mental Health
John* was a 42-year-old care supervisor with 12 years of experience in a demanding residential care setting. Colleagues and managers viewed him as the "go-to" professional - dependable, a problem solver and always willing to cover extra shifts. What they didn't see was the toll this was taking.
The Breaking Point:
Routinely working 50-60 hour weeks due to understaffing
Going through a painful separation while maintaining a "strong front"
Sleeping poorly, relying on energy drinks to get through shifts
Withdrawing from social events he previously enjoyed
For months, John dismissed his symptoms ("Just tired" or "Stress comes with the job") thinking:
➔ “I should be able to handle this.”
➔ “Asking for help is a sign of weakness.”
Until a critical incident occurred.
During a shift, he made an uncharacteristic medication error - caught just in time by a vigilant colleague.
When his manager pulled him aside, with the comment, “You seem a bit off lately. That’s not like you —everything okay?”
John finally broke down.
The Turning Point:
His employer implemented:
1️⃣ Immediate Support: A temporary reduction to core hours with protected wellbeing time
2️⃣ Professional Help: Access to workplace counselling via their EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
3️⃣ Peer Connection: Encouragement to join "Andy's Man Club", a men's mental health support group
4️⃣ Systemic Change: The organisation introduced mandatory mental health first aid training for all managers
The Outcome:
After 3 months of support, John:
Returned to full duties with clear boundaries
Became a mental health first aider to support others
Publicly shared his story (anonymously) in company wellbeing materials
Reported improved sleep and relationships
The Lesson: John's story illustrates how workplace culture often rewards "silent struggle" until crisis hits.
His recovery required both individual support and changes within the organisation’s culture - proving that mental health is both a personal and collective responsibility.
How would your organisation respond if a "reliable" team member like John started struggling? Do you have proactive support systems in place?
How Can We Support the Men in Our Lives?
Whether you’re a manager, colleague, friend or family member, here are practical ways to help:
1. Encourage Open Conversations
Ask direct but non-judgmental questions: “How are you really doing?”
Avoid clichés like “Man up”—instead, say “It’s okay to not be okay.”
2. Normalise Help-Seeking
Share male mental health stories (celebrities such as Prince Harry, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Michael Phelps etc, colleagues or your own)
Promote male-friendly resources (e.g., CALM, Andy’s Man Club, Men’s Health Forum)
3. Spot the Signs
Withdrawal from social events or isolation from loved ones
Increased irritability or mood swings
Changes in performance at work
4. Advocate for Workplace Support
Mental Health First Aid training for teams (Mental Health First Aid E-Learning)
Peer support networks for men
Normalise a culture of openness share your own challenges when and where appropriate.
Celebrate Mental Health week openly within your service
Educate staff on how to spot the signs and start supportive conversations — not just with clients, but colleagues too.
Want to Take Action? We've Got You Covered
At Argan Training Solutions, we offer a range of Mental Health e-learning courses that gives your team the confidence to support others — and themselves:
Prefer a personal touch? We can deliver face-to-face group training at your service, tailored for all environments and team dynamics.
It’s a great opportunity to open-up conversation, build skills and enhance a culture of support.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Change the Narrative
This Men’s Mental Health Week, let’s challenge the outdated idea that men shouldn’t talk about their feelings. A simple conversation can be lifesaving.
Written and published by Natalie Machikiche
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