Suicide in men – new initiative highlights the role health clubs can play in prevention

As more people join gyms to support their mental health, it’s becoming apparent that some men need additional support, as the male suicide rate in the UK is currently the highest it has been since 1999.

According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2023 the male suicide rate in the UK was approximately 17/100,000, as opposed to just under 6/100,000 for women. Women are more likely to report being depressed than men – 19 per cent versus 14 per cent – however men rarely seek help so this might not be a representative figure.

Loneliness is more prevalent among men than women. In 2021, 32 per cent of men reported feeling lonely compared to 22 per cent of women. Men are more likely to report severe loneliness, which increases as they age and are less likely to confide in someone that they are lonely.

In response to this crisis, the University of Sunderland held a free public lecture recently, led by three of its psychologists – Dr Rebecca Owens, Dr Jon Rees and Dr Mark Ord – to talk discuss male mental health. The event was a collaboration with Space North East, an organisation supporting men in the north-east of England who are living with depression, loneliness and anxiety.

The event covered the crisis in male mental health, the rise of incel culture and questions about masculinity and identity, suicide rates, social isolation and cultural expectations, as well as how they can be better supported.

Ord said: “Men and boys have a complex and nuanced psychology. Rapid changes in social structure, especially around the meaning ascribed to masculinity and men, often pose many challenges to male mental health. This creates unique mental health challenges that often do not get the attention they require.”

The university is also running a project to examine what help organisations provide for men’s mental health in Sunderland and is hoping to be able to make more specific suggestions about how to support male mental wellbeing when it concludes.

Rees told HCM: “One of the reasons male psychology is a major research focus for the University of Sunderland is that we do not have a good answer to the questions of why is this happening.

“My personal opinion is that perhaps we need to listen better to what men are saying. In addition we need to consider that mental health is everyone’s business and we need to work to overcome the stigma associated with mental illness that prevents people from seeking help.”

Health clubs are already helping. Research has shown physical activity can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing feel-good endorphins, providing a diversion from rumination, boosting confidence and giving the opportunity for social interaction. To have more impact the sector needs to broaden its reach to men who aren’t currently active and empower fitness professionals to talk to men about their mental wellbeing, as well as signposting them to other agenies if they need help.