International Men’s Day — Men's Health Wake-Up Call We Cannot Ignore

Charles Ogunnowo -Olorunfemi
3 days ago
3 min read

Earlier this week, the world marked International Men’s Day, but for many men, the most important conversations still go unspoken. There’s a silent crisis unfolding: men’s health is suffering, and too often, no one is listening.

Why Men's Health Matters

International Men’s Day came and went. But what lingers is a deeply troubling truth:

Men die by suicide three times more often than women. menandboys.org.uk menshealthforum.org.uk
In England and Wales, around 75% of suicides are among men. menshealthforum.org.uk
Despite this, men under-access mental health care: only 36% of NHS referrals to psychological therapy are men. menshealthforum.org.uk

These are not just numbers. They're lives, yours, a friend’s, a brother’s — left on the edge with no lifeline.

“It takes courage to be open and honest about mental health,” said Mark Rowland, director at the Mental Health Foundation. “But when suicide is the leading cause of death for young men, we all have a responsibility to push for cultural change.” The Guardian

The Health Reality Men Face

1. Physical Health Risks Are Real and Underestimated

Men are less likely to visit a doctor when they’re struggling. The Men & Boys Coalition reports that nearly one in five male deaths occur before the age of 65, in part because men are less likely to acknowledge illness or seek help. menandboyscoalition.org.uk. Furthermore, men have a 4-year lower life expectancy on average compared to women. menandboys.org.uk

2. Mental Health Remains Stigmatized

In a survey by the Priory Group, 40% of men said they had never spoken to anyone about their mental health, citing embarrassment or stigma. Priory. And for many, it takes thoughts of self-harm or suicide to even consider getting help.

3. Suicide Is a Preventable Tragedy

Men make up three-quarters of all suicides registered in the UK. menshealthforum.org .ukIn 2023 alone, that translated to thousands of lives lost — lives that could have been saved with earlier intervention and support.

Why Men Stay Silent

There’s a pervasive belief that asking for help is weak. That vulnerability damages the “strong man” image. But real strength is admitting when you don’t have all the answers.

As the organization Men’s Minds Matter puts it: “For too many men, life’s too short … they feel trapped, with nowhere to turn.” Men's Minds Matter. Many men are struggling in silence — not because they don’t care, but because they believe they must carry their pain alone.

What Men Truly Need for Wellness

Prevention, Not Crisis Care
Regular check-ins, mental health screenings, and preventative care can save lives.
Safe Spaces to Be Real
We need more environments where men can speak without fear — at work, in therapy, with trusted friends.
Rest as a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Men should feel no shame in slowing down. Rest protects health, not weakens productivity.
Support Without Judgement
Whether it’s a partner, a colleague, a counselor, we must normalize men seeking help.