Rethinking Masculinity: TRIGGER Warning!

Understanding Suicide Risk Among Men

The mental health crisis among men is a silent epidemic, exacerbated by societal expectations of masculinity that often discourage emotional vulnerability.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among men worldwide, yet conversations around this stark reality remain muted.

This week some visual representations around London of suicide among men in the construction industry have sparked much-needed conversations about mental health and masculinity.

Yet, some recruiters and professionals in construction have expressed concern that frequent discussions of suicide rates might discourage people from pursuing careers in the sector.

This month's Kinship session on debunking the myths around suicide, raised concerns of the emotional and social complexity of addressing suicide and suicidal ideation, particularly within the context of diverse communities. One participant commented:

Statistics reveal that men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women, despite women being more likely to attempt it. This disparity stems in part from how men are conditioned to cope with emotional pain.

I believe, it is important to get to the roots of this issue, which lie in how we, as a society, define and enforce masculinity—prioritising stoicism, strength, and independence while stigmatising emotional openness and vulnerability.

Discussions should be marked by mutual support and gratitude for safe open dialogues;

Suicide is a difficult and triggering topic to explore and when tackling heavy topics like this, people will often feel vulnerable. Hence, the importance of creating safe spaces to allow the power of collective empathy and support.

To address the alarming suicide rates among men, we must rethink these ingrained notions of masculinity, foster inclusive conversations about mental health, and create environments where men feel supported to seek help without judgment.

The Link Between Masculinity and Mental Health

From an early age, many boys are socialised to suppress their emotions, hearing messages like “man up” or “boys don’t cry.”

These seemingly harmless phrases reinforce the idea that expressing vulnerability is a sign of weakness, creating a barrier to emotional connection and mental health support.

As boys grow into men, these cultural scripts solidify, making it difficult for them to acknowledge their struggles or seek help.

For men experiencing mental health challenges, these societal expectations can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and inadequacy.

When compounded by stressors such as financial difficulties, relationship breakdowns, or job loss, men may turn to maladaptive coping mechanisms, including substance abuse, aggression, or complete emotional withdrawal.

These patterns of behaviour not only heighten the risk of suicide but also mask the distress, making it harder for friends, family, and even professionals to intervene.

This is more predominant in Black and Asian men who are often underrepresented in talking therapies, but over-represented in crisis mental health and detained under the Mental Health Act.

Social Conditioning, Race, Culture, and Suicide

Social conditioning profoundly shapes how different groups express and cope with suicidal ideation, with additional layers of complexity introduced by race and culture.

Society often imposes distinct expectations on individuals based on gender, race, and cultural background, creating nuanced differences in how people might experience or display distress.

For instance, men are often socialised to maintain a facade of strength, unemotional resilience, and self-reliance.

Social isolation plays a critical role in this equation. Many men find it difficult to build or maintain strong emotional support networks, as traditional notions of masculinity discourage open, intimate connections with others.

Without these outlets for expressing vulnerability, feelings of hopelessness can fester, leading to crises that escalate quickly.

Under this pressure, many men, especially from Black and other racially marginalised backgrounds, may feel further restrained from showing vulnerability due to racialised stereotypes that position them as "tough" or "strong."

This leads some to suppress their emotions, resulting in expressions of distress through substance use, aggression, or even visible and tragic suicide attempts as a way of coping.

These intersections of race, culture, and gender affect how individuals cope and influence how others perceive and respond to their distress.

It’s vital to acknowledge that mental health struggles exist within broader cultural and societal contexts that shape not only personal responses, but also public and institutional support.

By recognising these dynamics and challenging stereotypes, we can foster a mental health culture that validates all experiences, ensuring that cries for help are met with compassion and understanding rather than assumptions shaped by social conditioning.

In embracing these perspectives, we support a more inclusive approach to mental health and suicide prevention—one that respects the unique realities faced by individuals across different racial, cultural, and gendered backgrounds.

Rethinking Masculinity

To address the suicide crisis among men, we need to redefine what it means to “be a man.” This isn’t about abandoning traditional masculine traits like strength or resilience;

Instead, it’s about expanding the definition to include emotional intelligence, empathy, and the courage to seek help when needed.

Here are a few key areas, where I think we can start:

1. Normalising Vulnerability

Vulnerability is often misunderstood as a weakness, but in reality, it is an act of courage. By normalising conversations around mental health and showing that it’s okay for men to admit when they’re struggling, we can begin to dismantle the stigma. Public figures and role models who share their mental health journeys can help break this silence, showing that strength and vulnerability can coexist.

2. Challenging Stereotypes

Media, entertainment, and advertising continue to perpetuate outdated stereotypes of men as stoic, hyper-competent providers. These images often overshadow the diverse realities of modern masculinity. By promoting alternative narratives that celebrate emotional complexity, we can create a culture that values authenticity over performance.

3. Fostering Emotional Connection

Building emotional literacy among men is essential. Workshops, support groups, and community programs tailored to men’s mental health can provide safe spaces for emotional expression and connection. Equipping men with the language to articulate their feelings empowers them to communicate their needs and seek support effectively.

4. Redefining Strength

True strength lies in recognising when you need help and taking steps to get it. Campaigns that frame help-seeking as an act of courage rather than a failure of independence can challenge ingrained beliefs and encourage more men to prioritise their mental health.

5. Representation

The representation of roles in our workforce is important, particularly for diverse communities to see themselves represented in services which they may want to access. I believe one of the barriers for men, particularly Black men, accessing support earlier is the lack of representation in of them in this workforce, particularly in primary care and talking therapies. We need to increase the representation of male mental health nurses, counsellors, psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists.

Practical Steps to Support Men’s Mental Health

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but small, intentional actions can create a ripple effect. Here are some practical ways we can support men facing mental health challenges:

1. Encourage Conversations: If you notice someone withdrawing or exhibiting signs of distress, start a conversation. Simple, open-ended questions like “How are you really feeling?” or “Is there anything you want to talk about?” can make a difference. Don't be afraid to ask.
2. Provide Resources: Share information about mental health support services, such as hotlines, counselling centres, or online resources specifically designed for men. Destigmatise professional help by framing it as a tool for growth rather than a last resort.
3. Be Patient and Non-Judgmental: Men may take time to open up, especially if they’ve internalised years of emotional suppression. Approach conversations with patience, empathy, and without imposing solutions. Sometimes, just listening is enough.
4. Promote Peer Support: Encourage men to form or join peer support groups. Talking to others who have faced similar struggles can be incredibly validating and may help break down feelings of isolation.
5. Advocate for Systemic Change: Advocate for workplace policies and community programs that prioritise mental health. Flexible working hours, mental health training, and access to confidential support services can create environments where men feel empowered to seek help.

A New Definition of Masculinity

And, finally addressing the suicide crisis among men requires us to rethink the scripts that define masculinity. This doesn’t mean rejecting masculinity altogether but evolving it to include traits that foster emotional well-being.

A man can be strong and vulnerable, independent yet connected, resilient while still asking for help. By expanding what it means to “be a man,” we can create a society where men feel safe to express themselves fully and seek support without fear of judgment.

Suicide is a complex issue with no single solution, but change starts with conversation.

By challenging stereotypes, promoting open dialogue, and redefining masculinity, we can take meaningful steps toward reducing the stigma around men’s mental health and saving lives.

It’s time to build a world where no man feels that silence or isolation are his only options—a world where vulnerability is met with compassion, and where strength is found in connection.

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?? Rooted in Strength: Nurturing Mental Health in PR ??

For Black and Brown Professionals in PR, the journey is often filled with unique pressures and experiences that many others may not fully understand. That’s why the PRCA Race and Ethnicity Equity Board (REEB) has curated an empowering event just for you. Join us for an intimate afternoon where you’ll gain tools, strategies, and community support to protect your mental wellbeing and prevent burnout. Email us at [email protected] to register.