Bridging the gap in men's mental health perceptions and the reality

Employment law and HR

International Men’s Day helps to raise global awareness of the issues potentially impacting males. This year’s focus is on mental health, well-being, and positive male role models. Although awareness around men’s mental health is growing, there remains a significant gap between how men perceive their own mental health and the reality of the challenges they face. Why does this disparity exist?

In this blog, we explore how men view their mental health, comparing these perceptions with evidence and statistics to highlight potential misunderstandings and the need for continuing awareness and support.

It is important to note that one person’s description of good or bad mental health is extremely subjective. What one person describes as positive or negative mental well-being, others would perceive as normal for them. It is difficult to tell what you’re experiencing is not the way it should be if you have never known any different. Open discussions and education around mental well-being is vital to encourage recognition, in yourself and others, of low mood, anxiety or stress.

Perception vs reality: an overview

How we feel, perceive, and evaluate our own mental well-being can vary significantly from person to person. However, while the way we assess our mental health is subjective, patterns often reveal themselves within different groups—and research has shown that men’s perceptions of their mental health tend to differ markedly from those of women. This disparity points to a potential gap between how men see their own mental health and their actual mental health.

In a recent survey conducted by Forth With Life, an intriguing trend was discovered: men are almost twice as likely as women to rate their mental health as “excellent” (13.5% of men vs. 7.5% of women), and on the other hand, 18.5% of women report their mental health as being “bad” or “the worst it’s ever been,” compared to 12.5% of men.

What do these figures suggest?

These figures suggest that men may perceive their mental health in a more favourable light than women, possibly due to societal pressures or cultural influences that encourage men to “stay strong” and as a result suppress their vulnerability.

Some men may feel compelled to describe their mental health in a good light, even if it doesn’t fully reflect their experience.

Why does perception matter?

Self-perception plays a key role in mental well-being. If men see their mental health as generally positive consistently over time, they may be less likely to recognise signs of underlying issues or to seek help when they need it.

As a result, men may unintentionally minimise or overlook symptoms like prolonged stress, anxiety, or depression – attributing them to everyday pressures rather than seeing them as indicators of a larger mental health concern. Without recognising these signs, men may avoid seeking help, even when professional support could make a meaningful difference.

Only by confronting the disparity between perception and reality, can men truly understand and improve their mental health. The data in the blog shows that there is a distinct difference between how men see themselves (or think they should be) and their reality.

Mental health in careers and relationships

Careers

Work is a central part of life for many men, shaping not only their identity but also how they rate their overall well-being. In Forth With Life’s survey, 10.57% of men rated their feelings surrounding their work as “excellent – the best it’s ever been,” compared to only 6.38% of women, suggesting that men are feeling confident, fulfilled, and positive in their careers.

Relationships

Just as with careers, our relationships play a fundamental role in our mental health. When it comes to relationships, a similar picture is painted, with 14.72% of men in Forth With Life’s survey describing their relationship satisfaction as “excellent,” closely matching women’s responses at 14.20%. While this suggests that many men feel satisfied and supported in their relationships, other studies indicate that men might overlook or be less aware of underlying issues that affect relationship well-being.

What is the reality of mental health within careers and relationships?

Societal pressures can make men feel they must appear successful or unaffected by stress at work, even when dealing with high levels of strain. In some cases, stress and burnout are downplayed, rationalised as the “normal” demands of career progression. Men may avoid acknowledging career-related mental health struggles for fear it would make them seem less competent or resilient. This tendency to minimise work-related stress can prevent men from recognising when they’re at risk of burnout, ultimately impacting both their personal and professional lives.

Traditional ideas around masculinity often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or acknowledging difficulties in personal relationships. This reluctance can lead men to maintain a positive view of their relationship health even if they experience dissatisfaction, loneliness, or emotional distance. Men may feel pressure to remain stoic and self-sufficient, which could mean they’re less likely to reach out for support when they encounter relationship challenges. This can lead to a kind of “silent suffering” that could go unaddressed.

Understanding the hidden cost of unacknowledged struggles

When men underreport struggles in their careers or relationships, the hidden emotional toll can accumulate. Over time, ignoring or minimising these challenges can impact mental health, leading to a sense of isolation, chronic stress, or even depression. Encouraging men to view their careers and relationships through a more honest, introspective lens—and recognising that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness—can help bridge the gap between perception and reality.

To close the gap between perceived and actual mental health among men, it’s crucial for individuals, society as a whole, and businesses to address the barriers that prevent men from acknowledging and seeking help for mental health issues. Stigma, fear of judgment, and a lack of awareness play major roles in why men often downplay or avoid seeking support for mental health struggles.

What does research show?

The Samaritans notes that traditional views of masculinity can make men less likely to express vulnerability.
Research from the Men’s Health Forum reinforces that men, particularly in the UK, are more likely to underreport mental health struggles. The societal pressure to be “stoic” or “tough” can make men feel that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of weakness, leading to a significant reluctance to reach out for support.
Data from the House of Commons Library indicates that men are less likely to seek out or receive mental health support compared to women, with many avoiding help due to fear of being perceived as less resilient.
This reluctance to seek help becomes especially worrying when considering the stark statistics around men’s mental health.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) men are more than three times as likely to die by suicide than women, with the highest rates observed in men aged 45-64.

This stark reality underscores the consequences of ignoring mental health struggles and the pressing need to break down barriers that prevent men from seeking help.

Campaigns from organisations like Movember and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) are working to change the conversation around men’s mental health, emphasising that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

These efforts are essential in creating a supportive environment where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges and accessing the resources they need. Reducing stigma and raising awareness about mental health can help more men acknowledge their struggles and take steps toward support before issues reach crisis levels.

Practical steps to address the disparity

To address the disparity in men’s mental health, several targeted measures can help reduce stigma, encourage, and improve access to support.

Promoting mental health education in the workplace

Creating an open environment in workplaces is a key step in addressing men’s mental health. Research has shown that workplaces that provide mental health education and support are better at encouraging employees to discuss mental health issues before they escalate into more serious problems.

When employees feel that their mental health is taken seriously, it can lead to a decrease in stigma and encourage more men to seek help. Additionally, incorporating mental health support into employee wellness programmes has been linked to improved outcomes for those who experience stress and burnout.

Community and peer support

Peer support is an effective way for helping men engage in mental health discussions. Many men may find it easier to talk about their mental health with friends, family, or colleagues rather than formal professionals. Peer-led support groups can create safe spaces for men to discuss their mental health experiences without judgment.

Targeted support for high-risk groups

Certain groups of men, such as those in high-stress occupations, middle-aged men, and those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, may be at a higher risk of mental health challenges. Targeted interventions aimed at these groups are critical (House of Commons Library). Public health initiatives could focus on providing targeted mental health support for men in high-risk demographics, helping to reduce the risk of mental health crises and improving outcomes for these groups.

Closing thoughts

As we’ve explored, there remains a significant gap between how men perceive their mental health and the reality of the challenges they face. This disparity—often driven by societal expectations, stigma, and a reluctance to seek help—means that many men are not getting the support they need. Addressing this gap is essential, not only for improving individual well-being but also for fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

It’s important to understand that mental health struggles are not signs of weakness but are a normal part of life. All individuals should be encouraged to recognise and talk openly about mental health without fear of judgment. Whether at home, in the workplace, or within our communities, creating non-judgmental spaces where men feel safe to discuss their mental health will make a significant difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, is in crisis or at risk of suicide contact Samaritans on their 24/7 telephone helpline. Alternatively, you can contact them on their online chat, or via email.

Price Bailey has chosen Samaritans as its official charity partner and has committed to matching all donations raised annually, up to a total of £50k, across all fundraising efforts for both Samaritans and a number of smaller local worthwhile causes. Samaritans is a registered charity dedicated to providing emotional support to individuals in distress, those struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

We always recommend that you seek advice from a suitably qualified adviser before taking any action. The information in this article only serves as a guide and no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of this material can be accepted by the authors or the firm.

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