A third of men in Scotland do not seek support when they need it, study shows

There is still a stigma around men seeking help when they are struggling to cope, a new survey by the Samaritans shows.

More than a third of men in Scotland (36%) aged 20-59 do not seek support when they need to because they prefer to solve their problems themselves.

The survey also shows that men often don’t want to feel like a burden and don’t feel their problems will be understood.

The study has been commissioned as the charity launches a new campaign, supported by National Rail, aimed at getting men to open up.

James Jopling, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, said: “It’s clear that too many men in Scotland continue to struggle alone.

"While our survey found 80% of men in Scotland say it’s ok to admit you’re not feeling okay, many still avoid speaking out when they’re finding life tough.

"A quarter of men in Scotland said they felt their problems weren’t important enough to warrant calling a helpline, which is one of the reasons this awareness campaign is so important.

“By sharing positive and hopeful stories, we want to send the message to men in Scotland, that whatever they’re going through, they don’t need to face it on their own.

"Speaking openly and honestly about what you’re experiencing – whether it’s with a loved one, a friend or through a confidential and non-judgmental service like Samaritans – can make real difference.”

In the survey, men in Scotland cited a number of reasons why they’ve struggled in the past including debt or financial worries (28%), relationship breakdown or family problems (28%), loneliness or isolation (23%) and job loss or job-related problems (22%).

Current Kilmarnock and former Scotland striker, Kris Boyd, who lost his brother to suicide, is backing the campaign.

He says: “There is still a lot of stigma that can make it hard for men to open up about mental health.

"My experience losing my brother to suicide has made me more determined to do what I can to encourage others to reach out when they’re struggling.

“And we can all be a part of making that change, by taking the time to talk when we’re struggling or when we know someone who is, by being that listening ear or a shoulder to lean on.

"I hope that by sharing my story I can let other men know, you don’t have to struggle alone.”

Tony Robertson, 38, suffered from undiagnosed depression for most of his life.

Tony struggled to cope when he lost his job, his home and partner, and attempted to take his own life. “I was in my hospital bed the morning after and I saw my mum sat there upset, and something clicked.

"I started talking to my mum about how I was feeling. I think having that human connection really does bring that home.

"I hope by sharing my story as part of the campaign, it will encourage other men to speak up and seek help before getting to the stage that I got to. Talking really can save lives.”

Eddie Carmichael, a volunteer with Samaritans in Edinburgh, has seen the power of listening from both sides, having become a listening volunteer after Samaritans supported him through a difficult time.

He says: “In the middle of the night, I reached out and made contact with Samaritans and found that there was someone who was there for me, who listened without judging and who provided me with time and emotional space for me to begin to find my own way forward.

"That encounter always felt pivotal for me in finding my own way out of that very dark time.

“Seven years ago, in a very different frame of mind, I began training as a Samaritan.

"I know, both from the perspective of someone who was himself listened to and as someone who now listens as a Samaritan volunteer, how powerful the act of listening with empathy and without judging can be.

"It can help simply to get through the next minutes or hours and, sometimes, it can help someone to find a way to make a much more transformative change.”

The campaign will have a presence in some of Scotland’s major train stations, with additional posters in Glasgow and Dundee.