"Toxic masculinity" blamed for young men not talking about their problems
New survey finds 14-21yr olds refusing to ask for help with their mental health, even when times get really tough.
One in three young men in the UK are dealing with mental health struggles, but nearly half are refusing to speak about it.
Stats seen be MFR and the #MentalHealthMonday Podcast from the charity stem4 highlight how many 14-21 year olds find it hard to express their feelings over fears they'll be dismissed, or seen as weak.
Stress, anxiety, low mood and eating disorders were among the issues they were most commonly facing
The survey found:
- 51% of those struggling said they hadn't spoken to anyone about it
- 46% said they would not ask for help "even if things got really bad"
- Lack of "courage", (36%) not wanting to make a fuss (32%) and feeling weak or ashamed (30%) are among the reasons they did not speak out
"Man-up" culture causing mental health problems
The survey lifts the lid on the impact that "toxic masculinity" culture is having on young people.
46% of those surveyed identified having to appear in a dominant masculine way had a negative impact on their mental health.
A quarter (25%) of boys and young men said being associated with peers who treat girls and women disrespectfully was one of the factors most likely to damage young men’s mental health.
Young men suffering silence
Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and CEO of stem4, the charity which works to prevent mental ill health in young people and teenagers, said: “We live in a culture that puts huge pressure on boys and young men to behave in particular ways, many of them damaging to their mental health.
"Our survey shows exactly why this is so damaging, with many suffering in silence, even when they’re approaching crisis point.
LISTEN IN FULL : Dr Nihara Krause speaks to the Mental Health Monday Podcast
"If we’re going to tackle boys and young men’s mental health, we have to address the cultural blind spots to male mental health.
"It’s also time to start listening properly to boys and men, understand how they express their needs, and provide services that will benefit them.”
How can we solve the issue?
More than 1000 young men were asked by Stem4 what measures they would like to see in play to help them speak up if they needed support.
Among the responses were:
- Regular mental health check-ups (just like going to the dentist)
- Safe places in which to ask for help
- One-on-one in person treatment to speak to therapists, not group sessions
- Better PSHE education in schools, not from a textbook, with practical guidance on how to ask for help
- Education for families on how to spot early signs of mental ill health, and how to talk to their children
- Better, faster access to treatment
- Recognition that loneliness is real for boys and young men, and that they are not a tough as they portray
Find out more about stem4 and other services which can support your mental health on the Mental Health Monday Podcast