Mind > Information > Factsheets and booklets by subject > Men

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Three-quarters of suicides in the UK are by men. [1]
Men are far less likely than women to seek help with medical problems. [2]
Depression occurs as often in men as in women, but women are twice as likely to be diagnosed and treated. [3]
Men make up 94 per cent of the UK prison population, which has far higher levels of mental distress than the general population. [4]
One in nine adult men is dependent on alcohol; men are three times more likely than women to be alcohol dependent. [5]
Schizophrenia tends to have an earlier onset in men and is associated with poorer outcomes than in women. [6]

Sexual identity (our biological status as male or female) and gender identity (our sense of ourselves as masculine or feminine) are important factors in mental health. [7] They can affect our experience of mental distress, our use of health services, how we express our mental health problems and how our problems are perceived by others. Sexual and gender identity contribute to the personal and social contexts of mental distress, interacting with other aspects of identity such as ethnicity, sexuality and age.

This factsheet looks at the sexual and gender issues that affect men's mental health. It is primarily aimed at students and professionals who work with men in mental distress. It may also be of interest to men who are in distress themselves, and their friends, relatives and carers.

Admission to hospital
Although women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with a mental illness, men are more likely to be admitted to a mental health inpatient ward. [8] Men are also more likely to be admitted formally ('sectioned') under the Mental Health Act. The number of men formally admitted to NHS hospitals in England and Wales under Part II of the Mental Health Act (Sections 2, 3 and 4) rose dramatically during the 1990s. Formal admissions of men in England rose from 8,673 per year in 1990 to 13,400 in 2003–2004, while the number of women admitted increased from 8,908 to 11,400. [9]

Black men in particular have high admission rates to hospital under section, and are over-represented in secure units. (See ‘Black and minority ethnic men'.)

Suicide [10]
Between 1971 and 1998, the suicide rate for women in England and Wales halved, while in the same period the rate for men almost doubled. This trend has changed in recent years, showing a decrease in the number of suicides by men, due at least in part to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. However, men remain far more vulnerable to death by suicide than women, making up 75 per cent of all suicides in the UK.

Several reasons have been put forward to explain the high suicide rate among men. These include the reluctance of men to talk about their problems or express their feelings, and the fact that men are less likely to consult their GP, especially with psychological problems. Social changes across areas such as education, employment and family relationships are also cited. These issues are described in more detail in ‘The social context of men's mental distress’.

Depression
A number of studies suggest that depression occurs as often in men as in women, [11] but women get diagnosed and treated twice as often as men. [12]

'Hidden’ or ‘covert’ depression is sometimes a factor behind problems that are sometimes thought of as being typically male – such as the misuse of drugs and alcohol. [13] It can also be manifested in behaviours such as social withdrawal, unexplained physical symptoms and relationship problems. Men are often unwilling to admit to being depressed and it has been suggested that, for some men, 'midlife crisis' can be a euphemism for depression. [14]

Schizophrenia
Roughly the same number of men and women receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia. However, men tend to be diagnosed at a slightly younger age and are less likely to make a full recovery. [15]

A disproportionate number of African Caribbean men are diagnosed with schizophrenia, leading some people to believe that the entire theory of schizophrenia is based on racist ideas. [16] (These issues are discussed in more detail below.)

Substance misuse
One in nine adult men is dependent on alcohol; men are three times more likely than women to be alcohol dependent. [17] The number of men who drink more than the recommended maximum number of units of alcohol per week rose between 1999 and 2004; two out of five men drink more than this amount. [18]

Men are more likely than women to use illegal drugs and to develop a drug addiction or dependency. The most recent NHS statistics on this issue show that more than twice as many men as women access treatment services for drug problems. [19]

Personality disorders
Personality disorders are diagnoses that have traditionally been associated with stigma and controversy. [20] Almost every personality disorder, including antisocial personality disorder (formerly known as 'psychopathy'), is more likely to be diagnosed in men than in women. [21] Men who meet a diagnosis of a personality disorder are heavily represented in the prison population (see ‘Criminal Justice System’). [22]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Boys are more likely to experience conduct and behavioural disorders in childhood, such as ADHD. Some, but not all children, grow out of ADHD. [23] Recent research indicates that the demand for adult ADHD services currently outstrips supply, [24] which suggests a neglected area for men's mental health.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Although anyone can develop PTSD, the risk of doing so increases with the severity of a trauma. [25] Individuals at high risk of developing PTSD include combat veterans, fire fighters and victims of violence – groups that include high proportions of men.

All of us live with social pressures and expectations relating to our sexual and gender identity. These pressures and expectations can have adverse effects on health and well-being for both men and women. However, men are frequently brought up not to talk about their problems or express their emotions. Emotions are often associated with femininity, which boys define themselves against. An effect of this conditioning is that men may be less able than women to express or interpret their emotions. They may be unwilling to admit to emotions they associate with weakness, such as fear, sadness and disappointment. Many men live with social expectations to be – or to appear – powerful, strong and self-reliant. [26] This concept of masculinity can be detrimental to men's mental health and has wide-reaching personal and social effects.

The social factors in men's mental health are evident in family life, employment and education, contact with the Criminal Justice System and use of health services.

Family
Social and economic change over the past 40 years has affected the family structure and the place of men within the home. Nowadays, families are generally smaller and are located further away from extended family members. Rates of divorce, co-habitation and single-person households have all increased. This may affect the suicide rate among men, marriage being a protective factor against suicide by men. [27]

The division of labour between men and women in terms of paid work (usually outside the home) and unpaid work (usually within the home) has also changed. There is now social pressure on men to share the unpaid work traditionally done by women. [28] The breakdown of traditional gender roles and the concept of the 'new man' is believed to have left many men feeling uncertain as to what is expected of them, particularly in significant relationships.

However, these changes have had positive effects on family life for men as well as women, among which is an increased willingness to discuss family problems, seek help and take positive action.

Organisations that support single parents now increasingly promote their services to fathers as well as mothers. [29] The plight of fathers living away from their children – particularly those who dispute their access rights – has had a higher profile in recent years and there are now many sources of help and support to fathers in this situation. [30]

It has also been recognised that fathers' needs in perinatal services have been neglected. Fathers are now increasingly being encouraged to participate in classes and services. [31]

Employment
There is growing evidence that unemployment has an impact on mental health. One study has shown that approximately one in seven men who become unemployed will develop a depressive illness in the following 6 months. [32] Another study found that unemployment may be associated with a doubling of the suicide rate. Lack of job security is also a risk factor. [33]

Unemployment and falls in socio-economic status are thought to have particularly serious effects on men. One recent study found that men who experienced downward social mobility were four times more likely to develop depression than those who had not. Among women, however, there was no marked difference in mental health between those who experienced changes in social status in either direction. As one of the researchers suggests, this reaction could be linked to the traditional expectation that the man should be the 'breadwinner' of the household, and inability to do this can lead to low self-esteem. [34]

Education
Recent years have seen a decline in boys’ attainment levels at school, a fact that has been noted in almost all industrial countries. According to the most recent UK statistics, girls still consistently outperform boys at every stage in the education system, up until university. [35]

Poor performance at school is often linked to later social exclusion (including poorer health). Educationalists have suggested that the lack of male role models in schools and the use of teaching and assessment methods that are more suited to the way girls work contribute to this disparity between boys and girls. Furthermore, academic success is often not seen as 'masculine'. One researcher found that 11–14 year olds believed they could not be masculine and be seen to be working hard at school, and that this was the same whether the boys were white, black, Asian, working class or middle class. The boys thought that ‘to be properly masculine you have to be good at sport, particularly football. You need to be seen not to work. Those who are clever – swots, stiffs, boffs or whatever you want to call them – are unpopular and seen as not male'. [36]

Criminal Justice System
Approximately 94 per cent of the prison population in the UK are men. [37] Levels of mental distress are far higher in the prison population than in the general population. In the most recent large-scale survey of prisons, it was found that over one-third of men serving prison sentences had a significant mental health problem (such as anxiety or depression), nearly one in ten had experienced psychosis [38] and one in four had attempted suicide in prison. Over three-quarters of men on remand and nearly two-thirds of male inmates met the diagnosis of having a personality disorder. [39]

The suicide rate among male prisoners is six times higher than among men in the general population. In 2003, there were 94 suicides in prisons in England and Wales, 80 of which were men; 19 per cent of prison suicides were men under 21 years old. [40]

Many aspects of prison life undermine the health and well-being of those in custody, and exacerbate pre-existing mental health problems. As Juliet Lyons from the Prison Reform Trust has written, 'If you had to invent a way to deepen mental health problems and create a health crisis, an overcrowded prison, and particularly the bleak isolation of its segregation unit, would be it.' [41]

Physical and sexual violence
Violence against men exceeds violence against women in every category apart from sexual assault and domestic violence. The risk of being involved in a violent incident caused by a stranger is three times higher for men than women. [42]

There is a common myth that all domestic violence is committed by men against women. Although this is the most common form of domestic violence, men do experience violence, from family members of both sexes. For men, as for women, the experience of domestic violence is associated with high levels of mental distress. [43] However, the extent of male experience of domestic violence is unknown. Estimates are likely to understate the true scale of the problem, as men are less likely than women to report their experiences. The myth that men cannot be the victims of domestic violence is an additional barrier that prevents men from seeking help and can increase feelings of low self-esteem, helplessness and isolation. [44] At a practical level, few domestic violence refuges or 'safe houses' are open to men.

Male rape and sexual abuse are also surrounded by denial, stigma and myths; for instance, that only gay men are raped or that it only affects the weak. This can increase the trauma suffered by male rape victims. It is difficult for men to access support if they have experienced rape, as most rape crisis services are not open to men. Male rape has only been acknowledged as a crime since 1994.

The effect of childhood sexual abuse on the adult health of male victims is under-researched. However, marked associations between the experience of childhood sexual abuse and a range of adult problems have been shown. Issues that have been by identified include feelings of powerlessness, a lack of trust in authority, and problems with anger, aggression, sexual identity and sexual offending. [45]

Male survivors of childhood rape and sexual abuse are more likely than female survivors, or males in the general population, to receive a diagnosis of a psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder. Negative experiences of mental health and other health services reported by male survivors are similar to those reported by female survivors; problems include a lack of awareness and empathy among staff, and insufficient services to meet survivors' needs. [46]

Health services
One of the biggest differences between men's and women's health is their respective use of health services. The following patterns have been identified:

These issues have been widely reported and are now generally accepted by service providers. Ways of making health services more accessible to men are discussed further in ‘The way forward – recent initiatives’.

Physical illness can be a major contributory factor to emotional problems. Physical illnesses, particularly long-term conditions, and hospital stays can lead to depression in men.

Cholesterol and depression
A study in Finland of 30,000 men over an eight-year period has established a link between cholesterol levels and depression. [51] Men with low cholesterol levels were at nearly twice the risk of depression and suicide compared with men with high cholesterol levels. A link was established between low cholesterol and poor mental health among the 280 men who were treated for depression in hospital, and researchers found a ‘significant association’ between low cholesterol and severe depression in a further 111 men who committed suicide.

Heart disease and depression
Researchers from the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham have found that men who are depressed are three times more likely to develop heart disease. [52] These findings have been confirmed by research in America. [53] The researchers suggest a number of possible explanations for the link. Depression may lead to unhealthy lifestyles, such as lack of exercise or an increase in smoking, which could increase strain on the cardiovascular system. Being depressed also affects the nervous system, with a knock-on effect on the heart, and can alter the balance of hormones and neurotransmitters in the body.

The link between depression and heart disease appears to exist only in men, but the reasons for this are unclear, although men appear to be more sensitive to biochemical changes in the body. Men also have an increased risk of developing depression after being diagnosed with heart disease. [54]

Circumcision
Male infants may be circumcised routinely, or for religious or cultural reasons. Certain medical conditions may also require circumcision. There is strong evidence that circumcision can be overwhelmingly painful and traumatic. The physical and sexual loss resulting from circumcision is gaining recognition, and some men have strong feelings of dissatisfaction about being circumcised. Studies of the practice of circumcision often describe it as ‘traumatic’. [55] Research suggests that some boys, and some men, may experience PTSD as a result of circumcision. [56] Examples of PTSD symptoms include recurrent thoughts and dreams about circumcision, and avoidance of the topic. Other symptoms include emotional numbing and inappropriate anger that may increase with time after the traumatic event. Both infant and adult circumcision can result in a loss of sexual sensitivity and may occasionally result in erectile dysfunction. [57]

Negative feelings about the penis are related to the idea of body image. This includes value judgements about how the body is thought to appear to others, and can have a great impact on how men live their lives.

Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is one of the most common chronic medical disorders in men over 40 years of age. One study found that 52 per cent of men aged 40–70 years reported some degree of erectile dysfunction, and 35 per cent reported experiencing moderate or complete erectile dysfunction. [58] The prevalence and severity of this disorder increases with age, and is a major quality-of-life issue for older men. Erectile dysfunction can lead to depression and relationship problems.

This section describes the health needs of men in social groups who are at higher risk of mental distress and who face specific, socially constructed barriers to good mental health.

In reality, the mental health of any individual is influenced by an interaction of environmental and genetic factors that is still not fully understood. Being part of a specific group will have differing impacts on different individuals. An individual may be part of a specific group temporarily (for example, in relation to age) or for life (for example, their ethnic group). Their experience and awareness of their group identity is also likely to change over time. Furthermore, few individuals are part of only one group, and multiple identities can interact in ways that affect mental health. For example, a young gay man and an older gay man are likely to face different social pressures and to have lived through different experiences.

Mind has produced booklets and other publications on all of these matters (see ‘Further reading').

Boys and young men
Research shows that boys are more prone than girls to mental health problems across the whole age range and across most mental health diagnoses. It is not clearly established why this is the case, but the reasons are likely to be complex (i.e. a combination of environmental and genetic factors). [59] Boys are more prone to externalising behaviours such as conduct disorders, and girls are more prone to internalising behaviours such as depression. Young people with conduct disorders are often thought of as being trouble-makers and antisocial, but in fact they are in as much distress as someone with depression – and need just as much help and support. [60]

The Samaritans’ report Young men speak out [61] surveyed young male attitudes in the UK. The report suggested that macho stereotypes were preventing young men from asking for help. The survey revealed that young men in distress were more likely to use violence and antisocial behaviour to express themselves than to tell someone how they felt. Many of the young men said that nobody ever asked them how they really felt. Adrienne Katz, co-author of the research, concluded that it is important to let young men know that it is safe to talk and that they won’t be judged by society for being open about their feelings.

Older men
Older men have the highest suicide rate in the UK. Suicide in older men is strongly associated with depression, physical pain or illness, living alone and feelings of hopelessness and guilt. [62] Older men also experience some specific hormonal and physiological changes, sometimes referred to as the male menopause, and also known as the viropause or andropause. These changes generally begin between the ages of 40 and 55 years, though they can occur as early as 35 or as late as 65, and can affect all aspects of a man’s life, including his mental health.

Gay men
It has long been recognised that mental health problems are more common in lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people than in the general population. These include the most common mental health problems, anxiety and depression, as well as self-harm and the misuse of drugs and alcohol. [63]

The generally poorer mental health of LGB people has been consistently associated with homophobic stigma and discrimination. [64] Such discrimination includes rejection by family members and peers, bullying in school [65] and negative attitudes from users and providers of public services – including mental health. [66]

Gay men face particular challenges in looking after their health and well-being. Research on the health needs of gay men is predominantly concerned with sexual behaviour, and with the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. However, this preoccupation with sexual health can divert attention and resources away from other health needs. It can also influence how gay men see themselves: the narrow focus on sexual activity can sometimes demonstrate to young men, or men who are discovering their sexuality, that being gay is just about sex. This can have an impact on relationships, and on an overall sense of wellbeing. [67]

Research indicates that gay men would prefer to disclose their sexual orientation to health professionals but are reluctant to do so because they are anxious about discrimination. Research also suggests that some gay men are concerned about issues relating to mental health, including eating disorders, a lack of role models, relationships, drug taking and alcohol misuse. [68]

Black and minority ethnic men
Both England and Wales have ethnically diverse populations. [69] Established minority ethnic communities of African Caribbean and South Asian people are being joined by newer arrivals from other parts of Africa and Asia and from central and Eastern Europe. The cultural and socio-economic differences both within and between these groups complicate any generalisations about ethnicity and mental health.

We do know that some minority ethnic groups experience higher levels of mental distress, which are often associated with poverty, racism and other forms of discrimination. Mind produces a series of factsheets on the mental health of several minority ethnic groups, and a statistics factsheet on race, culture and mental health (see ‘Further reading’).

For some men, sexual and gender identity can interact with ethnicity in ways that lead to higher levels of mental distress, or specific mental health diagnoses. The following are two examples:

African Caribbean men [72]
The combination of being black and male is associated with some of the highest levels of mental distress experienced in the UK today. African Caribbean men are:

African Caribbean men are also more likely than their white counterparts to be inpatients on mental health wards, to receive invasive medical treatments (e.g. electroconvulsive therapy) rather than talking treatments (e.g. psychotherapy or counselling), and to be re-admitted to hospital after discharge into the community.

The reasons for these trends and statistics continue to be debated. Some commentators believe that they simply reflect higher levels of mental illness among African Caribbean men. This is often explained by citing the poverty and other forms of social deprivation disproportionately experienced by African Caribbean communities. However, other commentators point to the racist harassment and abuse that African Caribbean people have experienced in the UK, revealed by a series of studies in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Racism at an individual level has also been compounded by 'institutional racism' [73] from services that have a powerful impact on mental health and on the treatment of people in the mental health system. Such services include education, criminal justice and health. Racism is likely to impact on levels of mental distress and on the way mental distress is interpreted and treated.

African Caribbean men are more likely than other groups to be perceived as 'dangerous', [74] or to be associated with violence and criminal behaviour such as drug misuse. This compound sexual and racial stereotyping may be reflected in the experience of African Caribbean men in the mental health system.

National Men’s Health Week
Following the inaugural National Men’s Health Week in 2002, this event has developed significantly and is now an annual event run by the Men's Health Forum (see ‘Useful contacts' for details).

The focus of Men's Health Week 2006 was mental wellbeing. The week included a conference, the launch of several publications and high-profile publicity on men's mental health. Information and documents relating to Men's Health Week 2006 can be obtained directly from the Men's Health Forum or via their website (see ‘Useful contacts’)

Men’s Health Week 2008 concerns men and work, and includes a focus on mental health and stress.

National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England
In September 2002, the Government launched a new National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England. [75] The strategy aimed to reduce the number of suicides by at least 20 per cent by 2010. Young men (under 35 years of age) were a particular target group, as was the prison population (94 percent of which is male).

This strategy is still being implemented and a progress report is published each year. The results present an improving picture of men's mental health. Although the suicide rate among young men is still high, it has fallen each year and suicide is no longer the leading cause of death in this age group. This is due, at least in part, to pilot projects aimed at young men in areas with particularly high suicide rates. The report of these projects is now available and their findings will be promoted in other localities. [76]

In prisons, too, the suicide rate has steadily fallen and the 20 per cent reduction target set within the national strategy was met for the first time in 2005–06. Reasons for this include the implementation of a new risk assessment and care planning tool (ACCT), improving drug strategies, and a continued high profile for suicide prevention. [77]

Gender Equality Duty
The Gender Equality Duty is a legal obligation that came into force in April 2007. It was introduced by the Equality Act 2006, which in turn amended the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. The Gender Equality Duty requires public authorities to:

At the time of writing it is too soon to assess the impact of the Gender Equality Duty on men's mental health. However, it could be used to address identified problems such as men's under-use of health services and poorer health outcomes. In practice, this could include measures such as developing new services (for example, ‘well man’ clinics) and making existing services more accessible (for example by changing opening hours or providing services in more convenient and less stigmatising locations). The Duty must also include ways to improve the promotion of health services to men, and consulting with men who do – and don't – use services so that their needs inform service development from the earliest stages.

The Men's Health Forum has identified depression as one of the top five men's health issues that the Gender Equality Duty should address. As the Forum states: 'What is required is a better understanding of male mental health, better training for clinicians, awareness-raising amongst men and more accessible services.' [79]

How to cope with suicidal feelings
How to deal with anger
How to help someone who is suicidal
How to restrain your violent impulses
How to survive family life
Understanding addiction and dependency
Understanding ADHD
Understanding depression
Understanding dual diagnosis
Understanding gender dysphoria
Understanding personality disorder
Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder
Understanding psychotic experiences
Understanding schizoaffective disorder
Understanding schizophrenia

The mental health of Irish-born people in Britain
The mental health of African Caribbean people in Britain
The mental health of the Chinese and Vietnamese people in Britain
The mental health of South Asian people in Britain
Suicide
Statistics 1: How common is mental distress?
Statistics 3: Race, culture and mental health
Statistics 6: The social context of mental distress
Statistics 7: Treatments and services for people with mental health problems
Statistics 8: The Criminal Justice System

Banks, I. 2006, The Haynes Brain Manual: the step-by-step guide to achieving and maintaining mental well-being, Haynes.
Banks, I. 2006. The Man Manual. Haynes Owners Workshop Manual: the step-by-step guide to men’s health, Haynes.
The Men's Health Forum 2006, The report of the gender equity project, Men's Health Forum.
Royal College of Psychiatrists 1998, Men behaving sadly, Royal College of Psychiatrists. Available from www.rcpsych.ac.uk

Alcohol Concern
64 Leman Street, London E1 8EU
tel: 020 7264 0510
email: contact@alcoholconcern.org.uk
web: www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
Provides information for people affected by alcohol-related problems, including a national (UK-wide) directory of services.

Broken Rainbow
helpline: 08452 60 44 60 (Monday–Friday 9am–1pm, 2–5pm)
web: www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
Offers support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.

CALM (Campaign Against Men Living Miserably)
Room 621, Gateway House, Piccadilly South, Manchester M60 7PL
tel: 0800 58 58 58
web: www.thecalmzone.net
Under the strapline ‘Being silent isn’t being strong’, CALM is aimed at young men under 25 years of age, providing support and advice on a wide variety of issues, including online counselling for young men in north-west England.

Equality and Human Rights Commission
3 More London Riverside, Tooley Street, London SE1 2RG
tel: 020 3117 0235
helpline (England): 0845 604 6610
helpline (Wales): 0845 604 8810
email: info@equalityhumanrights.com (enquiries)
email helpline (England): englandhelplines@equalityhumanrights.com
email helpline (Wales): waleshelplines@equalityhumanrights.com
web: www.equalityhumanrights.com
Promotes equality and human rights across all diversity strands: age, disability, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation. Provides resources on the website and runs helplines to give information and guidance on discrimination issues.

Everyman Project
1A Waterlow Road, London N19 5NJ
tel / helpline: 020 7263 8884 (Mon–Thur; from 10am; variable closing time)
email: everyman@btopenworld.com
web: www.everymanproject.co.uk
Counselling service for men who want to stop their violent or abusive behaviour. Also provides support to partners of men on their counselling programme.

Families Need Fathers
134 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3AR
helpline: 08707 607 496 (weekdays 6–10pm)
tel: 020 7613 5060 (enquiries; weekdays 9.30am–4.30pm)
email: fnf@fnf.org.uk
web: www.fnf.org.uk
Provides information and support for fathers who are separated from their children, or who are in the process of divorce or separation. Aims to keeps parents in contact with their children after separation.

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
tel: 020 7837 7324 (24-hour helpline)
tel: 020 7837 6768 (admin)
email: admin@llgs.org.uk
web: www.llgs.org.uk
Provides information, support and referral services for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, including a 24-hour helpline.

Men’s Advice Line
1st floor Downstream Building, 1 London Bridge,
London SE1 9BG
helpline: 0808 801 0327
email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
web: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Provides advice and support for men in abusive relationships, including a telephone helpline, and for men who are concerned about their own violent or abusive behaviour (via ‘Respect’, see below). Men’s Advice Line also provides services to professionals working with male victims of domestic violence, and information for relatives.

Men’s Health Forum
Tavistock House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HR
tel: 020 7388 4449
email: via website
web: www.menshealthforum.org.uk
Provides information and research on all aspects of men’s health. Works to develop health services that better meet men's needs. Coordinates the annual Men's Health Week.

Respect
1st floor Downstream Building, 1 London Bridge, London SE1 9BG
helpline: 0845 122 8609 (Mon–Wed, Fri 10am–1pm, 2–5pm)
tel: 020 7022 1801
email: phoneline@respect.uk.net
web: www.respect.uk.net
UK membership association for domestic violence perpetrator programmes and associated support services Carries out intervention programmes for the perpetrators of domestic violence and runs a helpline for those concerned about their violent behaviour.

Survivors UK
12A Evelyn Court, Grinstead Road, London SE8 5AD
helpline: 0845 122 1201 (Mon, Tues, Thurs 7–10pm)
tel: 020 8691 8236 (admin)
email: via website
web: www.survivorsuk.org
Provides information and support, including a telephone helpline, for men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or rape in adult life.

Working With Men
Unit K401 Tower Bridge Business Complex, 100 Clements Road, London SE16 4DG
tel: 020 7237 5353
email: info@workingwithmen.org
web: www.workingwithmen.org
Works nationally to support the development of young and adult men through training, consultancy, resources and research. Covers issues such as parenting, education and employment, as well as mental health.

[1] Mind 2007, Suicide factsheet
[2] Men's Health Forum 2006, The report of the gender equity project.
[3] Mind 2005, Statistics 1: How common is mental distress? factsheet
[4] Office of National Statistics 2005, Prison population(accessed 24 October 2007 from www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1101)
[5] Alcohol Concern 2007, Alcohol and men
[6] Mind 2007, Statistics 6: The social context of mental distress factsheet
[7] Mind 2004, Understanding gender dysphoria
[8] Mind 2007, Statistics 7: Treatments and services for people with mental health problems factsheet
[9] Department of Health 2004, Statistics on formal admission under the Mental Health Act
[10] This section is drawn substantially from the Mind 2007 Suicide factsheet
[11] Royal College of Psychiatrists 1998, Men behaving sadly
[12] Real, T. 1997, I don’t want to talk about it: overcoming the secret legacy of male depression, Fireside/Simon & Schuster
[13] Real, T. 1997, I don’t want to talk about it: overcoming the secret legacy of male depression, Fireside/Simon & Schuster
[14] Anon 2007, 'Minerva', British Medical Journal, vol. 335: pp. 335
[15] Mind 2007, Statistics 6: The social context of mental distress factsheet
[16] Mind 2005, Understanding schizophrenia
[17] Alcohol Concern 2007, Alcohol and men
[18] Men's Health Forum 2007, Men's health statistics - Risk taking - Alcohol consumption, (accessed 24 October 2007 from www.menshealthforum.org.uk)
[19] NHS Information Centre 2007, Statistics on drug misuse, England, 2007 (full report)
[20] Mind 2007 Understanding personality disorders
[21] Coid, J. et al. 2006, Prevalence and correlates of personality disorder in Great Britain, British Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 188, pp. 423–431
[22] Mind 2006, Statistics 8: The Criminal Justice System factsheet
[23] Mind 2006, Understanding ADHD
[24] Edwin, F. and McDonald, J. 2007, Services for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: national survey, Psychiatric Bulletin, vol. 31, pp. 286–288
[25] Bisson, J. 2007, Post-traumatic stress disorder (clinical review), British Medical Journal, vol. 334, pp. 789–793
[26] White, A. 2006, Men and mental wellbeing – encouraging gender sensitivity, The Mental Health Review, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 3–6
[27] Mind 2007, Suicide factsheet
[28] Mind 2004, How to survive family life
[29] For an example, see Divorce Aid www.divorceaid.co.uk
[30] For an example, see Families Need Fathers www.fnf.org.uk
[31] Daniel, K. 2004, Fathers' psychological needs – a neglected area, Community Practitioner, vol. 77, no. 6, pp. 208–209
[32] Royal College of Psychiatrists 1998, Men behaving sadly
[33] Lewis, G. and Sloggett, A. 1998, Suicide, deprivation & unemployment, British Medical Journal, vol. 7168, pp. 1283–1287
[34] Men hit harder by 'status drops', BBC News online, 15 September 2005
[35] Office of National Statistics 2006, Focus on gender: Education
[36] National Literacy Trust 2007, Frequently asked questions about the gender gap in education(accessed 24 October 2007 from www.literacytrust.org.uk/Database/boys/boysviews.html)
[37] Office of National Statistics 2005, Prison population (accessed 24 October 2007 from www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1101)
[38] Mind 2004, Understanding psychotic experiences defines psychosis as, 'hearing or seeing things or holding unusual beliefs, which other people don’t see or share.'
[39] Mind 2006, Statistics 8: The Criminal Justice System factsheet
[40] Joint Committee on Human Rights 2004, UK Parliament
[41] Lyons, J. 2005, Troubled inside: meeting the mental health needs of men in prison_' Press Release, Prison Reform Trust (accessed 24 October 2007 from www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk)
[42] Office of National Statistics 2006, Focus on gender: Crime
[43] Fathalla M. 2005, When home is longer safe: intimate-partner violence, Lancet, 366: 1910–1911
[44] Supportline 2007, Domestic violence: Male victims of domestic violence (accessed 24 October 2007 from www.supportline.org.uk/problems/domesticViolence.php#male)
[45] Nelson, S. 2005, Torn up with anger, Mental Health Today, March, pp. 29–31
[46] Nelson, S. 2005, 'Torn up with anger, Mental Health Today, March, pp. 29–31
[47] Men's Health Forum 2006, The report of the gender equity project
[48] White, A. 2006, Men and mental wellbeing – Encouraging gender sensitivity, The Mental Health Review, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 3–5
[49] Beckford-Ball, J. 2006, New initiatives to address the healthcare needs of men, Nursing Times, vol. 102, no. 27, pp. 23–24
[50] Watson, P. 2007, One size does not fit all, Community Practitioner, August, pp. 14–15
[51] Partonen, T. et al. 1999, Association of low serum total cholesterol with major depression and suicide. British journal of psychiatry, vol. 175, pp. 259–262
[52] Hippisley-Cox, J. 1998, 'Depression as a risk factor for ischaemic heart disease in men: population based case control study', British Medical Journal, vol. 316, pp. 1714 - 1719.
[53] Ford, D. et al. 1998, Depression is a risk factor for coronary artery disease in men: the precursors study, Archives of Internal Medicine, vol. 158, pp. 1422–1422
[54] Hippisley-Cox, J. 1998, 'Depression as a risk factor for ischaemic heart disease in men: population based case control study', British Medical Journal, vol. 316, pp. 1714 - 1719.
[55] Taddio, A. et al. 1997, Effect of neonatal circumcision on pain response Lancet, vol. 349, pp. 599–603
[56] Goldman, R. 1997, Circumcision: the hidden trauma, Vanguard Publications
[57] Stinson, J. 1973, Impotence and adult circumcision, Journal of the National Medical Association, vol. 65, p.161
[58] Feldman H. A., et al. 1994, Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, Journal of Urology, vol. 151, pp. 54–61
[59] Young Minds 2007, Sexuality and gender
[60] Young Minds 2007, Sexuality and gender
[61] Katz, A. 1999, Young men speak out, Samaritans
[62] Mind 2007, Suicide factsheet
[63] Mind 2007, Lesbians, gay men and bisexuals and mental health factsheet
[64] Warner, J., et al. 2004, Rates and predicators of mental illness in gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women' British Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 185, pp. 479–485
[65] Stonewall 2007, The school report: the experiences of young gay people in British schools, Stonewall
[66] Jones, H. 2005, To be out about his mental health problems and his sexuality was almost unimaginable, Mental Health Today, March, p.18
[67] Stonewall 2007, Men and general health needs, Stonewall (accessed 24 October 2007 from www.stonewall.org.uk)
[68] Stonewall 2007, Men and general health needs, Stonewall (accessed 24 October 2007 from www.stonewall.org.uk)
[69] Office of National Statistics 2007, New EU migrants broadly spread across UK' Population Trends, no. 129, autumn
[70] Health Education Authority 1997. Mental health promotion & Chinese and Vietnamese people factsheet
[71] Mind 2001, Mental health of Irish-born people in Britain factsheet
[72] This section draws heavily on the Mind 2006 The mental health of the African Caribbean community in Britain factsheet
[73] 'Institutional racism' is defined as, 'The collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their colour, culture of ethnic origin…processes, attitudes and behaviours which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist stereotyping…' (Source: McPherson, W. 1999, The Stephen Lawrence inquiry, The Stationery Office.)
[74] Mind 2007, Press release: Black and minority ethnic leaders call for service reconfiguration and training to end racism in the NHS, 10 October (accessed 24 October 2007 from www.mind.org.uk)
[75] Department of Health 2002, National suicide prevention strategy for England
[76] Foster, K. 2007, National suicide prevention strategy for England, The Mental Health Review, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 27–30
[77] Foster, K. 2007, National suicide prevention strategy for England, The Mental Health Review, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 27–30
[78] Equality and Human Rights Commission 2007, Gender Equality Duty (accessed 24 October 2007 from www.equalityhumanrights.com)
[79] Men's Health Forum 2007, Five men's health issues gender duty must tackle, 12 February (accessed 24 October 2007 from www.menshealthforum.org.uk)

This factsheet was written by George Stewart in February 2000. Last updated by Rachael Twomey in November 2007.