Millions of men admit they are not okay – and rate mental health just six out of ten

Millions of men have said they are not okay – feeling down an average of three times a week. A poll of 2,000 males revealed they rate their mental health an average six out of ten – but those as young as 18 feel just a five out of ten.

Dealing with a physical health condition (26 per cent), poor eating habits (20 per cent), and pressures at work (20 per cent) are among the top reasons men have struggled with their mental wellbeing in the last 12 months. Others claim not being in a relationship, life changes such as the breakdown of a marriage, and scrolling through social media can affect their general wellbeing.

But 44 per cent have never opened up to someone about how they are feeling, with one in three (32 per cent) often feeling lonely. And 35 per cent actively avoid conversations with others about their mental wellbeing.

The research was commissioned by NIVEA MEN as part of its “Strength In Numbers” campaign – which, together with Talk Club, aims to give men the tools to start the conversation and check in with their feelings by asking themselves, and others, “How are you? Out of 10?”.

Ben Akers, co-CEO and co-founder of Talk Club, said: “Most men find it difficult to open up about their feelings. But simply answering “How are you? Out of 10?” gives them a way to start. We seem to look after our cars better than our minds.

“But talking about our worries regularly releases the pressure, allowing us to become mentally fitter and, in turn, mentally stronger. Giving something regular service makes it less likely to breakdown.

“Remember that it’s okay for our numbers to change – that’s to be expected – but understanding why, and being able to talk about it, is what can improve them.”

The study also found social events leave two-thirds of men feeling anxious, with two in ten feeling stressed in the workplace.

However, more than seven in ten feel more relaxed when at home on the weekend, and 63 per cent feel calm when hanging out with friends. Mindfulness and regular exercise, as well as breathwork and meditation, were among the more common ways that men maintain their good mental health.

And four in ten of those aged 35 to 40 have visited the GP to discuss their mental wellbeing. However, nearly four in ten have felt able to open up to a close friend or family member about their feelings.

But while many are keen to talk with others, nearly half (47 per cent) feel less comfortable asking other men about their struggles – with fertility issues being the number one topic that is off limits. Other subjects men are nervous about discussing include addictions, eating habits, and hair loss.

When asked why they avoid such conversations, one in five said they don’t want people close to them see their vulnerable side or to be judged by their actions, while 18 per cent believe they can handle their struggles on their own. The research, carried out via OnePoll, revealed over half of men (57 per cent) would like to see more support available for those struggling with their mental health.

Many consider regular conversations with friends and family (30 per cent), talking about your feelings with others (27 per cent), and cutting back on alcohol (22 per cent) as ways they can maintain their mental fitness. Emily Marcham, from NIVEA MEN, said: “It saddens us to hear so many men are struggling with their mental health and are uncomfortable with the thought of opening up.

“Hoping to reduce the rates of loneliness by helping more men and boys to start a conversation, NIVEA MEN has come together with Talk Club to provide useful tools to help open up the conversation. It all starts with answering one question: “How are you? Out of 10?”. So, why not try it now?

“Check in with yourself, and check in with others around you, because the truth is that regularly checking in and opening up makes us stronger.”

THINGS THAT HAVE AFFECTED MENTAL HEALTH FOR MEN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS:

1. Health condition
2. Poor eating habits
3. Work deadlines/pressures
4. Relationship status
5. Life goals e.g. career, marriage, mortgage
6. Life changes e.g. having kids, job promotion
7. Social media
8. Addictions
9. Fitness plans
10. Hair loss