Why is men’s mental health a three-generation problem?

November is Men’s Health Awareness Month and, while physical health is a key focus, we need to keep talking about men’s mental health. It’s an urgent challenge as globally, men account for over twice as many suicides as women, and societal pressures often mean they keep their struggles quiet.

In this edition of The Big Question, we’ll discuss how mental health impacts three generations of men – young, middle-aged and older. We’ll look at how each generation’s challenges are distinct but also interconnected, why those challenges have intensified, and what can be – and is being – done to address the challenges.

Adolescence: social media and silent struggles

Adolescence is a critical time for young men’s mental health. Social media often fuels unrealistic standards around appearance and lifestyle, leading to insecurity and constant comparison. In fact, eight out of 10 teens report feeling pressure from social media to look their best and present a certain image.

It’s not just the relatively new pressures of social media that impact young men. The long-held ‘strong and silent’ stereotypes can still hold many young men back and stigmas around masculinity can make them hesitant to open up. In a recent UK study, 40% of men said they won’t discuss their mental health with anyone.

Creating spaces for conversations around mental health from a young age is vital, and schools and colleges have a key role to play. In the UK, the Department for Education offers grants to train mental health leads, and mental health is now a key part of the relationships, sex, and health education curriculum. 

The EU also actively addresses youth mental health by raising awareness about social media’s impact. Programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps make media and information literacy a priority, helping young people navigate the digital world.

It’s essential that we help men understand from a young age that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Learning this early can help build resilience and help prevent harmful attitudes from setting in later in life.

Middle age: the sandwich generation and unseen burdens  

Middle age brings its own unique challenges. Those in the ‘sandwich generation’ often find themselves caring for children and ageing parents, while also juggling career stress, financial obligations and personal relationships. 

A recent survey found that 60% of unpaid carers had physical or mental health conditions themselves. While women make up the majority of unpaid carers, men taking on these roles also face distinct pressures. For men, societal expectations around being ‘providers’ and remaining strong for their families can often add stress to their caregiving responsibilities.

Middle-aged men are the most likely age group to die by suicide. Yet men are less likely to seek help, with only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies being men. Rising living costs and job insecurities can make matters worse, leaving little time or mental bandwidth for self-care. 

Recent Bupa research also found that millions of men in the UK experience problems with sexual function but would rather suffer in silence or end their relationship than talk about it. This silent crisis is having a significant impact, with a third (33%) of men saying issues with sexual dysfunction have given them anxiety.

In the UK, Bupa Health Clinics has launched its new Men’s Sexual Function Plan. It includes a GP appointment to discuss symptoms, testing for underlying health conditions and a personalised treatment plan. It also offers a follow-up appointment and ongoing access to the 24/7 Anytime HealthLine.

Older age: loneliness and an ageing world

Older men can often face the serious challenge of loneliness. Around 50% of people over 60 are at risk of social isolation, and one-third will experience some degree of loneliness as they age. Loneliness is a major risk factor not only for depression and anxiety but also for physical health issues such as heart disease.

As men age, their social circles can often shrink – whether due to retirement, loss of loved ones or health issues. The stereotype of the stoic man that runs across generations continues to play a role here. Many older men’s lives are shaped by a social expectation to put on a brave face, and so they find it difficult to reach out for companionship.

This is heightened by an ageing population worldwide. In the EU, the share of people aged 65 and over grew from 16% in 2003 to 21% in 2023. This is expected to continue to rise in the coming years due to increased life expectancy and lower birth rates.

There are some inspiring initiatives aimed at alleviating loneliness among older men. The Men’s Sheds movement, which started in Australia and has since spread to other countries, provides a space where older men can gather to work on projects, support their communities and make connections. 

These types of programmes prove that support comes in different shapes and sizes. Simply creating spaces where men can connect with each other can make a huge difference. Research suggests 89% of regular Men’s Shed attendees experience decreased depression.

Global support for men of all ages

Mental health support for all generations of men has expanded in recent years, largely thanks to the rise in digital healthcare. 

Initiatives such as HeadsUpGuys offer online resources and practical advice tailored to men, and connect men with therapists in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.

The option to access support on their own terms has helped men overcome the stigma that has long surrounded mental health conversations. Bupa’s global research shows men are increasingly willing to embrace health tech, with 76% of men saying they are open to using technology to improve their health and wellbeing.

Mobile mental health apps such as Headspace and Calm provide therapy and mindfulness exercises, and are popular globally, allowing men to access support privately and on their own terms. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a 200% increase in the use of mental health apps, and their use has continued to grow at an average rate of 55%.

In Spain, our customers can access an AI-powered Take Care of Your Mind service on Blua – our digital healthcare platform. Mental health indicators are analysed using data from a questionnaire and wearable devices to provide personalised support. In the UK we partner with the digital mental health service JAAQ (Just Ask A Question). This online platform uses voice recognition and AI to help users ask questions related to mental health, and find answers provided by Bupa doctors and other experts.

Creating a positive legacy for future generations  

As these initiatives evolve, so must the conversation around mental health. Society needs to shift from merely allowing men to talk about mental health to actively encouraging them to open up and seek help.

This has to include everyone, from teenagers struggling with identity to middle-aged men in the sandwich generation to older men facing isolation. While each generation faces unique challenges, the issues are deeply interconnected, and breaking down outdated stereotypes requires conversations across each age group.

Every generation passes a legacy onto the next and it can either be one of silence or support. This Men’s Health Awareness Month, let’s work towards a future where men of all ages feel empowered to speak up about their mental health and seek the support they deserve. 

By breaking the silence together, we can build a society where each new generation of men feels safer to express and share their emotions, fostering a greater sense of connection and improving wellbeing.