Why Men Don’t Talk About Mental Health (And How We Change That)
Despite growing awareness around mental wellbeing, a dangerous silence persists among men. In the UK, men account for approximately three-quarters of all suicide deaths each year. According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50.
At Br8ke The Silence, we know that this silence isn't a choice-it is a symptom of cultural conditioning. Breaking it requires more than just telling men to "open up"; it requires building the conditions where talking finally feels possible.
The Wall of Silence: Masculinity & Stigma
From a young age, boys are often fed a diet of restrictive phrases: "Man up," "Be strong," or "Don't cry". This conditioning reinforces the idea that vulnerability is a weakness.
Research by Mind indicates that men are significantly less likely than women to seek psychological therapies; in fact, only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men. This delay is often rooted in the fear of being judged as "weak" or "incapable".
"I spent years acting like everything was fine because I thought that’s what a father and a provider had to do. I didn't have the words to say I was drowning, so I just stayed silent until I couldn't breathe anymore." > - B8TS Participant, Newham
The Triple Burden: Poverty, Identity, and Race
In the UK, men are often valued more for what they provide than how they feel. When identity is tied solely to work and financial stability, the impact of economic stress can be devastating. The Samaritans report that people living in the most deprived areas are over twice as likely to die by suicide than those in the least deprived areas.
In communities like Newham, this is compounded by:
Economic Stress: The pressure of the cost-of-living crisis.
Systemic Barriers: Mental Health UK highlights that Black men are more likely to face disproportionate barriers to seeking help due to systemic racism and social expectations of masculinity.
How B8TS Changes the Narrative
Men don’t need more lectures; they need safe spaces. A safe space is a non-clinical environment where men can speak without the fear of a diagnosis or judgement.
Studies indicate that peer-led support environments significantly reduce feelings of isolation and shame. Our Men’s Circles are at the heart of this change. By using the Marshall Ganz Public Narrative methodology, we move men from isolation to belonging.
The Impact of Our Standard Offer:
Mind: 14 structured sessions to build emotional awareness and healthier coping strategies.
Body: 6 integrated fitness sessions that use physical activity as a gateway to mental health.
Spirit: Training men to step into leadership roles to strengthen their families and future generations.
Case Study: From Silence to Leadership
“When I first joined the B8TS circle in Canning Town, I didn't say a word for three weeks. I just watched. Seeing other men-guys who looked like me-talk about their struggles with work and fatherhood gave me the 'Story of Us' I needed. I realised I wasn't alone. Now, I'm training to be a lead facilitator so I can help the next man break his silence.” - B8TS Local Leader
Join the Movement
Breaking the silence is a collective effort. Whether you are looking for support or want to help us drive social justice in Newham, there is a place for you here.
Explore our Upcoming Events on Eventbrite.
Learn more about our 4 Foundations of leadership.
Support our work in Canning Town and beyond.
REFERENCES & DATA SOURCES
Office for National Statistics (2024). Suicides in England and Wales: 2023 registrations. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk (Accessed Jan 2026).
Mind (2024). Mental health facts and statistics. [Online]. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk (Accessed Jan 2026).
The Samaritans (2024). Latest suicide data and research. [Online]. Available at: https://www.samaritans.org (Accessed Jan 2026).
Mental Health UK (2025). Men’s Mental Health: Challenges and Solutions. [Online]. Available at: https://mentalhealth-uk.org (Accessed Jan 2026).
NHS England (2023). Community mental health support and peer-led interventions. [Online]. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/community/ (Accessed Jan 2026).