How to support men's mental health in Ireland, recognise the signs of mental health difficulties, and break the stigma around asking for help.
In November every year, the Movember campaign encourages people around the world to raise awareness of men’s health issues and of course, to grow a moustache. You may well have supported someone you know, or attempted to grow a ‘tache yourself. It’s a fun idea but also provides an important opportunity to highlight men’s mental health, challenge stigma, and encourage helpful conversations about issues that are too often kept quiet.
The “strong, silent type”
Mental health affects everyone, but men can face particular challenges when it comes to recognising and discussing how they feel. In many cultures including in Ireland, traditional expectations around masculinity can cause men to feel they must seem strong, independent and in control at all times.
Work stress, managing finances and cost of living, relationship challenges, and family responsibilities can ramp up the feeling of pressure inside. Too much for too long can lead to chronic anxiety, low mood, and not feeling good enough (or ”man enough”...). In Ireland, 8 out of 10 people who die by suicide are men.
Many men find it too difficult to admit they are struggling, holding on to the belief that they should be able to manage everything themselves.
In fact, mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of. Probably every human on the planet has times when they find life difficult, overwhelming, or exhausting. So, like how we ask for medical advice for physical health, our mental wellbeing deserves the same care and attention.
Recognising the signs and starting conversations
Mental health difficulties are a unique experience for everyone. Sometimes things go wrong dramatically, but often the signs are subtle and gradual. Withdrawing from friends and family, changes in sleeping patterns, becoming unusually irritable, losing interest in hobbies, or increasing use of alcohol / drugs / food, can all indicate that someone may be struggling.
So checking in with the men in our lives is important. A simple chat or message, an invite for a coffee or walk can give someone the opportunity to open up. We can take the time and make an effort to be genuinely interested in how it feels to be that person. Avoiding judgement, resisting the urge to immediately fix or give advice, and letting them know they aren’t alone - someone else knows and cares about what’s going on for them. Sometimes this makes all the difference.
Seeking support is a sign of strength
One of the most important messages of Movember is that asking for help is not a weakness. Admitting that you need some support is a sign of self-awareness, courage, and strength.
Speaking to a trusted person, a GP, counsellor or mental health professional can be an important first step towards feeling better.
In Ireland, organisations like Pieta, the Samaritans, and Aware provide free support and information for people experiencing mental health difficulties. Jigsaw and Spunout support young people. These services offer a helpful starting point for anyone who needs someone to talk to.
Movember beyond November
Movember is a valuable campaign to get behind, but the conversations it encourages shouldn’t end when the month is over.
By checking in with a friend, partner, or colleague, creating a more supportive workplace culture, or finding the courage to ask for help, every small action can make a difference.
This Movember, mustachio or no, we should recognise that men's mental health deserves understanding and support every day of the year. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply start a conversation.
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If you are struggling with issues relating to this article, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, free of charge, day or night. In an emergency, contact 112 or 999.
If you would like support from a counsellor & psychotherapist, wellbeing coach, and mindfulness teacher, Michael Hutchinson works in Dublin and online, and can be contacted at info@michaelhutchinson.ie
More mental health supports for men in Ireland:
Pieta and the Samaritans - free crisis helplines, day or night. Plus therapy and support for people experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide.
Aware - free support and information for people impacted by anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Jigsaw and Spunout - supporting and empowering young people in Ireland.
Men’s Aid Ireland - supporting men and their families experiencing domestic violence or coercive control through confidential, trauma-informed services.
HSE - further resources and links for men’s mental health support.