This month, we asked our panel some questions regarding Movember and Men's Mental Health. Here are the findings:
Throughout this month, people participated in Movember. Movember is an annual event where people grow moustaches to raise awareness for men's health issues.
To keep the conversation going around men’s health, particularly men’s mental health, we surveyed our Student Hut panel to find out about their perceptions of men’s mental health and wellbeing.
If you need support, or want to learn more about men’s mental health, you can contact the following organisations:
8 in 10 students believe that men are less likely to report mental health problems than women.
When asked why, students cited the following reasons:
- “Because I believe that as men we are taught to see mental health as a sign of weakness and many won't seek help due to this”
- “Men sometimes feel ashamed/prideful when talking about mental health as society do not usually allow them to express how they feel”
- “Mental health issues are stigmatised anyway, but especially for men where there is a culture of being 'strong' and not showing weakness, leading to shame around openly discussing emotional issues”
Over 7 in 10 students think that men are more likely than women to use harmful coping mechanisms such as drugs and alcohol, and are less likely to talk to friends or family about mental health.
In addition to this, 88% of students on our panel think that men are more likely to be dependent on alcohol than women, and 67% think that men are more likely to be victims of violent crime.
When asked about the symptoms of depression, students told us that they think aggression, sudden anger and risk-taking are symptoms more likely to be experienced by men than women.
- 83% of students think men are more likely to experience aggression as a symptom of depression.
- 81% think men are more likely to experience sudden anger as a symptom of depression.
- 74% think men are more likely to experience risk-taking as a symptom of depression.
- 64% think men are more likely to experience increased loss of control as a symptom of depression.
- 57% think men are more likely to experience irritability as a symptom of depression.
We then asked what actions students would take if they were worried about their own mental health. Of the male students who responded to our survey, 6 in 10 said they’d talk about their feelings with friends/family, do an activity they enjoy and exercise.
Only 3 in 10 male students who responded to our survey said they’d talk to their GP, 2 in 10 said they’d talk to a charity or non-government organisation, and less than 1 in 10 said they’d call 999 or go to A&E.
4 in 10 male students on our panel feel very supported by their university. However, that leaves 6 in 10 who feel their university could do better in supporting them.
When asked what universities could do differently, here’s what students said.
- “Required 1-to-1 mental health checkups”
- “My university really needs to respond to student's enquiries faster”
- “There is a limit on the number of counselling sessions I can use in a year. Why is this the case? Five sessions is not enough over my twelve month course at university”
- “Have a GP clinic near the main student accommodation area”
In short, understanding your own mental health is essential, and no matter your gender identity it’s important to reach out to others for support if you need it. Whether that is friends, parents or your university.
Often outdated expectations of the male gender identity can sometimes stop men opening up to those around them about how they are feeling. Try to be vigilant and spot when your male friends and family are feeling low. Supporting them could be as simple as sending a text to check they're ok, or - if necessary - recommending they take action by contacting their GP.
And remember to always contact your own GP if you have any mental health symptoms you are worried about.
Prospective student? We want to hear from you! Join the Student Hut Forum and earn £s by taking surveys.
