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Mens mental health is an important yet often overlooked health concern. Mental health can affect males differently than females.

Both men and women experience mental health difficulties. However, there are some notable differences between the issues affecting them and the factors that influence those issues.

Keep reading to learn more about the most common issues and conditions affecting mens mental health, including potential treatments and ways to help others experiencing mental health problems. How mental health issues affect men differently Share on Pinterest Seeking help is a crucial first step in recovering from any mental health condition.

Mental health issues affect men and women differently in the following ways:Differences in condition prevalence and suicide rates

Women are more likely to experience mental health conditions than men. They are also more likely to attempt suicide.

However, men are more than 3.5 times more likely to die from suicide than women. This may be because they tend to choose more lethal weapons, such as firearms.Different influencing factors

Mens issues can develop from different causes and triggers than those that affect women.

For example, mens issues often stem from societal expectations and traditional gender roles, which may lead men to think that they must:be the breadwinners in the familydisplay traditional masculine traits, such as strength and controlrely on oneself and not seek help from othersnot speak openly about their emotions

Holding on to these traditional beliefs can negatively impact mens mental health and keep them from accessing support and treatment.Differences in seeking help

Men are far less likely than women to seek treatment for issues such as depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events. According to Mental Health America, this is due to:social normsa reluctance to talkdownplaying their symptoms

A National Health Interview Survey reports that just 1 in 3 men took medication for daily feelings of depression or anxiety, while just 1 in 4 spoke to a mental health professional.

For more research-backed information and resources for mens health, please visit our dedicated hub.Was this helpful? Warning signs

The signs and symptoms of a mental health condition will depend on the type, but there are some symptoms that people can look out for. These include:aggressiveness, anger, and irritabilitychanges in mood or energy levelschanges in appetite or sleeping habitsdifficulty focusingfeeling restless or on edgea high consumption of alcoholinappropriate use of drugsparticipating in risky activitiesfeeling sad, hopeless, numb, or emotionally flathaving aches, pains, or other physical symptoms without a clear causeobsessive or compulsive thoughts or behaviorsthinking or acting in a way that causes concern to others or has a negative impact on work, social, or family lifethinking about or attempting suicide

If a person notices these symptoms in themselves or if a loved one spots them, it is a good idea to seek medical help.

Treating mental health issues in the early stages can often prevent the symptoms from becoming more severe and lower the risk of complications. Who is at risk?

Several factors increase the risk of mental health conditions and suicide among men. The following groups may be more at risk than others:Older, white men: White men aged 85 years and older are most at risk of suicide. More men in this demographic die by suicide every year than in any other group by age, sex, or race.Men who have experienced trauma: Traumatic events, such as engaging in combat or being the victim of an assault, increase the risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Men experiencing employment issues: Working in poor conditions or having a high workload can increase the risk of mental health issues. Unemployment and retirement also increase the risk of depression and suicide.Men who have had a marital breakdown: Depression is more common, and more severe, among men who are divorced. One study suggests that being single is a significant suicide trigger among men.Men with legal or financial concerns: Having legal or financial worries can trigger the development of mental health problems and increase the risk of suicide.Men who misuse alcohol or drugs: Men are more likely to engage in illicit drug use and alcohol use, which can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions.Men with a family history of mental health issues: Many psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia run in families, suggesting a genetic component.Men dealing with other life challenges: Other risk factors for mental health problems and suicide include physical illness or discomfort, conflict with family or friends, and the illness or death of a family member.Common mental health conditions in men

Some of the most prevalent mental health conditions among men are:Depression

Depression is characterized by a persistent low mood that interferes with everyday functioning. Worldwide, it is one of the most common mental health conditions.

Depression is almost twice as common in women as men. However, men are far less likely than women to seek treatment for it.

Learn about some of the hidden symptoms of depression here.

Learn about the typical symptoms of depression in men here.Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by intense and uncontrollable feelings of fear and worry.

The most common type, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), often co-occurs with depression. Although women are twice as likely to experience GAD, men are less likely to seek treatment for it.

Other types of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are equally common among men and women.

Social anxiety disorder causes intense anxiety and fear in social situations, while OCD causes the continuous repetition of specific thoughts (obsessions) or a compulsive need to perform specific routines repeatedly (compulsions).Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition wherein people do not interpret reality as it is. They experience hallucinations, delusions, and other forms of disordered thinking.

Schizophrenia can have a significant impact on quality of life and relationships. Of those who receive a schizophrenia diagnosis by the age of 30 years, 90% are men.PTSD

PTSD is a condition characterized by symptoms of reliving a traumatic experience, avoidance, and hyperarousal.

Research indicates that around 60% of men experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, while 50% of women do. Types of trauma differ, with men being more likely to experience:accidentsassaultscombatnatural disasterswitnessing a death or injury

Women are more likely to experience sexual assault or child sexual abuse.

Although men have a higher risk of traumatic events, women are more likely to develop PTSD.Substance abuse

Across most age groups, men have higher rates of use or dependence on illegal drugs and alcohol than women. They are also more likely to require an emergency department visit and die from overdose.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 68,000 men die annually from alcohol-related causes, compared with 27,000 women.

Learn more about addiction here. Treatment

Although many men are reluctant to seek and continue treatment for mental health issues, it is a vital step in recovery. With effective treatment, people can learn to manage their symptoms and begin to feel better.

Some treatment options include:Psychotherapy

Therapy can help people work through issues that have triggered mental health conditions. It can also help individuals manage their symptoms, change their negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviors, and learn new coping skills.

There are many different styles of therapy. In order for it to be effective, it is essential that people find the right therapist and type of therapy for them.Medication

A doctor may prescribe medication to treat various mental health conditions or symptoms associated with those illnesses

For example, they may prescribe:antidepressantsantianxiety medicationsantipsychotic drugssleep aids

Typically, doctors will recommend that people use medications in combination with psychotherapy.Lifestyle changes

Making positive lifestyle changes can make a significant contribution to mental well-being.

For example, it is important to:Eat a balanced diet.Get enough sleep.Exercise on most days.Manage stress through meditation or yoga, or in other ways.Limit or avoid the use of alcohol and drugs.

Learn more about some natural ways to ease conditions such as anxiety here.Peer support

Attending a support group or group counseling can be very helpful for those with a mental health condition.Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent mental health conditions. However, the following steps may reduce the risk of developing one:Communicate with family and friends, especially during stressful periods.Seek treatment promptly if any symptoms of poor mental health develop.Continue with maintenance treatment to prevent relapses of depression or other mental health conditions.Learn to manage stress through meditation, mindfulness, creative outlets, or other methods.Practice positive lifestyle choices, such as eating well, sleeping enough, and exercising.See a therapist for issues such as low self-esteem or childhood trauma, which could trigger mental health problems later in life.How to help

There are several things a person can do to help a loved one with mental health issues. For example:Look for changes in the persons behavior and mood. These may indicate the development of a mental health issue.Talk to the person and ask them how they are feeling. This is especially important if they have just experienced an upsetting event, such as divorce, bereavement, or retirement.Encourage them to talk to their doctor or a mental health professional.Offer to look up treatment providers, make an appointment for them, or attend the treatment with them.Check in with them regularly to see how they are.If someone is at risk of suicide, do not leave them alone. Call 911 and wait with them until help arrives.

Having the support of loved ones can have a significant impact on a persons recovery. Some research even suggests that some people who have suicidal thoughts but do not act on them choose not to do so because of the support of their friends and family.Helpful organizations

Organizations that may be helpful for men with mental health conditions include:the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is available at 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) or by free text for those in crisis (text NAMI to 741-741)the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is available 24/7 at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)the Face It Foundation, which provides support groups, peer support, and other resources for men with depressionHeadsUpGuys, which is an organization that provides strategies to manage or prevent depression in menthe Movember Foundation, which is a charity that focuses on issues that affect mens physical and mental health Suicide preventionIf you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:Ask the tough question: Are you considering suicide?Listen to the person without judgment.Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.Stay with the person until professional help arrives.Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.Was this helpful? Summary

Mens mental health issues differ from womens in many ways, yet they are just as important. One concerning aspect is that men are more reluctant to seek treatment for issues they face. The risk of suicide is also much higher among men.

However, seeking and continuing treatment can have a significant positive impact on the lives of men who experience mental health difficulties. Seeking support from health professionals and loved ones can ease the symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of suicide.

Many organizations offer support to those experiencing mental health challenges, and many focus solely on providing information and help to men.

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Farage confirms he wants to deport women asylum seekers back to Taliban in Afghanistan

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September 6, 2025

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Farage confirms he wants to deport women asylum seekers back to Taliban in Afghanistan

Nigel Farage has confirmed he wants to deport women asylum seekers back to the Taliban in Afghanistan if he becomes prime minister.

The Reform UK leader’s position on the topic has not been clear, with him previously saying he wouldn’t send women back to the fundamentalist regime that took over after western militaries withdrew, before now saying he would.

Mr Farage was speaking to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby at the Reform UK party conference in Birmingham.

Politics live: Govt responds to Farage wanting early election

When asked if he would “detain” women and children and “send them back”, the Clacton MP said “yes”.

Challenged on when he said in August that he was not “discussing” women and children, Mr Farage claimed this was a reference to his desire to see men detained on arrival in the UK.

At the time, he said he was “very, very clear” on the “deportation of illegal immigrants”, adding: “We are not even discussing women and children at this stage – there are so many illegal males in Britain, and the news reports that said that after my conference yesterday were wrong”.

Speaking today, Mr Farage claimed that the UK has a “duty of care” to a child if, for example, a four-year-old arrives in a dinghy – but not to women and men.

“For clarity, those that cross the English Channel will be detained and deported, men and women,” Mr Farage went on.

“Children, we’ll have to think about.”

Read more:
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Nigel Farage speaks to Beth Rigby at Reform's 2025 conference
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Nigel Farage speaks to Beth Rigby at Reform’s 2025 conference

‘No one’ can prevent small boats crossing the Channel

The Reform leader also rowed back on his pledge to stop all boats within two weeks if he is elected prime minister.

Speaking to the conference yesterday, Mr Farage said: “You cannot come here illegally and stay – we will stop the boats within two weeks of winning government.”

But speaking to Beth Rigby today, he changed tack – saying “the passing of legislation” would be required.

He said only then would the boats be stopped within two weeks, or sooner In the interview with Rigby, Mr Farage tried to claim he did not say he would end the boats within two weeks of “winning government”.

But the video of his speech, as well as the transcript released by Reform UK, clearly show him saying: “We will stop the boats within two weeks of winning government.”

When asked why he wouldn’t be able to follow through with his initial claim, Mr Farage said it was impossible and that “no one” can prevent them crossing the Channel.

The Reform UK leader said the law he wants to introduce will be called the Illegal Migration Act once it is passed by parliament.

He confirmed his agenda includes leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, shutting down asylum hotels and housing people at RAF bases instead, as well as deporting Channel migrants.

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Watch Farage face questions on his tax affairs

Read more on Sky News:
Flares thrown at migrant hotel
Labour plans to overhaul ‘broken’ asylum system

Mr Farage also claimed that deportation flights would also begin within two weeks of the law changing, and this combination of factors would stop people from wanting to travel from France.

Reform doesn’t seem bothered about detail amongst their fireworks

Nigel Farage insists his policy on mass deportations is clear when it comes to women and girls.

But I’ve watched every Reform speech since they unveiled their flagship policy – and I was there in the room to ask him when he announced what he will do with women and children who come here via small boats if he was in power – and I still can’t work it out.

That’s because he’s said three different things since, including in an interview today.

Originally he said everyone would be detained: “Yes, women and children, everybody on arrival will be detained. And I’ve accepted already that how we deal with children is a much more complicated and difficult issue.”

A day later he said Reform is “not even discussing women and children at this stage” implying women and children would not be deported.

He also said it was “not true” that’s he had committed to sending women and girls back to countries where they can be raped, tortured and killed.

But today at their conference he told Sky News that women who arrive by boat will be deported to Afghanistan “if necessary”.

Considering Reform UK say they are willing to make deals with Afghanistan and Syria, this question is an important one. The UK has not recognised the Taliban as a legitimate government of Afghanistan since the group seized Kabul in 2021 and first established a regime based on an extreme interpretation of Islamic law.

Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice has defended those plans, saying: “Sometimes you do deals with people you may not want to go down the pub with.”

Farage clarified that “children, of course, we’ll have to know that we’re sending them off somewhere sensible”.

He has also previously said asylum seekers were a threat to national security and to British women.

The broader political issue though, is that Reform’s immigration plan was meant to be a detailed and considered policy on an issue they’ve been ahead of other politicians on for years.

So why aren’t they more forthcoming with their answers on what they would do with women and children?

If they had hoped to truly embody their conference slogan of “next steps” to professionalise the party, they need to urgently address this.

But party members here don’t seem to be bothered by this detail amongst the fireworks, the enthusiasm and the energy here.

It turns out that years of banging on about this single issue for decades is Nigel Farage’s greatest strength – and the public are willing to give him the grace to work out the details later down the line.

This strategy all depends on Reform UK winning the next general election – which Labour does not have to call until 2029.

However, the Reform leader says he believes the government will collapse in 2027 due to economic pressure and other factors.

Reform are currently well clear of Labour and the Conservatives in the polling, and are targeting next year’s Welsh, Scottish and English local elections to try and win more power in councils and national assemblies.

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Families of British couple killed in Lisbon funicular crash say they are ‘heartbroken’

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September 6, 2025

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British couple killed in Lisbon funicular crash named

The families of the British couple killed in the Lisbon funicular crash have said they are “heartbroken” as they paid tribute to them.

Kayleigh Smith, 36, and William Nelson, 44, died alongside 14 others in Wednesday’s incident, including another British victim who has not yet been named.

Ms Smith graduated from the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, where Mr Nelson ran the master’s degree in directing.

In a statement shared by Cheshire Police, Ms Smith’s family said: “Kayleigh was loved by family and friends for her wit and humour, her kind and caring nature came to the fore in her work as a funeral operative.

“She was also a talented theatre director and had just completed a Master’s Degree. They both leave family and friends heartbroken.”

Mr Nelson’s younger brother, who was not named in the statement, added: “Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now but here is the best attempt. This week, due to a tragic accident in Lisbon, Portugal, we lost Will Nelson, who was not just my big brother but everyone’s.

“He was always kind, selfless, and protective, and the world does not feel right or normal without him. He was and has always been my hero, and we will miss you always. Love you, rest in peace you legend.”

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‘We felt no brakes anymore’

MADS theatre in Macclesfield, Cheshire, said Ms Smith was a “valued member of our society” who will be “greatly missed”.

It said she was an award-winning director and actress, who had also done multiple crew and front-of-house roles.

Macclesfield MP Tim Roca paid tribute to Ms Smith, saying she was a “hugely talented theatre director” who “poured her creativity, energy and kindness into every production”.

Mr Nelson was “equally dedicated to nurturing creativity and inspiring the next generation” and “his loss will be felt deeply by colleagues and students alike”, the MP added.

Hours before the crash, Ms Smith posted pictures on Instagram of their first day in Lisbon with the caption: “Churches and castles, tiles and trams.”

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Lisbon crash: What happened?

Five Portuguese citizens died when the packed carriage plummeted out of control – four of them workers at a charity on the hill – but most victims were foreigners.

Police said the other fatalities were two Canadians, two South Koreans, one American, one French citizen, one Swiss and one Ukrainian.

All but one were declared dead at the scene – and 21 others in the packed carriage were injured.

The yellow carriages of the Gloria funicular are a big draw for tourists, as well as a proud symbol of the Portuguese capital.

The journey is just 265m (870ft) up a steep hill and takes three minutes, with two carriages travelling in opposite directions on a linked cable.

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Witnesses reported seeing one of the carriages hurtle down the hill before derailing and crashing 30m from the bottom.

The aftermath shows it crumpled and twisted against the side of a building.

People who were in the bottom carriage said they were a few metres into the climb when it started going backwards.

When they saw the other car speeding towards them, many jumped through the windows to escape.

The crash happened around 6pm on Wednesday. Pic: Reuters
Image:
The crash happened around 6pm on Wednesday. Pic: Reuters

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called the crash “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past” and authorities are under intense pressure to quickly identifying the cause.

One witness who was in the lower carriage told Sky’s Europe correspondent Alistair Bunkall that the brakes appeared to fail.

The carriage’s brakeman, Andre Marques, has also been confirmed among the dead.

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‘I screamed, we’re all going to die’

Officials said the streetcar, which has been running since 1914, had a half-hour visual inspection every day and underwent full maintenance last year.

The line links the downtown area near Restauradores Square with Lisbon’s Bairro Alto neighbourhood.

A preliminary technical report due on Friday has now been delayed until Saturday. Another report with a broader scope is expected within 45 days.

Three other funicular lines in Lisbon have been suspended.

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Clashes break out at Palestine Action protest – as police make around 150 arrests

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September 6, 2025

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Clashes break out at Palestine Action protest - as police make around 150 arrests

Clashes have broken out at a protest for Palestine Action in London as police reveal they have made around 150 arrests.

The Metropolitan Police said officers had been “subjected to an exceptional level of abuse” at the Westminster protest, including “punches, kicks, spitting and objects being thrown”.

It added some protesters had been both physically and verbally abusive in a “coordinated effort to prevent officers carrying out their duties”, and that a number of the arrests were made for assault.

Officers were seen drawing their batons while demonstrators took action in support of the proscribed terror organisation.

One man was seen with blood streaming down his face behind a barrier after being arrested, while the crowd was heard chanting “shame on you” and “you’re supporting genocide”.

Pic: PA
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Pic: PA

Pic: PA
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Pic: PA

Tense scenes on the western side of Parliament Square saw several protesters fall over in a crush while water was thrown at officers.

The Met Police announced the first arrests of the day on X just 12 minutes after the protest’s official start time.

More on Palestine Action

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Watch moment police carry several protesters away

The protest’s organiser, Defend Our Juries, said it estimated 1,500 had gathered for the rally, where many of them held signs saying: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

In an update early on Saturday evening, the Met said: “Any assaults against officers will not be tolerated and arrests have already been made. We will identify all those responsible and prosecute to the full extent of the law.”

It had warned before the protest that “expressing support for a proscribed organisation is a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act”.

“Where our officers see offences, we will make arrests,” it said.

A protester is carried away by police in Parliament Square. Pic: PA
Image:
A protester is carried away by police in Parliament Square. Pic: PA

Pic: PA
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Pic: PA

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries claimed the rally had been “the picture of peaceful protest” and that the Met Police’s statement about its officers being abused was an “astonishing claim”.

“I’ve been here all day and I haven’t seen any violence or aggression from anyone,” they said. “I’ve only seen aggression and violence from the police.”

Palestine Action has been banned as a terror group since 5 July after MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the move proposed by then-home secretary Yvette Cooper, making it illegal to express support for the group.

Read more:
Farage wants to deport women asylum seekers back to Taliban
Israel warns Gaza City residents to flee south to ‘humanitarian area’

The ban on the group came shortly after two Voyager aircraft suffered around £7m worth of damage at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on 20 June.

More than 530 people were arrested at the last major demonstration against Palestine Action being banned as a terror group. However, the Met Police used “street bail” to avoid having to process them all in custody.

Street bail allows officers to release suspects on bail before they are taken to a police station. The suspect receives a bail notice requiring them to return to a station at a future date instead.

The organisers encouraged protesters not to accept street bail during today’s demonstration, writing in a briefing document before they started: “It will not be practically possible for the police to arrest 1,000 non-compliant people on the same day, and that is the strategic rationale behind non-compliance. It increases pressure on the state.”

In a reference to the advice in the briefing document, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told Sky News the move would be “misguided”.

It faces a legal challenge in November after the High Court granted a full judicial review to Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori.

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