Men continue to be disproportionately affected by suicide. In 2022, three-quarters (74.1%) of all registered suicides were male (4,179 deaths)[1]. The disproportionally higher suicide rate is often associated with men being less likely to seek help for mental health difficulties[2].
According to data from the NHS Talking Therapies annual report (2023–2024) men accounted for only 32.6% of all referrals (597,540), compared with 65.8% for women (1,203,832)[3]. Prevalence of common mental health conditions (CMHC) is higher in women (24.2%) than men (15.4%)[4].
Data shows that when men do access services such as NHS Talking Therapies, their outcomes are comparable to those of women, demonstrating that evidence-based treatment works — if men can get to it. Access to evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), remains vital.
As the world marks International Men’s Day (IMD), BABCP is calling for greater action to ensure that men and boys can access mental health support when they need it. While waiting times for mental health services affect everyone, they may have a disproportionate impact on men and boys, who often delay seeking support until they are in crisis.
Dr Stirling Moorey, President of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) said: “The data shows that men are less likely to seek mental health support, even when they need it most.
“We welcome the Government’s forthcoming mental health strategy following its recent call for evidence, and we hope it will include specific interventions to improve men’s access to NHS Talking Therapies. This should include specific interventions and support to ensure that men from marginalised communities, or those that require additional support can access the help they need.
“Approaches that can help include using positive male role models, promoting symptom recognition, and building on positive masculine traits — but above all, it is crucial that help is available when men and boys reach out for it.”
[1] Suicides in England and Wales – Office for National Statistics
[2] Improving Mental Health Service Utilization Among Men: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Behavior Change Techniques Within Interventions Targeting Help-Seeking – PMC
[3] NHS Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression, Annual reports, 2023-24 – NHS England Digital
[4] Chapter 1: Common mental health conditions – NHS England Digital
