An introduction to men's mental health in Scotland
Focusing on men’s mental health is important because men face unique risks, challenges, and barriers that often go unseen or unspoken - and the consequences can be life-threatening. More men in Scotland are struggling with depression and anxiety than ever before. Around 1 in 8 men show signs of depression, and anxiety is also on the rise - especially since the Coronavirus pandemic. 75% of people who die by suicide in Scotland are men, and suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50. Many men still feel pressure to “man up” and don’t talk about their emotions, which can mean that their problems often go unnoticed and untreated until they become serious. Money worries, loneliness, job stress, and alcohol can make things worse. In deprived areas, men are much more likely to die young from mental health-related causes.
Raising awareness of men's mental health
- Ross Cunningham’s hillwalking campaign, supported by Suicide Prevention Scotland, used storytelling and outdoor activity to encourage men to talk - and highlighted that in 2023, 590 of 792 probable suicide deaths were men.
- In 2024, Craig Ferguson’s 1,000‑mile walk from Glasgow to Munich raised £77,000 for the Brothers in Arms charity and drew attention to the issue of male suicide as the biggest killer of men under 50.
- Most recently, cyclist Chris Hall began a UK coastal ride to raise awareness of suicide prevention in men, leveraging personal experience to spark conversation across communities.
There is help out there for men - and it is growing!
Men in Scotland are facing serious mental health challenges, especially around suicide. But more people are speaking up, and help is out there. Talking can be life-saving - and there is no shame in asking for support. The Scottish Government is investing in peer support, youth outreach, and suicide prevention programs.
Some of the local support available includes;
- Andy’s Man Club provides a regular, accessible space where local men can talk in a trusted and consistent environment - crucial for reducing isolation.
- Men in Mind introduces professional input into the peer momentum, bridging informal support with expert guidance.
- Men’s Sheds offer social and practical interaction - an effective blend of activity and conversation. Men come together to contribute to projects in their local community, whilst improving wellbeing and combatting social isolation.
- Men United (Aberdeenshire) is a charity which aims to challenge the stigma that surrounds men’s mental health, and offer peer support groups, mentoring, and motivational workshops/public speaking.
If you are concerned and there is immediate risk, please contact NESCol's Safeguarding Team via College's 'Report + Support' system, which is available to both staff and students.
Further sources of information and support include;
• Movember - A charity and social movement, providing education, advocacy, and support. Read about men's real lived experiences of mental health, and connect with others seeking to make a difference.
• Spectrum Life (Students) - An online platform providing resources relating to various different wellbeing-related topics, and providing access to 24/7 Counselling. Use code 'NESCol'. Spectrum Life is also available as a mobile app.
• Employee Assistance Programme (Staff) - provides a variety of confidential support services to NESCol staff.
• Able Futures (Staff) - Mental health support for people at work.
Would you like to support the men in your life?
'ASK A.L.E.C.' provides a simple but effective framework for engaging in supportive conversations. A.L.E.C. stands for: Ask; Listen; Encourage; and Check-in. Please see below pdf for a more in-depth description of how you can help.