Over half of adults believe men need more support for their mental health

This year’s campaign is being championed by an impressive line-up of ambassadors, including former Munster rugby player Simon Zebo, broadcaster Darren Kennedy, former Mayo GAA footballer Pádraig O’Hora, and psychotherapist, author and pundit Richie Sadlier.
Over half of adults believe men need more support for their mental health

Kenneth Fox

Over half of Irish adults (56 per cent) believe men in Ireland need greater support to manage their health and wellbeing.

Stigma around seeking help (34 per cent) and an inability to ask for help (23 per cent) were identified as major barriers to men addressing health concerns.

Two in five feel men’s mental health is deteriorating, reveals Movember, the leading charity working to change the face of men’s health.

Movember is calling on people across the country to raise vital funds to support men’s health initiatives, highlighting that men’s health is not just a men’s issue, but a societal one that impacts families, friends, and the wider community.

Two in five feel men’s mental health is deteriorating, reveals Movember, the leading charity working to change the face of men’s health.

This year’s campaign is being championed by an impressive line-up of ambassadors, including former Munster rugby player Simon Zebo, broadcaster Darren Kennedy, former Mayo GAA footballer Pádraig O’Hora, and psychotherapist, author and pundit Richie Sadlier.

Drawing on findings from its landmark Real Face of Men’s Health report, which explores the attitudes and experiences shaping men’s health and wellbeing in Ireland, it reveals that the cost of living (42 per cent) and limited support for mental health (25 per cent) were cited as the biggest pressures facing men.

Globally, a man dies by suicide every minute, and in Ireland, four out of every five deaths by suicide are male.

It is a national crisis that disproportionately affects younger, working-aged men.

The findings also indicate clear concerns for young men, with half of Irish adults (50 per cent) believing young men are becoming increasingly isolated, whilst 62 per cent say they struggle to find purpose.

Technology was cited by 35 per cent of Irish adults as among the reasons it is more difficult for men to establish meaningful social connections, while 70 per cent of Irish adults believe greater efforts need to be made to tackle the epidemic of loneliness, which is impacting men in Ireland, with the country already ranked as the loneliest in the EU.

Prostate and testicular cancer awareness and early intervention remain central to the work of Movember.

Through research, strategic partnerships, and education, they aim to support men achieve more positive health outcomes through earlier diagnosis and treatment.

In Ireland, prostate cancer is the number one cancer affecting men (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer), with one in every six men diagnosed in their lifetime and 4,000 men diagnosed annually.

Speaking at the launch, Sarah Ouellette, Movember country manager, said: "Movember as a campaign is all about having fun with impact, it’s about galvanising individuals and communities across the country to raise vital funds for men’s health. Poor men’s health is an issue that affects everyone, and its ripple effects are felt across families, workplaces, and society.

“Every man is a son, brother, friend, colleague or partner, and we all must recognise this and strive to create a society and health system that is gender responsive and empowers men to reach out and seek help earlier. Earlier supports and treatments lead to more positive outcomes.

“We know, Irish men are dying too young, and this must change. The moustache is a global symbol for positive change, and we at Movember are appealing to the public to support the campaign this year. There are lots of ways to get involved; it’s about finding a way that works for you, whether that’s rallying your crew and getting a little creative while doing good for men’s health, or going solo."

More in this section

Kildare Nationalist