A recent study reveals that one in three people in the UK avoid seeking help for mental health problems because they fear being judged as “mentally weak.” This stigma is especially strong among younger adults, with 25% of Gen Z holding this belief.
The study of 1,000 adults found that 35% worry about being judged if they get professional support, and 25% fear it could harm their job prospects. As a result, 55% prefer to handle mental health issues on their own, while 36% feel societal pressure to do so. Nearly 30% would hesitate to tell their partner if they had seen a therapist.
Mental health experts say stigma remains a major barrier for men in particular. Around 50% of men in the UK have experienced poor mental health, yet many do not know where to turn for help. Only about 24% of men talk to friends about their struggles, and fewer than half seek medical advice. This silence contributes to high rates of suicide among men, who make up about 75% of suicides in the UK.
Doctors emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Encouraging open conversations and sharing stories of men who have sought support can reduce stigma. The government’s new Men’s Health Strategy aims to improve mental health services tailored to men’s needs.
Experts urge everyone to check in regularly with the men in their lives, listen without judgment, and promote healthy habits like exercise and sleep to support mental well-being.
