Understanding the Mental Health Crisis Among Men: A Focus on Men of Colour
The issue of suicide is more than just a public health concern—it’s a deeply personal tragedy that leaves a ripple effect across families and communities. The numbers are stark: men account for around three-quarters of all suicide deaths in the UK, according to Samaritans. But beyond the statistics are real lives, and among men of colour, the burden is even heavier. These men often face unique struggles, compounded by systemic oppression, racism, and cultural pressures that can leave them feeling trapped and invisible.
The Intersection of Race and Mental Health
For Black and Brown men, the emotional toll of living in a world where racial prejudice, shame, and colonial legacies still weigh heavily can be overwhelming. The Black, African & Asian Therapists Network (BAATN) highlights that men of colour are often expected to carry these burdens in silence, bearing the added pressure of traditional masculinity. The mental health impact is severe—Black men, for instance, are five times more likely to be diagnosed with serious mental illness compared to their white counterparts. And yet, they are less likely to receive the care they desperately need.
The Concept of Intersectionality
To truly understand the mental health challenges of men of colour, Kimberlé Crenshaw’s idea of intersectionality is key. These men live at the crossroads of race, gender, and class, where each aspect of their identity creates additional layers of pressure. The need to conform to rigid masculine ideals, while also dealing with racial discrimination, means emotional vulnerability is often not just discouraged, but seen as a sign of weakness—a dangerous misconception.
Dr. Iisha Mackenzie-Mavinga’s work on the Black empathic approach calls for compassion and cultural sensitivity in mental health care, recognising the weight of these intersecting challenges. We need to understand the pain and complexity that men from marginalised backgrounds endure to provide real, effective support.
Why Men Struggle with Mental Health
1. Social Expectations
Traditional notions of masculinity dictate that men should be stoic, self-reliant, and emotionally resilient. This pressure can lead to suppressed emotions and a reluctance to seek help.
2. Cultural Stigma
Men, particularly from minority backgrounds, often face stigma around mental health issues, which can prevent them from accessing the support they need.
3. Isolation
Many men experience social isolation, which is exacerbated by societal norms that discourage deep emotional connections and vulnerability.
4. Financial Stress
Financial pressures, especially for men who tie their identity to being a provider or equate their self-worth with working and making money, can intensify feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness.
5. Access to Care
Systemic barriers prevent men of colour from receiving the care they need. Racial bias in healthcare systems can lead to misdiagnosis or mistreatment, leaving these men feeling abandoned by the very structures meant to support them. The lack of culturally competent care means many men suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn.
6. Challenging the Silence Around Suicide
There’s a common misconception that talking about suicide makes it more likely to happen. But the opposite is true: research shows that simply asking someone if they’re thinking about suicide can cut the risk of them acting on those thoughts by half. The silence and stigma around suicide are often what push people to feel that they have no other way out. When we talk openly, when we ask the hard questions, we create space for hope and healing.
7. Protective and Aggravating Factors
A strong support network, access to culturally sensitive care, and community can provide protection against the emotional strain men of colour face. However, systemic racism, economic disadvantage, and toxic narratives about masculinity act as aggravating factors, pushing men closer to the edge.
8. The Evolving Narrative of Masculinity
The conversation around masculinity is evolving, but not without complications. While it’s crucial to challenge toxic behaviors, the overuse of labels like “toxic masculinity,” “narcissist,” and “gaslighting” can alienate men who are genuinely struggling to understand themselves. These terms can sometimes overshadow the real need for empathy and support, making it harder for men to feel safe in seeking help.
In Short
The mental health crisis among men—especially men from the global majority—is not just about statistics. It’s about human lives, stories of pain, resilience, and the need for understanding. Suicide leaves behind shattered families and communities, but it’s not inevitable. By addressing the unique intersections of race, gender, and societal expectations, we can begin to offer the support these men need. We can break the silence and open the door to honest conversations about mental health and suicide.
The journey to mental wellness is not easy, but by reaching out and asking the tough questions, by fostering empathy and challenging harmful stereotypes, we can save lives. Every man deserves to know that his pain matters, that he’s not alone, and that help is always within reach.
