One in every three men has never opened up to another male about their health concerns, a new poll has revealed.
The study – commissioned by BUPA – showed men do not talk about mental health strains, relationship break ups and physical ailments with their close male friends or family.
The most unlikely to divulge their fears are the over 55s who cite their own parents refrainment from discussing their wellbeing as the chief reason for their own reticence.
However, men under the age of 34 told researchers they are much more likely to talk about their physical and mental condition after stressful events with male peers or relations.
The poll, which sampled 8,000 adults, revealed 30 per cent of men questioned did not discuss their health, despite half of all the men involved admitting struggling with mental illness.
Carlos Jaureguizar, the chief executive of BUPA Global, said the report called The BUPA Wellbeing Index, highlighted that older men predominately believe in maintaining a stiff upper lip when confronted with illness.
He said: ‘It is time to move away from the mindset of needing to “man up”, and instead that it is ok to talk and seek help.
‘The earlier these interventions, the sooner there can be a positive impact on mental and physical health.’
Men over the age of 55 are least likely to open up about their mental health concerns (file image)
Half of all men in BUPA’s study admitted to struggling with their mental health (file image)
The research also pointed out that many men do not know which organisations to speak to if they do want to discuss their health compounding the problem.
Under half of the men in the sample who reported having mental health problems actually went to seek advice or treatment for it, according to the report.
Amongst the contributing factors to male mental health strain were a lack of self-confidence and unhappiness in their employment.
Dr Naveen Puri, medical director at BUPA UK, said: ‘It is important we encourage and support men to be more open about their mental wellbeing and to seek the support they need.’
