Exercise won't fix everything, and it's never a replacement for professional support. But it can make a genuine difference to how you feel, and the gym, the pitch or the running club are often places where men find it easier to open up. In this guide, we'll look at what the UK figures tell us, why exercise matters, how to support a man in your life, and how fitness professionals can play their part.
If you're struggling right now, you don't have to wait. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, or call 111 and select the mental health option. If someone's life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E. There's more on where to get help at the end of this article.
Men's mental health statistics in the UK
The numbers are stark. According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 17.5 suicides registered per 100,000 males in England and Wales in 2025, compared with 5.5 per 100,000 females. Men aged 50 to 54 had the highest rate of any age group, at 28.0 per 100,000.The government's first national strategy on the health of men and boys in England adds more context to these men's mental health statistics in the UK:
- men accounted for 3 in 4 suicide deaths in 2024
- suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50
- 28% of men aged 18 and over reported feeling anxious because of body image issues, according to the Mental Health Foundation (2019)
- men can be less likely to seek help and more likely to suffer in silence
Behind every one of those figures is a person, and often a family, a group of friends and a workplace who were affected too. It's why mental health for men is something we can all play a part in, not just doctors and therapists.
When is Men's Mental Health Month?
It's one of the most searched questions on the subject, and the answer is a bit confusing because there isn't a single official date in the UK.November is widely marked as Men's Health Awareness Month. International Men's Day also falls on 19 November, with a focus on improving the wellbeing and lives of men and boys, and events across the month include mental health discussions. Meanwhile, Men's Health Week takes place in June, which is why you'll also see June described as men's mental health month online.
So if you've been wondering whether Men's Mental Health Month is in June or November, you'll find conversations happening in both. The most important thing is that looking after your mental health isn't something to save for one month a year.
How exercise supports mental health for men
The NHS says that any type of exercise is useful for people with depression, as long as it suits you and you do enough of it. Even a brisk 10-minute walk can clear your mind and help you relax. Lots of GP surgeries prescribe exercise as a treatment for a range of conditions, including depression, and NICE recommends group exercise as an option for people with less severe depression.The UK Chief Medical Officers' guidelines also note that, for older adults, bouts of 30 minutes of moderate activity a day almost halve the odds of experiencing depression.
For many men, exercise helps in ways that go beyond the physical:
- it gives the day structure, which can make a real difference when everything else feels chaotic
- it offers a sense of progress you can actually see, whether that's lifting more or running further
- it's a healthy way to deal with stress, rather than turning to alcohol
- it can be social, without the pressure of sitting face to face and "having a chat"
Strength training in particular gives a lot of men a confidence boost. You can read more in our guide to the benefits of strength training for men.
Men's mental health and fitness: why the gym can be a place to talk
Sport and fitness can be a good way in. The government's strategy notes that men are less likely than women to attend face-to-face community sessions, and it highlights programmes that use sports clubs to reach men instead.Side-by-side activities, like training together, walking or playing a sport, can make it easier to talk. That's why men's mental health and fitness are so closely linked. A personal trainer, coach or training partner is often someone a man sees every week, trusts and feels comfortable with. Sometimes that's the person he'll mention a bad week to first.
Our blog on promoting mental wellness through physical fitness looks at how trainers can support clients' wellbeing more generally.
How to support a man in your life
If you're worried about your dad, partner, brother, son or friend, you don't need to have all the answers. A few things that can help:- Ask how they're doing, and give them time to answer properly. If they brush it off, it's fine to ask again.
- Suggest doing something active together, like a walk, a bike ride or a session at the gym. It can take the pressure off talking.
- Listen without trying to fix everything straight away.
- Encourage them to speak to their GP if they've been feeling down for a while and don't feel like themselves.
- Know where to point them if things feel urgent, such as 111, Samaritans or 999.
Learning more about how exercise, nutrition, sleep and stress affect wellbeing can also give you the confidence to encourage healthier habits without lecturing.
For personal trainers: supporting the mental health of male clients
As a PT, you're not a counsellor, and it's important to know where your role ends. But you can make a real difference by:
- creating a welcoming, judgement-free space where clients feel comfortable
- noticing changes in mood, energy or attendance, and checking in
- building programmes that give clients achievable wins and a sense of progress
- knowing how to signpost to the GP, NHS 111 and Samaritans when someone needs more support
Understanding your duty of care is part of being a professional, and we cover that in our post on duty of care limitations for fitness instructors.
Where to get help
If you or someone you know needs support, these services are there for you, according to the NHS:- Samaritans: call 116 123, free, any time, to talk to a trained volunteer about anything that's troubling you.
- NHS 111: use 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option if you need urgent help.
- Your GP: ask for an appointment, or an urgent appointment if needed. They can talk you through treatment options.
- 999 or A&E: if someone's life is at risk or you don't feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe.
Learn how to help others with LEAP Academy
If you'd like to use fitness to help men feel better in body and mind, a career in personal training could be a brilliant fit. Our Level 3 Diploma Practitioner in Personal Training (RQF) takes you from the basics to becoming a qualified personal trainer, ready to work with clients one to one. You can also browse all of our personal training courses, including specialist packages in strength and conditioning and nutrition.If you're more interested in your own wellbeing, or in supporting someone close to you, our Exercise & Nutrition for a Healthy Lifestyle course covers exercise and nutrition alongside wider parts of health like stress and sleep.
Studying online doesn't mean studying alone. As a LEAP Academy learner, you'll get access to the learndirect: Community Hub app, where you can join discussion groups, connect with other learners and alumni, and get support from people who understand what you're working towards.
For the wider picture of how fitness and nutrition affect men's long-term wellbeing, read our guide to men's health.
