Resources

Men and Mental Health

On this page, you can access a range of resources on the topic of Mental Health. Please click on the bold links in the dropdown menus below to find out more…

Western Health & Social Care Trust

Crisis Resources Information & Support

Men and Mental Health

Aware – supports those who are directly affected by depression and offers a helpline (Republic of Ireland). For Aware in Northern Ireland, click here.

Bamford Review – independent review of the law, policy, and provisions which affect people with mental health needs or a learning disability in Northern Ireland.

‘Connecting with Young Men’: Engage Unit 6 – National Men’s Health Training Programme – an evaluation of the workshops for practitioners (focusing upon engaging young men in mental health issues) delivered across the Republic of Ireland in 2015 and 2016.

Diadhuit – voluntary initiative aimed at addressing the issue of suicide in North Cork.

Engaging Young Men Project: A Report on the Mapping Exercise Conducted in Ireland During 2014 – MHFI research which highlights that young men do care about their mental health and that – by changing even little things – service providers can make a huge difference to the quality of their engagement with young men (PDF, 6.41MB).

Grow – network of mental health support groups throughout Ireland.

Heads Up Guys – a Canadian website that supports men in their fight against depression by providing tips, tools and stories of success.

Helplink Mental Health – online and phone-based counselling services, as well as links to sources of help and support.

Irish Association of Suicidology – education and awareness-raising about suicide.

Male Mental Health in Ireland – report for the One Foundation in 2004 (PDF, 195KB).

Masculinity and Mental Health – paper outlining the key issues for promoting mental health with young men (PDF, 693KB).

Men Suicide and Society – report commissioned by the Samaritans which looks at why men in mid-life, from disadvantaged backgrounds, are more at risk of suicide (PDF, 2.58MB).

Mental Health Ireland – national voluntary organisation offering information, events, research, networks and projects.

Middle-Aged Men and Suicide in Ireland – MHFI research exploring the factors underpinning the high suicide rates among middle-aged men at risk of marginalisation in the Republic of Ireland, with a view to providing more effective and gender specific programmes, services, and resources to support their mental health and wellbeing (PDF, 4.5MB).

Minding Your Head – spot the symptoms of poor mental health and find simple ways to stay healthy.

National Office for Suicide Prevention – research, training and reports in this field.

National Suicide Research Foundation – research evidence which contributes to the prevention of suicidal behaviour in Ireland.

Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing with Men and Boys: What Works? – report on the core elements that enable successful work with men and boys on mental health promotion, early intervention and stigma reduction (PDF, 1.31MB).

Samaritans – confidential and non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing distress or despair.

See Change – partnership to reduce stigma and challenge the discrimination associated with mental health problems.

Shine – support for people affected by mental ill-health.

Stamp Out Suicide – suicide awareness information for those feeling depressed and suicidal, and for those bereaved by suicide.

Teen-Line Ireland – helpline for teenagers which provides a listening and support service.

The Male Journey – a group of men dedicated to the promotion of a strong and healthy male spirituality.

Turn2Me – an online mental health organisation offering a range of free services to any adult affected by mental health / well-being difficulties.

Young Men and Suicide Project – report on an all-island initiative by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) to identify a range of possible means to promote positive mental health among young men.

Your Mental Health – HSE website offering information on mental health issues, top tips for little things that can make a difference, real life stories, and a comprehensive database of mental health support services in Ireland.

Research, Statistics, Policy & Reports on Men

This section offers links to some research, statistics, policies and reports which address the needs of men and boys. Please click on the bold links below to find out more…

Research, Statistics, Policy and Reports on Men

An Investigation into the Partnership Process of Community Based Health Promotion for Men: An ‘International Journal of Health Promotion and Education’ article written by staff from Waterford Institute of Technology.

Facing the Challenge – The Impact of the Recession and Unemployment on Men’s Health in Ireland (PDF, 1.9MB): A study by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland.

Fathers, Separation and Co-Parenting – Man Matters Policy Briefing Paper Number 3 published in January 2014 (PDF, 2.2MB).

Gender Equality Strategy Statistics – 2011 Update (PDF, 735KB): Prepared for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland (OFMDFM) by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).

Getting Inside Men’s Health (PDF, 1.5MB): Outcomes of a research project to inform the development of a National Men’s Health Policy in the Republic of Ireland.

Health in Ireland: Key Trends 2011 (PDF, 2.26MB): Health data on the Republic of Ireland over the past decade, which aims to highlight trends and topics of growing concern, as well as to assess progress in the broader EU context.

Men in Northern Ireland (MiNI) Series: Headline factsheets on males, presenting key statistics relating to demography, work, health, education, family life and caring responsibilities (prepared by staff from ARK).

Men’s Attitudes and Values Research (PDF, 368KB): Organised by The Male Link in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties during 2000, this study questioned 632 males, aged 15 years and over, about a range of issues affecting men.

Men’s Health in Ireland (PDF, 2.13MB): The Men’s Health Forum in Ireland’s seminal report in 2004, which provided the most comprehensive overview of key statistics on men’s health on the island of Ireland ever collated up to that time. This provided clear evidence of men’s health needs in Ireland.

Men’s Health in Numbers: Irish Men’s Health Report Card 2020 – an infographically-driven publication that provides a lay person’s synopsis of contemporary key men’s health statistics in the Republic of Ireland.

Men’s Health in Numbers: Northern Ireland Men’s Health Report Card 2021 – an infographically-driven publication that provides a lay person’s synopsis of contemporary key men’s health statistics in Northern Ireland.

Men’s Health in Numbers: Trends on the Island of Ireland – a comprehensive report that describes, in detail, changes in significant markers of men’s health on the island of Ireland in the last twenty years.

Men’s Life and Times: A module within the 2000 and 2004 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, conducted by the ARK team within Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster. This research explores the attitudes of both men and women to issues affecting men.

Men Talking (PDF, 5.7MB): a study of men’s health in the North Eastern Health Board (2001).

North Leitrim Men’s Research: Report, in 2001, on research conducted by the North Leitrim Men’s Group into the needs of single rural men.

Out of Sight. Out of Mind (PDF, 5.6MB): A report by the Samaritans on why less-well off middle-aged men don’t get the support they need.

Report on the State of Men’s Health across 17 European Countries: European Men’s Health Forum publication which examines a broad range of men’s health issues and health inequalities throughout 17 European countries.

Social Focus on Men (PDF, 642KB): Produced by UK National Statistics, this report provides an overview of the changing lives and roles of men in the United Kingdom in terms of their health, work, income, education, family situation and lifestyle in 2001.

The State of Men’s Health in Europe (PDF, 3.63MB): A report launched on Tuesday 14th June 2011 which compares men’s health status between and within European Union countries.

Response to ‘The State of Men’s Health in Europe’ (PDF, 5.9MB): Prepared by the European Men’s Health Forum, this document makes a set of recommendations based upon the findings in the original report.

Understanding Fatherhood in the 21st Century: Man Matters Policy Briefing Paper No 2 – a Northern Irish report on fathers and fatherhood, published in October 2012 (PDF, 1.6MB).

Women and Men in Ireland, 2011 (PDF, 1.21MB): Gender equality indicators collated by the Central Statistics Office in the Republic of Ireland.

Policies and Strategies

Australian National Men’s Health Policy: The main policy document, as well as other supporting materials, which were considered when it was being drawn-up.

Delivering Men’s Health (PDF, 1.9MB): A guide for policy makers and service providers, produced by Global Action on Men’s Health.

Healthy Ireland – Men 2017-2021 (PDF, 4.02MB): Ireland’s National Men’s Health Action Plan.

Improving Men’s Health in Northern Ireland (PDF, 260KB): Policy recommendations for improving men’s health, produced by the British Medical Association in Northern Ireland.

Irish National Men’s Health Policy 2008-2013 (PDF, 1.2MB): The Republic of Ireland was the first country in the world to have a policy on men’s health. This link is to a PDF of the full policy document.

Men’s Health in Northern Ireland: Tackling the Root Causes of Men’s [Ill] Health – Policy Briefing Paper No 1 (PDF, 965KB): Prepared by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland to inform the work of the Man Matters partnership.

Review of the National Men’s Health Policy and Action Plan 2008-2013 (PDF, 1.6MB): A review of the impact of Ireland’s National Men’s Health Policy conducted by Peter Baker for the Health Service Executive in 2015.

Strategy on the Health and Wellbeing of Men in the WHO European Region (PDF, 106KB): In September 2018, the WHO Europe Regional Committee approved a new men’s health strategy which aims to inform action by Member States to improve men’s health and wellbeing while promoting gender equality.

Western Australian Men’s Health and Wellbeing Policy (PDF, 2.1MB): Launched in 2019.

Reports

A Report on the Excess Burden of Cancer among Men in the Republic of Ireland (PDF, 3.02MB): Research commissioned and funded by the Irish Cancer Society, and launched in June 2013.

Best Practice Approaches to Tailoring Lifestyle Interventions for Obese Men in the Primary Care Setting (PDF, 237KB): The key findings from an MA thesis conducted at the Centre for Men’s Health in the Institute of Technology Carlow.

Delivering Men’s Health (PDF, 1.95MB): is a practical guide, aimed at policymakers and service providers who want to take action but who are not very knowledgeable about gender and health generally, or men’s health specifically.

Farmers Have Hearts Project – an evaluation of a healthy heart initiative with farmers in the West of Ireland (PDF, 197KB).

Men and Cancer – Saving Lives (PDF, 1.44MB): Proceedings of the Expert Roundtable held at the King’s Fund in London on January 29th 2013.

Men’s Health and Primary Care – Improving Access and Outcomes in Northern Ireland (PDF, 506KB): Report on the findings from an event held in November 2014.

Men’s Health Around the World (PDF, 2.6MB): A European Men’s Health Forum publication reviewing policy and progress across 11 countries.

The Health and Wellbeing of Men in the WHO European Region: better health through a gender approach (PDF, 17.7MB): Evidence used to inform the new men’s health strategy adopted by the WHO European region in 2018.

Towards Gender Equality (PDF, 2.6MB): Report on exploratory evidence of the attitudes towards and needs of male victims of domestic violence and abuse in Northern Ireland.

Working to Improve the Health of Men (PDF, 1MB): A report, published in 2012, detailing 10 years of activity in the nurse-led Camelon Men’s Health Centre in Scotland.

Young Men and Suicide Project: A report launched in January 2013 on an all-island initiative by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) to identify a range of possible means to promote positive mental health among young men.

Lifestyle Resources

Alcohol

Many men in Ireland like to have a drink. While there’s nothing wrong with this now and again, some men drink too much alcohol too often. Are you one of them? Heavy alcohol consumption doesn’t just affect the personal health of the individual who drinks it. It can lead to accidents, workplace problems, assaults, road traffic incidents, debt problems …

But, how much is too much? To find out, visit:

www.knowyourlimits.info
www.yourdrinking.ie

Assessment Tools:

www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Alcohol-unit-calculator.aspx
www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Alcoholcalculator.aspx
www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/alcohol-myths.aspx

Mental Health & Sleep

What Sleep Deprivation Does To Your Brain – Everything You Need to Know About Sleep Deprivation.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sleep Disorders – Sleep Help for Those Diagnosed With ASD.

Sleep Help’s Full Collection of Resources – Make sense of the common issues affecting your sleep.

Smoking

It is a misconception that smoking helps you to relax. In fact, it actually has the opposite effect on your body. The damage that smoking tobacco can have on your health is widely known.

It can lead to cancers (such as lung, mouth, throat and bladder), as well as other problems including heart disease, stroke, bronchitis, emphysema and even impotence! Here’s the good news, tthe moment you stop smoking your health will start to improve.

For advice and information on stopping smoking visit or phone

www.want2stop.info | 0808 812 8008 (NI)
www.quit.ie | 1800 201 203 (RoI)

Assessment Tools:

www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Smoking.aspx
www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Stopsmoking.aspx
www.canstopsmoking.com/tools/cost-calculator
www.nhs.uk/smokefree/why-quit/cost-calculator

Food

Food is more than just fuel to keep you going. What you eat (and how often you eat it) can help you to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, and keep you looking and acting younger. How a man eats throughout his life can help to predict how well he ages. There’s a lot of help around to point you in the right direction.

For starters, why not visit:

www.enjoyhealthyeating.info
www.safefood.eu/Healthy-Eating.aspx

Assessment Tools:

www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/HealthyEating.aspx
www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Calorie-checker.aspx
www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/5aday.aspx

Newsletters:

Community Food and Nutrition Team Autumn Edition

Exercise

Lack of physical activity, together with poor diet, has led to a huge number of men in Ireland now being classified as obese or overweight – and this figure is rising. However, there are other benefits to regularly being active.

It reduces your risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, osteoporosis and depression, and helps you to increase your energy levels and to sleep better. Men need to get more active. Exercise makes us feel better, look better and live longer. It’s a no brainer! For information on how much exercise you need and ideas on how to get more, visit:

www.getalifegetactive.com
www.getirelandactive.ie

Assessment Tools:

www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyweightcalculator.aspx
www.bbc.co.uk/health/tools/bmi_calculator/bmi.shtml
www.bhf.org.uk/bmi/BMI_Calc.html

Stress

Are you: Not sleeping properly? Sweating for no apparent reason? Irritable? Feeling like you’ve lost your appetite? Finding it hard to concentrate? Very anxious most of the time?

If so, it’s important to know that these are some of the most common signs of stress. Stress can trigger mental health problems such as depression, but it can also bring on physical conditions such as headaches, indigestion, back pain, muscle tension, nausea, dizziness and skin complaints (amongst other things).

Everyone experiences stress. It’s part of life. However, problems arise when the amount of stress a person faces is greater than their ability to cope with it alone.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, find help and advice at:

www.mindingyourhead.info
www.yourmentalhealth.ie

Assessment Tools:

www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Mood-self-assessment.aspx
www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Wellbeing-self-assessment.aspx
www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Workplacestress.aspx

Heart

Heart disease is one of the biggest killers of men in Ireland. However, it’s important to remember that in many cases this condition is often preventable and, if diagnosed in time, can be treatable.

Heart health can be affected by what we eat, how much exercise we take, if we smoke, the amount we drink, if we are overweight, these are all things that we have some control over. Therefore, it’s important that we know the facts and act on them.
For help and guidance, visit:

www.bhf.org.uk
www.irishheart.ie

Skin

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers on the island of Ireland. As a man, your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer is one in eight. That’s pretty high. The weather in Ireland can often be overcast and cloudy. Therefore, it comes as little surprise that when the sun shines, it seems that every fella in the country wants to get outside, get their shirt off, and feel the heat.

However, did you know that even on cloudy days you can be exposed to 90% of the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays? Indeed, even if you keep your shirt on, some materials are so thin that they let almost all the UV rays through. Skin damage remains after your sunburn fades. You need to be sun savvy. For top tips, visit:

www.careinthesun.org
www.cancer.ie/reduce-your-risk/sunsmart

Sexual Health

Many men talk a lot about sex. However, most will also admit that they feel very uncomfortable talking about sexual health issues.

It doesn’t matter if you’re gay, straight, bi or trans – you still need to know the important facts about sexual health and where to find help if you need it. To get you started, have a look at:

www.nhs.uk/livewell/sexualhealth
www.yoursexualhealth.ie

Assessment Tools:

www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Safesextool.aspx
www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/sex-myths.aspx

UPDATE:

Launch of the N Ireland Sexual Health Campaign which took place (17th June 2015) at Queens

Access the PDF here