Men’s Mental Health: Let’s Break the Silence

University is a time of growth, challenge, and discovery. You’re figuring out who you are, what you care about, and what to have for tea every night. But beneath the surface of lectures, deadlines, and social events, many students (especially men) are silently struggling. And it’s not always obvious.

You might be the guy who’s always cracking jokes, the one who’s smashing deadlines, or the one who never misses a night out. But even then, you could be carrying stuff no one sees.

We are here to make sure no one is suffering in silence. 

The Pressure to Stay Silent 🤐

From a young age, boys are often taught to “man up,” and “be tough”, and these messages don’t disappear when entering university. Instead they evolve into quiet battles with stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.

The pressure to perform academically, socially, and emotionally can be overwhelming. And yet, many men suffer in silence.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. That’s not just a stat, it’s someone’s mate, brother, course partner. And it’s often because men don’t feel safe or supported enough to speak up.

Signs of Progress 💡

We’re seeing a powerful shift in how we talk about men’s mental health:

• Public figures are speaking out. From Prince Harry to Tyson Fury to Roman Kemp, more men in the spotlight are sharing their mental health journeys. Their honesty is helping to normalize vulnerability and show that no one is immune to struggle.

• Campaigns like Movember and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) are leading the charge in raising awareness, funding support services, and encouraging open conversations.

• Universities and workplaces are stepping up, investing in mental health resources, peer support programs, and inclusive wellbeing strategies that meet men where they are.

Support Is Here 🤝

Mental health support isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s talking to a counselor, joining a support group, journaling, exercising, or simply opening up to a friend, there are many paths to taking control of your mental health. 

• Talk to someone. Not just when things hit rock bottom. A mate, a mentor, a counselor. You really don’t need to have the “perfect words”

• Find your outlet. Gym, journaling, gaming, walking, music, whatever helps you decompress (exercising is always a good outlet for both your physical and mental health).

• Check in on your mates. Not just with “you good?” but with “how are you really?” You’d be surprised how many people are waiting for someone to ask.

• Use uni resources. Most campuses have free counseling, mental health drop-ins, and peer support groups. They’re not just for “crisis mode”—they’re for anyone who needs a space to talk.

As a student at Salford, you can access:

• University's AskUs team 

• SU Advice Centre 

• SU Self Help resources

• Peer-to-peer support with our student Rafiki team during term time

• SU Connectors

What Can We Do? 💬

Change starts with us. As students, as friends, as a community. We can:

• Check in on our mates - not just when they seem down, but regularly.

• Challenge the stigma around men expressing emotion.

• Share resources and encourage each other to seek help.

• Create spaces where vulnerability is met with support, not shame.

If you’re struggling, reach out or If you notice someone withdrawing, check in. 

Men’s mental health matters. Not just in November. Not just during awareness campaigns, but every day.

To find out more about our wellbeing services and how you can get help, click here.