Middle-aged men’s experiences of mental health and suicide

About the report and who conducted the research

Middle-Aged Men’s Experiences of Mental Health and Suicide was published in May 2022 and authored by Sarah Krauze and Lorna Orriss-Dib. The research was commissioned by Healthwatch Essex and supported by colleagues across the organisation, including research and communications specialists.

The study explored the lived experiences of middle-aged men who had experienced suicidal thoughts or had attempted suicide. It aimed to better understand the factors that contribute to suicide risk in midlife and to identify how prevention and support could be improved.

A qualitative research approach was used, involving focus groups and one-to-one interviews with men living in Essex. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify common patterns and themes across participants’ experiences.

Key findings

The research identified three interconnected themes that shaped men’s experiences of mental health and suicidal thoughts in midlife:

1. Accumulation of pressure
Men described experiencing multiple, overlapping pressures rather than a single trigger. These included work stress, financial insecurity, relationship breakdowns, caring responsibilities, physical ill health, bereavement, trauma, and societal expectations of masculinity. Social media and fast-paced modern life were also seen to intensify pressure through constant comparison and image management.

2. Feelings of worthlessness
Many participants felt they were failing as partners, fathers, workers or providers. Traditional expectations of masculinity, such as being strong, self-reliant and successful, made it difficult to seek help and reinforced shame when struggling. Negative responses from others and stigma around mental health further deepened feelings of guilt, burden and low self-worth.

3. An unimaginable future
As pressures accumulated and self-worth declined, some men reported being unable to imagine a positive future. Suicidal thoughts were often linked to beliefs that they were a burden on others, that their situation would not improve, or that their families would be better off without them. Social withdrawal and isolation were common during this stage.

Across all themes, men emphasised that it was the build-up of pressures over time, rather than one event alone, that led to crisis.

Recommendations

The report highlights several areas where suicide prevention and mental health support could be strengthened:

• Develop targeted suicide prevention approaches that recognise the specific risks faced by middle-aged men.
• Normalise help-seeking behaviours among men by challenging stigma and aligning support-seeking with positive male identity.
• Improve early intervention, particularly during major life transitions such as divorce, fatherhood, job loss, bereavement or caring responsibilities.
• Promote social connection and peer support, recognising their protective role against suicide.
• Ensure services are accessible and responsive to men, including those in insecure work or with limited contact with traditional health services.

The findings suggest that gender- and age-sensitive approaches are essential to reducing suicide risk in this group.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insight into how middle-aged men experience mental ill health and suicidal thoughts. It shows that suicide risk is shaped by the cumulative impact of life pressures, reinforced by stigma and traditional gender norms that limit emotional expression and help-seeking.

By listening to men’s lived experiences, the research highlights the need for more tailored, compassionate and preventative approaches to mental health support. Addressing stigma, strengthening social connections and recognising key life transitions could play a crucial role in preventing suicide and improving mental wellbeing among middle-aged men.