Covid and the isolation of lockdown caused a mental health epidemic of huge proportions. Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Men's mental health is a growing concern in Scotland with a disturbing new suicide report showing a spike in the numbers of males taking their own lives. It is also poor men who are most at risk of suicide according to the National Records of Scotland statistics.
Traditionally, men are more reticent about talking to friends about their problems than women, so it is vital they get the support they require from mental health services when they need it. But a long waiting list for mental health support is preventing many people from getting help. Covid and the isolation of lockdown caused a mental health epidemic of huge proportions.
And there needs to be an equally large effort from government and wider society to tackle it. The cost-of-living crisis has also plunged many working-class men into financial difficulties – with a rise in addiction and mental health problems an inevitable result. The Scottish Government admits the figures are distressing and points to steps taken to try to address the issue.
They are right to focus efforts on those in poverty, middle-aged men and the LGBT communities where the problem is most acutely felt. But none of that alone will solve th.