Mental health is something every man struggles with on a daily basis but some are too afraid to speak up. 

Male suicides are three times higher than female suicides and approximately 75% of all suicides in the United Kingdom are from men.

The highest risk age in England for male suicide is between 50-54, at a 26.8 per 100,000.

According to a Scottish government report, one in three people are impacted by mental health in any one year in Scotland.

Two well known Scottish footballers Chris Mitchell and Paul McGrillen sadly took their own lives.

McGrillen played in Scotland for 19 years and lifted the Scottish Cup in 1991 with Motherwell.

On 29 of July 2009, the football star was found in his home, as a result of hanging and never left a note.

Mitchell played with Falkirk, Ayr United, Bradford City, Queen of the South and Clyde.

Due to complications from surgery for spinal injury meant that he went from playing professionally for Queen of the South to part-time for Clyde whilst working a job in a factory.

After completely leaving the sport, he admitted to his family that he was depressed and started seeing a psychologist and was placed on medication but stopped taking them due to the side effects.

On 7 May 2016, Mitchell phoned his partner saying he was planning on killing himself and the call was still live whilst he was hit by a train.

In 2018, Paul’s brother Alan, spoke about what football clubs can do in order to combat mental illness: “Mental health is at the forefront of everybody’s minds. We’ve had many players and ex-players speak about the battle they’ve had with depression.

“It’s also in the stands. The people who are working day to day and who are providing their kids with a strip and a season ticket to go and support their team.

“A year after Paul died, Gary Speed committed suicide. I had wrote away to the SFA asking if we could get a Show Racism the Red Card type campaign throughout the full of Scottish football to start with.

“If you get that campaign and awareness through every club,  not just to support the players on the park, but to support the people who pay their hard earned cash to walk into a stadium.

“The SFA and the rest of Scottish football really has to take this on board and try and run with it. This issue won’t go away. We won’t save everybody, but if we can reach out to one or two people, then that campaign does it job.

“These clubs are worth millions of pounds. They need to have a bit more due care and attention and promote this. I think it will actually save lives.”

If you’re struggling with your mental health, get in contact with Men Matter Scotland as their aim is to improve men’s mental health and wellbeing through peer to peer support to help prevent suicide.

Join us on the 10th July for a special evening hosted by SNN Sports, bringing people together for a night of football, honest conversation, and support for Men Matter Scotland.

Tickets and tables now available – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/snnsports/2199675

How to get in touch:

01419447900

contact@menmatterscotland.org