Men who live in the countryside are less likely to seek mental health support compared with men in the city, a new poll suggests. Samaritans said men in rural areas appear to put off seeking help due to a perceived stigma around mental health, not knowing who to turn to, or lack of awareness of support available.
A survey carried out by the mental health charity found that just over two in five (43%) men who live in the countryside would be willing to reach out for support or talk to someone if they were struggling with their mental health. This compares with half of men (51%) in urban areas, according to the poll of 2,000 adults across the UK.
Six in 10 women who live in the countryside would seek help if they were struggling. It comes as Samaritans and the National Farmers’ Union Mutual Charitable Trust are working together to reach men in rural communities who are struggling with mental health issues before they reach crisis point.
