A recent survey conducted by the research company 'Norstat' as part of the social campaign 'Your Silence is Not Strength' has revealed alarming statistics regarding men's mental health in Latvia. Only 14% of men experiencing mental health challenges have sought professional help, even though one in three acknowledges having faced such difficulties in the past year. This reluctance to seek assistance is particularly concerning given that men's suicide rates in Latvia are three times higher than the European Union average, with the most critical cases seen among those aged 45 to 59.

The survey also highlights prevailing societal attitudes towards male mental health, as 42% of respondents believe that men should cope with mental health problems on their own rather than seek professional help. Moreover, 63% reported that they had never even considered consulting a specialist. This mindset contributes to the stigma surrounding mental health issues, significantly impacting the willingness of men to open up about their struggles and seek support.

To address these issues, experts emphasize the need to shift both men's perceptions of mental health problems and the involvement of their peers in encouraging help-seeking behavior. It is crucial to create a supportive environment that fosters open discussions about mental health, ultimately aiming to reduce the stigma and improve help-seeking rates among men in Latvia, which can contribute to lowering high suicide rates and improving overall mental well-being in society.