Every November, Men’s Mental Health Month is an opportunity to address men’s emotional wellbeing, and an issue that continues to be misunderstood and under-discussed in the majority of age categories.
At The Medical Law Partnership, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that access to timely and compassionate care can make all the difference to someone in need. We are using this month, to not only to support those affected by failed care but also to help raise awareness about the impact of medical negligence in mental health care cases.
Why Men’s Mental Health Matters
Despite the growing awareness around mental health, men are still far less likely than women to speak up and seek professional help if they are experiencing mental health concerns. According to Optima Health only 50% of men feel comfortable discussing mental health issues and 28% of men have not sought help with a mental health problem, compared to just 19% of women. What else was found? Over a third of men waited more than two years or have never disclosed a mental health problem to a friend or family member, compared to a quarter of women.
Tragically, this silence is contributing to a higher rate of suicide among men, a crisis that demands change. The social and societal pressures for a man to appear “strong” or “in control” are continuing to prevent men from opening up about their struggles. So, recognising and responding appropriately to mental health symptoms is a vital part of medical care. And when that doesn’t happen, the consequences can be devastating.
When Mental Health Care Falls Short
Examples of potential mental health negligence can include:
- Medical professional failing to identify or diagnose a mental health condition
- Dismissing symptoms without carry out proper assessment
- Not referring a patient to specialist mental health services when necessary
- Inadequate follow-up care after initial consultation or treatment
When healthcare fails to meet the expected standard of care, and that failure results in harm, this can often amount to medical negligence. At the Medical Law Partnership, we help clients and their families understand their rights, seek answers, and act, when medical systems fail to protect them.
We know that cases involving mental health negligence are deeply personal and emotionally complex. That’s why our firm is built and centred on compassion and understanding from the initial conversation through to settlement and on-going support.
When you contact our team, you can expect:
- A safe space to share your story without judgment
- Clear, expert medical and legal guidance on your rights and options
- Support from a compassionate team experienced in mental health negligence claims.
- A commitment to accountability and driving improvements in the health care system.
But at MLP, our role goes far beyond just the legal process, we’re here to help you move forward before, during and after your legal claim.
Support and Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling, we have listed a few resources and contact lines which can offer further support at:
- Mind on +44-300-102-1234
- Samaritans on 116 123 (free from any phone)
- SANEline on 0300 304 7000
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 587 0800
Ready to Talk?
If you’ve raised mental health concerns with a medical professional and feel your symptoms were ignored, dismissed, or mishandled, you are not alone. Seeking advice doesn’t just protect your rights; it helps create a safer healthcare system for others too.
Together, we can work towards a future where men’s mental health is prioritised. Call us today on 0800 014 7551 or fill in our contact form and we’ll give you a ring back as soon as possible.
Let’s help put things right.