A leading mental health campaigner has condemned what he calls a “stunning silence” from mainstream outlets following the publication of England’s first Men’s Health Strategy, arguing that the muted response highlights how difficult it remains to start open conversations about male mental health issues.
Ashley Riley, who has spoken publicly about experiencing bone crushing anxiety and deep dark depression, said the lack of attention given to the government’s plan shows how far there is to go. He said the findings from MIND reveal that 1 in 3 people report worsening mental health while waiting for a GP appointment. He added that two years ago he went from being an outgoing, comfortable, loud, business owning confident man to experiencing a brief panic attack which quickly escalated into life stopping anxiety and deep, dark depression. “The latest research also shows us that 75% of all suicides in the UK are men.”
The strategy was launched by the government on 19th November 2025 to coincide with International Men’s Day. It sets out a long term approach to tackling mental health challenges and reducing inequalities for men and boys. One of its central aims is to address the barriers that prevent men from seeking help, including stigma and services that do not always meet their needs.
Ashley said the publication should have prompted widespread public discussion. “Today the Government have published an ambitious plan to tackle those mental health challenges as well as improve physical health and reduce inequalities and yet across the mainstream media there is a stunning silence,” he said. “Instead of the start of a desperately needed conversation the response has been to end the conversation.”
He said the consequences of inaction are already visible. “We know that poor mental health is destroying men, their lives, their families, their jobs and their communities,” he said. He added that a recent MIND report shows the situation is getting worse in 2025.
On Wednesday morning he addressed leading businesses in the East Midlands where he discussed his experience. He said that when three different medications did not ease his anxiety or depression his GP asked him “what else do you want me to do?” He recalled having a full panic attack in the surgery during which he was shouted at and told to “calm down.” He has shared parts of his story on national television over the past twelve months.
The government describes the strategy as a landmark step intended to place men’s health firmly within national policy. It sets out a ten year vision that includes suicide prevention, alcohol misuse and problem gambling, and has support from organisations including the Premier League. The document emphasises the importance of tailored support so that men and boys can access services more effectively and benefit from earlier intervention. It follows a call for evidence earlier in the year and is part of broader efforts to shift the health system towards prevention.
Ashley said the strategy represents a necessary change but warned that public engagement will be limited if the plan receives little attention. “The Government’s strategy is a very welcome plan and while it’s only the start of a much-needed conversation it’s so frustrating that its publication has received at best a ‘mention’ in the media,” he said. “Male mental health is in crisis. It is destroying men, their relationships, their families, their businesses and their communities.”
He said the reluctance to acknowledge the issue reflects long standing assumptions about masculinity. “It is not acceptable and not good enough that a plan that challenges the cultural and stereotypical definition of being a man, physically and emotionally invincible, is being virtually ignored.”
He warned that continued silence will have consequences. “Unless there is a rapid change in the hearts and minds of many people of influence, including the mainstream media, then more men will suffer silently, will suffer alone and will be driven to lives of just existing.”
