Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Crisis Grips British South Asian Men

The statistics are stark: while 12.5 per cent of men in England face mental health challenges, those from South Asian communities are far less likely to seek help. This reluctance to speak up, deeply rooted in cultural expectations and societal pressures, is costing lives. Now, a powerful new memoir is challenging these deadly silences.

The Hidden Crisis

Recent mental health research shows that men are three times more likely than women to take their own lives, yet significantly less likely to seek professional help. For British South Asian men, the barriers are even higher, with studies indicating they rarely access mental health services despite making up 7.5 per cent of the UK population.

Television personality and mental health advocate Naushad Qayyum tackles these issues head-on in his new book ‘Alive Today: How Speaking Out Saved My Life’. The memoir opens with a moment of profound crisis – the sudden death of his father on Qayyum’s wedding day – before charting his journey through divorce, complex PTSD and suicidal thoughts.

Cultural Barriers and Breakthrough Moments

The silence surrounding men’s mental health in South Asian communities isn’t coincidental. Research from the South Asian Public Health Association highlights how cultural expectations, combined with limited access to culturally sensitive support services, create significant obstacles for men seeking help.

‘The day my father collapsed was the day my world shattered,’ Qayyum shares in the book. ‘But it was also the beginning of understanding that keeping quiet wasn’t strength – it was slowly killing me.’

Beyond Traditional Masculinity

The timing of Qayyum’s book, released during Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, coincides with a growing recognition of the need for culturally specific mental health support. Recent data shows that the share of young people with probable mental disorders has more than doubled from 10 per cent in 2017 to 23 per cent in 2023, with experts suggesting these figures likely underestimate the true scale among young men who ‘suffer in silence’.

What sets ‘Alive Today’ apart is its practical approach. Beyond sharing his personal story, Qayyum includes a journal section designed to help readers track their moods and identify meaningful moments in their daily lives. This practical tool acknowledges the importance of routine and holistic well-being in the recovery process.

Breaking New Ground

The book’s focus on nature, routine and daily reflection offers a framework that respects cultural sensitivities while providing actionable steps toward better mental health. This approach is particularly significant given that current trends show men facing increasing challenges with loneliness and career stagnation.

‘Healing isn’t just about talking therapy or medication,’ Qayyum explains. ‘It’s about finding what works for you, whether that’s walking in nature, keeping a journal or simply having honest conversations with people you trust.’

A Way Forward

The publication of ‘Alive Today’ marks a significant step in addressing the mental health crisis among British South Asian men. By sharing his deeply personal journey from crisis to recovery, Qayyum provides a blueprint for others struggling with similar challenges.

The book serves as both a memoir and a practical guide, offering valuable insights into the ongoing process of healing and personal growth. Through its pages, readers find not just a story of survival, but a roadmap to breaking free from the cultural and personal barriers that prevent many men from seeking help.