As an adventurer, I’ve faced my share of storms. From Himalayan peaks and jungles where the slightest misstep can mean disaster. But there’s a different kind of storm brewing, one that’s claiming far too many lives right here at home: the crisis in men’s mental health.

The latest figures from across the UK paint a sobering picture. We’re losing our brothers, fathers, sons and mates at an alarming rate and yet it’s barely spoken about. A staggering 75% of all suicides in the UK are by men.

Suicide is also the biggest killer of men under 50. Just think about that for a moment; if this was a physical illness we’d be searching tirelessly for a cure. This is a national tragedy unfolding in plain sight.

Men aged 45-49 are currently at the highest risk but the truth is this crisis doesn’t discriminate by age alone. We’re seeing young men, particularly those aged 16-29, reporting high levels of anxiety and even new fathers are not immune, with many experiencing postnatal depression.

The pressures are immense, whether it’s the weight of ‘being a man’, financial strain, relationship breakdowns or the chronic loneliness that, according to Mind, affects nearly 8% of UK adults.

So why is this happening? For too long, we’ve been conditioned to believe that showing vulnerability is a weakness. That a ‘real man’ just gets on with it, bottles it up and never asks for help.

This outdated stereotype is literally killing us. The data shows that only 36% of NHS referrals for psychological therapies are for men. We’re clearly not reaching out and the consequences are devastating.

It’s estimated that one in eight men in the UK is battling a common mental health problem like depression or anxiety right now. That’s millions of men fighting silent battles, often feeling isolated and ashamed. Reaching out is often the hardest thing to do, and sadly, many never do. This has to change.

My own journey has taught me that true strength isn’t about never falling (I’ve done that more times than most!) It’s about how you get back up. It’s about resilience and resilience isn’t built in isolation.

It’s forged through connection, support and the courage to admit when you’re struggling. Just as we train our bodies for physical endurance, we must start training our minds for mental fitness. This is at the heart of what we’re doing with Mettle – providing men with the tools and community to build that mental resilience, to understand that looking after your mind is as vital as looking after your body.

We need to create a culture where it’s okay for men to talk, to share and to seek help without fear of judgement. This isn’t about ‘manning up’, it’s about wising up. It’s about recognising that mental health is health, full stop. The cost of poor mental health to the UK is estimated at a staggering £300billion a year but the human cost is immeasurable.

So, what’s the way forward? It starts with each of us. Check in on your mates. Ask twice if they’re really okay. Pick up the phone and actually speak to them. Listen without judgement. Encourage those who are struggling to reach out to the incredible services available, from their GP to charities like CALM, Mind and Samaritans – or maybe to join one of the brilliant men’s support groups that have been springing up, such as Andy’s Man Club.

For employers, it means creating genuinely supportive workplaces where mental health is prioritised, not stigmatised. For the government, it means continuing to invest in mental health services and ensuring they are accessible to all who need them.

This isn’t a storm that will pass us by. It’s time to break the silence, challenge the stigma and equip our men with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of modern life. It’s time to show them that seeking help is a sign of ultimate strength and courage. Our nation’s men deserve nothing less. Let’s face this storm together.

Bear Grylls is the co-founder of Mettle, the men’s mental health app. Download from the App Store or Google Play Store, or go to BeMettle.com.

The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123.