Men living in rural areas are being encouraged to open and talk about any mental health issues they may have.

A new Samaritans survey has discovered that men in rural areas are less likely than men in urban areas to reach out for support or talk to someone if they are struggling with their mental health.

This finding is key in a time when in the UK men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women.

Women living in rural areas are much more likely than men to seek help with 60 per cent, saying they would talk to someone if they were struggling.

Two thirds of men living in rural areas also said there are a variety of factors that would stop them reaching out for support even if they were struggling.

Samaritans discovered the top three barriers are stigma around mental health, not knowing who to turn to and lack of awareness of support available.

Evidence suggests that suicide rates are higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.

It also shows that rural-based occupations, such as those in agriculture, have also been shown to have an increased risk of suicide.

Michael Brown, from North Yorkshire, grew up on a farm and has gone on to run his own agricultural business.

After he attempted to take his own life, Michael’s community rallied round him and he realised he was not as alone as he had imagined.

Michael said: “Up until my suicide attempt, I didn’t think I had any problems.

"It’s only after getting the help I should have sought before that it became apparent that I was in a really dark and lonely place.

"The rural community is fantastic but there is isolation and remoteness - you don’t see anybody new, you don’t get to know what’s going on and that’s difficult because you’re not coming across people to talk to. I’ve learnt how important it really is to talk.

“Finally opening up was the start of the flood gates opening. Up to that point, everything in my head was going round so fast.

"As soon as you talk to somebody, your problems halve.

"Straight away, you’ve opened up, your problem is not yours anymore, you’ve shared it with somebody. That makes life so much easier, and it makes it easier to go get additional help if you need it.”

This year’s Real People, Real Stories campaign, supported by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, aims to encourage this harder to reach group to talk to someone about how they are feeling when they are struggling to cope, before reaching crisis point.

Paul McDonald, executive director of external affairs at Samaritans, said: “Samaritans is here for anyone struggling to cope, no matter who you are or where you are.

"Mental health challenges and suicide are complex, going beyond where you live or your profession, but these can be factors.

"The increased risk for those living in rural and agricultural settings due to poor access to services, isolation and persistent loneliness mean it’s essential we do more to reach people in these environments."

If you or someone you know needs help, the Samaritans are available 24/7 by calling 116 123, or visit samaritans.org for online self-help tools and information.