Men’s issues

December 8, 2023

Men’s mental health is an important yet often overlooked health concern. Mental health can affect males differently than females.

Both men and women experience mental health difficulties. However, there are some notable differences between the issues affecting them and the factors that influence those issues.

Keep reading to learn more about the most common issues and conditions affecting men’s mental health, including potential treatments and ways to help others experiencing mental health problems.

Different influencing factors

Men’s issues can develop from different causes and triggers than those that affect women.

For example, men’s issues often stem from societal expectations and traditional gender roles, which may lead men to think that they must:

  • be the breadwinners in the family
  • display traditional “masculine” traits, such as strength and control
  • rely on oneself and not seek help from others
  • not speak openly about their emotions

Holding on to these traditional beliefs can negatively impact men’s mental health and keep them from accessing support and treatment.

Differences in seeking help

Men are far less likelyTrusted Source than women to seek treatment for issues such as depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events. According to Mental Health America , this is due to:

  • social “norms”
  • a reluctance to talk
  • downplaying their symptoms

A National Health Interview Survey reports that just 1 in 3 men took medication for daily feelings of depression or anxiety, while just 1 in 4 spoke to a mental health professional.

Warning signs

The signs and symptoms Trusted Source of a mental health condition will depend on the type, but there are some symptoms that people can look out for. These include:

  • aggressiveness, anger, and irritability
  • changes in mood or energy levels
  • changes in appetite or sleeping habits
  • difficulty focusing
  • feeling restless or “on edge”
  • a high consumption of alcohol
  • inappropriate use of drugs
  • participating in risky activities
  • feeling sad, hopeless, numb, or emotionally “flat”
  • having aches, pains, or other physical symptoms without a clear cause
  • obsessive or compulsive thoughts or behaviors
  • thinking or acting in a way that causes concern to others or has a negative impact on work, social, or family life
  • thinking about or attempting suicide

If a person notices these symptoms in themselves or if a loved one spots them, it is a good idea to seek medical help.

Treating mental health issues in the early stages can often prevent the symptoms from becoming more severe and lower the risk of complications

Who is at risk?

Several factors increase the risk of mental health conditions and suicide among men. The following groups may be more at risk than others:

  • Older, white men: White men aged 85 years and older are most at risk of suicide. More men in this demographic die by suicide every year than in any other group by age, sex, or race.
  • Men who have experienced trauma: Traumatic events, such as engaging in combat or being the victim of an assault, increase the risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) .
  • Men experiencing employment issues: Working in poor conditions or having a high workload can increase the risk of mental health issues. Unemployment and retirement also increase the risk> Trusted Source of depression and suicide.
  • Men who have had a marital breakdown: Depression is more common , and more severe, among men who are divorced. One studyTrusted Source suggests that being single is a significant suicide trigger among men.
  • Men with legal or financial concerns: Having legal or financial worries can trigger the development of mental health problems and increase the risk of suicide.
  • Men who misuse alcohol or drugs: Men are more likelyTrusted Source to engage in illicit drug use and alcohol use, which can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions.
  • Men with a family history of mental health issues: Many psychiatric conditions — including bipolar disorder , depression, and schizophrenia — run in familiesTrusted Source , suggesting a genetic component.
  • Men dealing with other life challenges: Other risk factorsTrusted Source for mental health problems and suicide include physical illness or discomfort, conflict with family or friends, and the illness or death of a family member.

Helpful organizations

Organizations that may be helpful for men with mental health conditions include:

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.