Men's Mental Health: Breaking the Silence and Seeking Help

By  at July 20, 2025  , , ,  No comments




Affiliate Disclosure

This site contains Amazon affiliate links. I am an Amazon Associate and I do receive commissions from purchases made using my links. What this means is that when you click on a link and shop, I may get a small commission paid to me at no extra charge to you. Thank you ever so much!


Mental illness affects everyone, but men are much less likely to seek help when they're fighting. Social norms and male stigma silence men from talking about it or reaching out. But learning about what happens to men—and how to stop the pattern—can lead to real healing and support.


Why Men Struggle to Talk About Mental Health


Studies show that when men are experiencing symptoms of depression, they are less likely to talk to friends, family, or even medical professionals. One significant reason? Gender norms and stereotypes.

Men are taught to be "strong," "tough," and emotionless. The pressure to "tough it out" may lead to feeling that showing emotion is like weakness and many will shy away from getting the help they need.


Mental Health Statistics for Men


Mental illness isn't concerned—but the way it manifests and is treated might be a matter of gender. Here's the lowdown:

  • Nearly 1 in 5 men suffer from a mental illness.
  • Men are diagnosed with depression and anxiety at only half the rate of women—but that doesn't mean they're any less impacted.
  • Around 6.2% of men had a major depressive episode in the past year.
  • Men are almost twice as likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis.
  • Substance use disorders impact men 1.5 to 2.3 times more frequently than women.
  • Although they receive lower depression diagnoses, men are more than twice as likely to die from suicide.
  • Men from the LGBTQ+ community are at greater risk due to institutionalized stigma and discrimination.

In crisis, dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For emergencies, dial 911.


Mental Health Issues Prevalent in Men


1. Men and Depression


Men may not show "classic" depression symptoms like sadness or tears. Instead, symptoms appear as:

  • Sudden anger or irritability
  • Aggressive or risk-taking behavior (gambling, drug use)
  • Inability to focus or sustain attention
  • Numbness or distraction
  • Self-harm or suicidal ideation


2. Anxiety Disorders


Men's anxiety can manifest in both mental and physical ways:

  • Agitation or restlessness
  • Difficulty relaxing or sleeping
  • Panic attack or sense of impending doom
  • Fast heart rate, sweating, or muscle tension
  • Avoidance of social settings
  • Inability to concentrate or make decisions


3. Substance Use Disorders (SUD)


Substance abuse is often a coping mechanism for untreated mental illness. Warning signs are:

  • Needing higher doses of the same drug to produce the same effect
  • Trouble at school or work
  • Stepping back from friends or activities
  • Trying but failing to quit
  • Destructive use despite continuing to use
  • Physical symptoms during withdrawal


 4. ADHD in Men


ADHD is generally diagnosed in children, but it hits many adult men too. Symptoms are:

  • Trouble paying attention, following through, or staying organized
  • Forgetting appointments or losing the things one needs for daily life
  • Impulsiveness and lack of self-control
  • Fidgeting, talking too much, or restlessness during quiet activities


5. Conduct Disorders


These disorders can include aggressive or disruptive behavior, such as:

  • Continuing argumentativeness with authority
  • Refusal to follow rules or obey instructions
  • Destructive beating up of property or violent outbursts
  • Spiteful or vengeful behavior


What Puts Men at Greater Risk


Some men are more vulnerable to mental illness due to:

  • Childhood trauma or abuse
  • Chronic illness or disability
  • Addiction
  • Homophobia, racism, etc.
  • Divorce or serious relationships issues
  • Lack of money or being out of work
  • Living alone or lacking a support network
  • Losing someone close to them
  • Becoming a new dad


Effective Treatment Strategies for Men's Mental Illness


Therapy and Counseling


Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is a judgment-free space to work through thoughts, feelings, and life challenges with a licensed therapist.


Medication


Depending on the condition, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or ADHD medication stimulants might be prescribed.


Neurostimulation


In cases of treatment-resistant conditions, devices like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) can be applied to stimulate specific areas of the brain.


Strategies for Better Mental Health Every Day


Daily small choices can enhance mood, reduce stress, and build resilience.


Supporting a Man With Mental Health Issues


Need to support someone in your life? Here's how:

  • Notice changes: Watch out for signs like withdrawal, irritation, or drug taking
  • Discuss it: Listen non-judgmentally and encourage
  • Educate yourself: Discover about the illness which they may be afflicted with
  • Encourage professional help: Give information on therapy or helplines
  • Look after yourself as well: Being supportive of someone else is tough—don't neglect your own needs


Final Thoughts: Changing the Men's Mental Health Narrative


Mental illness isn't a sign of weakness—it's human. It's time to re-write the script men've had delivered to them for decades: you don't need to do it alone.

Therapy is not just in "crisis mode" either. It's a proactive, positive way of coping with life's challenges—before they get the best of us.

"Men need to allow themselves to feel, get loud, and seek help—because healing begins when we no longer hide."

Dr. Aleesha Grier-Rogers, PsyD

Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 24/7 available

Open Path Therapy Collective – Affordable access to therapy

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Support and education

Mental Health America – Screenings, resources, and support


0 comments:

Post a Comment