Men’s Mental Health

Mental health matters, no matter your gender. In recent times, mental health and the struggles many people face are becoming normalized and discussed more in society. However, this subject unfortunately often only extends to certain parts of our population. For multiple reasons, men are often excluded from mental health progress and the support they can receive. June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and we would like to shine a light on the challenges that men face alone and how they can get the help they need and deserve.

Men and Mental Health

Compared with women, men are less likely to seek help for depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events. This is due to societal norms about masculinity, men’s tendency to downplay the severity of their symptoms, and their habit of isolating themselves. Research shows that:

• Men are much less likely to look for professional help for mental health issues
• Men’s mental health issues are underreported, even though men commonly deal with depression, stress, anxiety, substance use disorders, and PTSD.
• Suicide rates are far higher for men than women, accounting for 80% of all suicides. 60 men die from suicide every sixty minutes.
• Men are 2-3x more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs than women.

Differences in Symptoms

Men can experience mental health symptoms in far different ways than women. For example, while women report depression to increase their feelings of worthlessness and sadness, men often feel an increase in irritability, fatigue, and loss of interest. Also, when experiencing mental issues, men can experience cognitive deficits, such as difficulty concentrating and ignoring responsibilities. They may also conceal their emotions by avoiding conversations centered on emotions and refraining from expressing them.

Stigma and Toxic Masculinity

From a young age, boys are taught to fit within a rigid frame of what a ”man” is; they must adhere to society’s norms of masculinity, which include a lack of feeling or expressing emotion, independence, dominance, and the rejection of feminine qualities. Because of this desire to perform up to standard, males often feel pressured to engage in behaviors that strengthen their masculine image, such as not seeking help because it is deemed as “weak”, acts of violence, and substance abuse. These behaviors that restrict the expression of emotion often predict men avoiding seeking professional help for their mental issues and can increase the risk of suicide. 

Ways to Support Men’s Health

We must change the narrative surrounding men’s mental health. What men struggling with mental health issues need the most is support and care. Some ways to help include:

Challenge the stigma

Learn more about the mental disorders that people face, and talk to others about them.

Have honest, vulnerable conversations

Initiate open conversations with men in your life, and listen to them without judgment.

Encourage seeking help

Normalize the fact that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but strength. Encourage professional counseling, and share resources for finding qualified mental health counselors

Become more connected

Healthy coping mechanisms

Encourage the men in your life to take care of themselves by getting enough sleep, eating nutrient-dense diets, and exercising regularly.

Resources

National Helplines in the US:

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Provides information, support groups, and resources
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for immediate support
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – Free, confidential treatment referral and information services

Men’s Mental Health Organizations

• Man Therapy: Uses humor to engage men in discussions about mental health
• Movember: Focuses on men’s health, including mental health and suicide prevention
• HeadsUpGuys: Provides resources and information specifically for men dealing with depression

Conclusion

We need to work to reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. This is a crucial first step for boys and men to access the help they need and deserve. If you or someone you care about is facing mental health challenges, know that support is available. Seeking informal or professional help can improve well-being and reduce suicide risk.