Men’s mental health: Common challenges

Mental health issues affect men and women differently in the following ways:

Women are more likely to experience mental health conditions than men. They are also more likely to attempt suicide.

However, men are more than 3.5 times more likely to die from suicide than women. This may be because they tend to choose more lethal weapons, such as firearms.

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.

• 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.

The signs and symptoms 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.

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 of depression and suicide.
• Men who have had a marital breakdown: Depression is more common, and more severe, among men who are divorced. One study 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 likely 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 families, suggesting a genetic component.
• Men dealing with other life challenges: Other risk factors 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.

Some of the most prevalent mental health conditions among men are:

Depression is characterized by a persistent low mood that interferes with everyday functioning. Worldwide, it is one of the most common mental health conditions.

Anxiety disorders are characterized by intense and uncontrollable feelings of fear and worry.

The most common type, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), often co-occurs with depression. Although women are twice as likely to experience GAD, men are less likely to seek treatment for it.

Social anxiety disorder causes intense anxiety and fear in social situations, while OCD causes the continuous repetition of specific thoughts (obsessions) or a compulsive need to perform specific routines repeatedly (compulsions).

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition wherein people do not interpret reality as it is. They experience hallucinations, delusions, and other forms of disordered thinking.

Schizophrenia can have a significant impact on quality of life and relationships. Of those who receive a schizophrenia diagnosis by the age of 30 years, 90% are men.

PTSD is a condition characterized by symptoms of reliving a traumatic experience, avoidance, and hyperarousal.

Research indicates that around 60% of men experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, while 50% of women do. Types of trauma differ, with men being more likely to experience:

• accidents
• assaults
• combat
• natural disasters
• witnessing a death or injury

Women are more likely to experience sexual assault or child sexual abuse.

Although men have a higher risk of traumatic events, women are more likely to develop PTSD.

Across most age groups, men have higher rates of use or dependence on illegal drugs and alcohol than women. They are also more likely to require an emergency department visit and die from overdose.

Although many men are reluctant to seek and continue treatment for mental health issues, it is a vital step in recovery. With effective treatment, people can learn to manage their symptoms and begin to feel better.

Some treatment options include:

Therapy can help people work through issues that have triggered mental health conditions. It can also help individuals manage their symptoms, change their negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviors, and learn new coping skills.

There are many different styles of therapy. In order for it to be effective, it is essential that people find the right therapist and type of therapy for them.

A doctor may prescribe medication to treat various mental health conditions or symptoms associated with those illnesses.

For example, they may prescribe:

Typically, doctors will recommend that people use medications in combination with psychotherapy.

Making positive lifestyle changes can make a significant contribution to mental well-being.

For example, it is important to:

• Eat a balanced diet.
• Get enough sleep.
• Exercise on most days.
• Manage stress through meditation or yoga, or in other ways.
• Limit or avoid the use of alcohol and drugs.

Attending a support group or group counseling can be very helpful for those with a mental health condition.

Men’s mental health issues differ from women’s in many ways, yet they are just as important. One concerning aspect is that men are more reluctant to seek treatment for issues they face. The risk of suicide is also much higher among men.

However, seeking and continuing treatment can have a significant positive impact on the lives of men who experience mental health difficulties. Seeking support from health professionals and loved ones can ease the symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of suicide.

Many organizations offer support to those experiencing mental health challenges, and many focus solely on providing information and help to men.