Men's mental health: What you need to know, and how to manage it.

Men's mental health is a significant yet frequently disregarded aspect of their health. Men and women may be affected by mental health in different ways. Men and women both suffer with their mental health. However, there are some significant distinctions between the problems that they face and the variables that shape those problems.
To find out more about the most prevalent disorders and problems affecting men's mental health, as well as possible cures and strategies for supporting those who are struggling with mental health concerns, continue reading.

How mental health issues affect men differently

Share on PinterestSeeking help is a crucial first step in recovering from any mental health condition.
Mental health issues affect men and women differently in the following ways:

Differences in condition prevalence and suicide rates

Compared to men, women are more prone to suffer from mental health issues. They also have a higher chance of attempting suicideTrusted Source.
Men, however, have a suicide death rate that is more than 3.5 times higher than that of women. This could be a result of their propensity to select more deadly weapons like rifles.

Different influencing factors

The reasons and triggers of men's problems can differ from those of women's problems.
For instance, conventional gender norms and cultural expectations are frequently the root cause of men's problems, which may cause men to believe 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

Compared to women, men are much less likely to seek treatment for conditions including depression, substance misuse, and traumatic life experiences. Mental Health America claims that this is because

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

According to a National Health Interview Survey, only 1 in 4 males reported speaking with a mental health professional and only 1 in 3 men took medication for everyday feelings of anxiety or sadness.

Men’s health resources

For more research-backed information and resources, visit our dedicated men’s health hub.

Warning signs

Symptoms and indications People can be aware of certain signs of mental health conditions, however, the exact symptoms vary depending on the type of mental health issue. These consist of the following:

• 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 behaviours
• thinking or acting in a way that causes concern to others or hurts 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?

Men are more susceptible to mental health issues and suicide due to several factors. Certain groups might be more vulnerable than others:

• Older, white men: The highest risk of suicide is seen in white men 85 years of age and older. This group of men has a higher annual suicide rate than any other group based on age, sex, or race.
• Men who have experienced trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more likely to occur after traumatic experiences like fighting in battle or being attacked.
• Men experiencing employment issues: Having a heavy workload or working in unfavourable settings can raise the risk of mental health problems. Retirement and unemployment both raise the riskReliable Source on Suicide and Depression.
• Men who have had a marital breakdown: Men who have divorced experience depression more frequently and with greater severity. According to one study (Trusted Source), men's single status is a major suicide trigger.
• Men with legal or financial concerns: Anxiety about finances or the law can lead to mental health issues and raise the risk of suicide.
• Men who misuse alcohol or drugs: Men are more prone than women to use alcohol and illegal drugs, which can either cause or worsen mental health issues.
• Men with a family history of mental health issues: Numerous mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, run in families. Reliable Source hints at a genetic component.
• Men dealing with other life challenges: Additional danger indicatorsTrusted Sources for mental health issues and suicide include physical pain or illness, disagreements with friends or family, and a family member's illness or passing.

Common mental health conditions in men

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

Depression

A persistently depressed mood that interferes with day-to-day functioning is a hallmark of depression. It is among the most prevalent mental health issues globally.
Women are nearly twice as likely as males to experience depression Trusted Source. But compared to women, men are much less likely to seek therapy for it.

Anxiety disorders

Severe and uncontrollable sensations of fear and worry are hallmarks of anxiety disorders.
Depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the most prevalent kind, frequently co-occur. Men are less likely to seek treatment for GAD, even though women are twice as likely to suffer from it.
Men and women experience anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at similar rates.
While OCD involves compulsive thoughts (compulsions) or a need to execute certain routines again (obsessions), social anxiety disorder generates extreme anxiety and panic in social situations.

Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia suffer from a serious mental illness that causes them to misinterpret reality. They suffer from delusions, hallucinations, and other types of abnormal thought patterns.
Schizophrenia can significantly affect one's relationships and quality of life. Ninety per cent of people diagnosed with schizophrenia before the age of thirty are male.

PTSD

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include hyperarousal, avoidance, and reliving a distressing event.
Studies show that 50% of women and 60% of men have had at least one traumatic event in their lives. Different trauma types have different effects, with men more likely to encounter:

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

Sexual assault and child sexual abuse are more common among women.
Women are more likely to experience PTSD than males, despite men being more likely to experience stressful experiences.

Substance abuse

Men are more likely than women to use illegal drugs and alcohol, and their rates of dependence are greater across the board. They also have a higher risk of overdosing and needing to attend the emergency room.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholismTrusted Source reports that 27,000 women and 68,000 men die each year from alcohol-related causes.

Treatment

Even though many men are reluctant to seek and adhere to mental health therapy, doing so is an essential first step toward recovery. People can learn to control their symptoms and start feeling better with the right kind of treatment.
Some treatment options include:

Psychotherapy

People who are experiencing difficulties that have generated mental health concerns can benefit from therapy. Additionally, it can assist people in learning new coping mechanisms, changing harmful behaviours and negative beliefs, and managing their symptoms.
Therapy comes in a wide variety of forms. People must locate the correct therapist and type of therapy for them for it to be effective.

Medication

Medication may be prescribed by a physician to treat a variety of mental health issues or the symptoms that go along with them.
For instance, they might advise:

• antidepressants
• antianxiety medications
• antipsychotic drugs
• sleep aids

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

Lifestyle changes

Changing one's lifestyle for the better can have a big impact on mental health.
As an illustration, it's crucial 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.

Peer support

Participating in group therapy or support groups can be highly beneficial for individuals dealing with mental health issues.

Prevention

Mental health disorders cannot be completely avoided. Nonetheless, taking the subsequent actions could lower your chance of getting one.:

• Communicate with family and friends, especially during stressful periods.
• Seek treatment promptly if any symptoms of poor mental health develop.
• Continue with maintenance treatment to prevent relapses of depression or other mental health conditions.
• Learn to manage stress through meditation, mindfulness, creative outlets, or other methods.
• Practice positive lifestyle choices, such as eating well, sleeping enough, and exercising.
• See a therapist for issues such as low self-esteem or childhood trauma, which could trigger mental health problems later in life.

How to help

An individual can assist a loved one who is experiencing mental health problems in several ways. As an illustration:

• Keep an eye out for alterations in their demeanour and conduct. These could be signs that something is wrong with your mental health.
• Ask the individual you are speaking with how they are feeling. This is particularly crucial if they have just gone through a distressing experience, like a divorce, a death in the family, or retirement.
• Urge them to consult a mental health specialist or their physician.
• Offer to locate the providers of the treatment, schedule an appointment on their behalf, or accompany them to the session.
• See how they are by periodically checking in with them.
• Never leave someone alone who is in danger of taking their own life. Make a 911 call and stay with them until assistance comes.

An individual's ability to heal can be greatly impacted by the support of their loved ones. According to some studies (Trusted Source), some persons opt not to act on their suicide ideas because their friends and family encourage them not to.

Helpful organizations

Men with mental health issues may find the following organizations helpful:

• the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is available at 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) or by free text for those in crisis (text “NAMI” to 741-741)
• the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is available 24/7 at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)
• the Face It Foundation, which provides support groups, peer support, and other resources for men with depression
• HeadsUpGuys, which is an organization that provides strategies to manage or prevent depression in men
• the Movember Foundation, which is a charity that focuses on issues that affect men’s physical and mental health

Suicide prevention

If you are aware of someone who poses a direct risk of suicide, self-harm, or harming someone else:

• Pose a challenging query: "Are you thinking about suicide?"
• Be open to hearing the other person out.
• To speak with a qualified crisis counsellor, text TALK to 741741 or dial 911 or the local emergency number.
• As soon as expert assistance arrives, stay with the person.
• Make an effort to get rid of any guns, pills, or other potentially dangerous items.

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.
Find more links and local resources.
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Summary

Men's mental health problems are distinct from women's in many aspects, yet they are nonetheless quite significant. The fact that males are less likely than women to seek help for problems they experience is a worrying feature. Men likewise have a significantly higher suicide risk.
But for many men who struggle with mental health issues, getting and staying in treatment can make a big difference in their life. It is possible to lessen symptoms, enhance quality of life, and lower the risk of suicide by asking for help from loved ones and medical professionals.
Numerous organizations support people dealing with mental health issues, and many of them concentrate only on giving men information and assistance.