Men’s Mental Health Issues

Are you feeling lost, uncertain, or overwhelmed with life? Do you struggle with depression or anxiety? Have you tried to “muscle” or push through your problems with little to no success? Do you have a desire to speak to someone but don’t know how to reach out or are worried that asking for help is a sign of weakness?

While the overall prevalence of mental illness appears lower in men compared to women, mental health issues in men often go undiagnosed and untreated due to men being significantly less likely to seek treatment (SAMHSA). As discussed in Men’s Health, approximately 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half actually seek treatment, often due to the perceived stigma about having mental health issues. Further, men are at a significantly greater risk of suicide compared to women, with 2023 CDC data showing that men are nearly four times as likely as women to die by suicide, and account for nearly 80% of suicides in the US.

Given that women are more likely to seek treatment than men, mental health therapy methods often favor and speak more to women than men, creating an additional barrier towards men receiving treatment. As a result, therapy targeting men’s issues specifically in mental health has become an important focus of both research and practice. We deliver evidence-based therapies that specifically address the challenges and unique needs of our male clients.

Why men seek therapy less often

Although there is no simple answer that applies to all men, many men are taught rigid masculinity from an early age – that is, to be strong and to keep their emotions hidden. This can lead to men feeling isolated, anxious, and depressed without knowing how to effectively manage and express their emotions. Rather than seeking help, men may attempt to stuff their emotions down or manage them alone. Bearing their emotional pain alone may feel more masculine and safer than opening themselves up to the stigma of seeking therapy. Shoving their emotions down and avoidance generally increases distress and creates additional problems.

Common mental health issues for men:

• Depression & Anxiety – Despite being more reluctant to seek therapy, men experience similar rates of depression and anxiety to women. Men are also at much higher risk of death by suicide. Increased irritability is a common symptom of depression or anxiety in men.
• Economic factors – Unemployment and rising financial costs from inflation can cause significant distress, as many men link their worth or value to their financial success and role as a provider.
• Bullying – Young men can be victims of bullying.
• Relationship issues – Studies show that men may rely more on their partners for emotional support than women do. This can make relationship problems particularly difficult.
• Challenges related to fatherhood – While this can be a great source of joy, fatherhood can also cause stress and anxiety, particularly for new fathers.
• Substance use – Men are far more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.

Mental health issues often go on overlooked and untreated in men. Men can minimize or fail to recognize their own emotional pain. This results in bottling up their emotions, which leads to greater emotional and even physical problems, such as the onset of physical disease or illness.

If you are a man struggling with mental health issues , please contact us or another mental health resource to explore treatment options. Seeking help takes strength and provides the potential for relief from the burdens you are currently carrying alone.