Men are often unwilling to acknowledge, let alone seek treatment for, mental health difficulties. That’s a concern, given how many guys suffer from mental illnesses: According to Mental Health America, six million American males suffer from depression each year, while three million suffer from anxiety disorders. Furthermore, 90% of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia before the age of 30 are men, and 25% of those diagnosed with binge eating disorder are men. Unfortunately, males are less likely than women to seek professional assistance for their concerns.
The picture is especially disturbing when it comes to suicide. While women are more likely to attempt suicide, male suicide is the seventh highest cause of death, with white men over the age of 85 being the most likely to die by suicide. Experts, in this article, outline the most prevalent mental health disorders that men face, how symptoms differ between men and women, and what services are available for individuals seeking help and treatment alternatives.
Common mental health issues in men
The following are the most frequent men’s mental health issues, according to Mental Health America:
- Depression
- Suicide
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Substance abuse
“It’s a sign of strength to talk about these issues with your health care provider, counselor or a supportive family member or friend,” Piedmont Healthcare family medicine physician Dr. Siraj Abdullah said in a recent article. “As men, we tend to let stress build up until it affects our mental and physical health. Talking about your mental health is a way to take care of your body.”
How men’s mental health symptoms differ from those of women
According to McLean Hospital Chief of Psychology Kathryn McHugh, the differences in mental health symptoms between men and women are complicated. In a hospital article, she stated that “biology is not the only piece of the puzzle. Many social and cultural factors play a role in mental health and wellness, such as social role expectations, discrimination, and violence.”
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, the following are the key mental health symptoms in men that may differ from those reported in women:
- Abuse or misuse of drugs or alcohol
- Noticeable changes in mood, appetite, or energy levels
- Violent, controlling, or abusive behavior
- Digestive issues, headaches, and pain
- Escaping into work, sports, or other distracting behavior
- Risk-taking
According to Mental Health America, males with depression are more likely than women to express weariness and loss of interest in jobs or hobbies.
Men’s mental health: Suicide and men
Men are more likely than women to commit suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, and gay and bisexual men under the age of 25 have a higher risk of trying suicide than the general male population.
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, one of the reasons for higher male suicide rates is that males are less likely than women to receive mental health care. The center recommends seeking help before experiencing a mental health crisis. This could include:
- Seeking behavioral health care, such as seeing a therapist
- Connecting to family, friends, community, and social organizations
- Learning life skills like problem-solving and strategies for adapting to change
- Engaging with spiritual, religious, or other belief practices that discourage suicide
If you want to start or continue a behavioral health care plan, call the SAMHSA National Helpline for a treatment referral.
How to get help for men’s mental health
APA Psychologist Search Tool
A database of thousands of therapists is available on the American Psychological Association’s website. Simply enter your ZIP code, provider’s name, or practice region. Once the results are displayed, you can sort the psychologists by a range of criteria, including gender and treatment techniques.
Mental wellness hotline
The Mental Health Hotline gives a toll-free number with counselors on standby 24/7 if you’re seeking a men’s mental health hotline to discuss your difficulties anonymously and without charge. The organization also provides a list of condition-specific hotlines for health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and others, as well as links to useful information on these disorders.
Therapy for men
Fictional Dr. Rich Mahogany “runs” this site, which is managed by several organizations, including the Colorado Department of Public Health. It mixes useful mental health procedures and quizzes with fun and a human touch. To assist loved ones of males who may be facing mental health concerns, there is an online peer chat, a 20-point head inspection, and a worried-about-someone page.
Medication for mental health
Your doctor may prescribe several medications to assist you enhance your mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States, these are:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antipsychotics
- Stimulants
- Mood stabilizers
If you are in a mental health crisis or have suicidal thoughts and need to talk to someone, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The Lifeline provides free, confidential emotional help 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the United States. (nuttyscientists.com)