Men’s Mental Health: Statistics, Stigma, and Getting Help
Key takeaways:
Both men and women experience mental health concerns. But men are less likely to receive a diagnosis and treatment.
For many men, cultural attitudes about masculinity may make them less willing to ask for help. This can make it difficult for them to seek mental health treatment when they need it.
Stigma around mental health often prevents men from getting the help they need. But you can help challenge stigma by encouraging the men in your life to speak more openly about their mental health.
Table of contents
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 1 in 5 American adults experience mental illness. Both men and women are affected by mental health concerns. But many men go without a diagnosis or treatment because they are less likely to ask for help.
This, sadly, often leads to needless suffering for men and their loved ones.
Experts agree that stigma is often to blame. For many men, cultural attitudes about masculinity affect their willingness to ask for help.
Identifying and combating stigma can help men get the care they deserve.
Men’s mental health statistics
The following statistics illustrate the need for more resources to address men’s mental health:
Depression affects more than 6 million men each year. But it often goes undiagnosed.
The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among caucasian men over age 85.
Suicide in men is on the rise. In 2021, nearly 70% of people who died by suicide in the U.S. were white men.
Approximately 1 in 5 men will have an alcohol use disorder at some point in their lifetime.
About 90% of individuals who are diagnosed with schizophrenia before the age of 30 are men.
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Why is men’s mental health often overlooked?
When was the last time you heard someone tell a male to “man up” when faced with a challenge? This common phrase demonstrates a deep-seated link between weakness and asking for help. And while it might appear to be harmless on the surface, this sort of language can have a damaging impact on men’s mental health.
Men are often expected to be emotionless or stoic in the face of hardship. But men, just like women and people with other gender identities, experience the full range of emotions. In other words, men’s mental health is often overlooked because of the expectation to suppress emotion and “man up.”
Research shows that adhering to rigid norms around masculinity can lead to:
Increased anxiety and depression
Greater risk for substance misuse
Increased physical health concerns, such as heart disease and metabolic diseases
Problems with dating and interpersonal relationships
Increased rates of violent behavior
Pressure to avoid asking for help
Increased psychological distress overall
Homophobia
Men’s mental health also often goes unaddressed because men are less likely to have traditional symptoms. For example, men with depression are more likely to display anger and engage in substance use and risk-taking behavior. This can make it more difficult for family members, friends, healthcare providers, and even the man himself to identify depression. As a result, this can lead to underdiagnosis and prolonged suffering.
What mental health stigma affects men?
The stigma around men’s mental health is rooted in historical depictions of masculinity. Traditionally, men were expected to be strong and independent. They were seen as protectors and providers who did not show vulnerability.
As you can imagine, these expectations make it incredibly difficult for men to acknowledge mental health struggles. It’s hard to take any action that seems to contradict social pressure. And most people don’t want to be perceived as weak or needy.
This stigma has contributed to a men’s mental health crisis that some researchers call a “silent epidemic.” For example, men are diagnosed with depression less frequently than women. But they experience higher rates of suicide and poor engagement with mental health services.
We’ve come a long way in our attitudes about masculinity. But these statistics show that we still have much to do to combat the stigma around men’s mental health.
Why do men have a hard time talking about their mental health?
Men have a hard time talking about their mental health for a variety of reasons. First, many boys grow up without male role models who speak openly about their mental health. Without having someone around you show this sort of vulnerability, it can be difficult to talk about mental health later in life.
Many men also fear judgment or experience shame around asking for help. They may feel pressured to conform to the image of the “ideal” man — someone who doesn’t show weakness or need support.
Some men may feel that they don’t have anyone to talk to about their mental health. If the topic doesn’t ever come up in conversations with friends or colleagues, it can be hard to broach the subject.
Another factor is that the dynamics in male friendships often differ from female ones. For example, men are less likely to share their feelings with a friend. Male friendships may also involve more teasing, which can make it challenging to open up about vulnerable topics.
Lastly, men may not be aware of the mental health resources in their community. Since they’re less likely to seek mental health care, they may not know who to contact or where to turn for help.
Mental health resources and support for men
If you or a man you care about needs mental health support, know that you aren’t alone and help is available. The following resources are designed to help men get the care they need:
You can learn more about the signs and symptoms of mental health concerns in men using trusted websites such as Mental Health America or the National Institute of Mental Health.
Sometimes, experiencing a mental health challenge can be an isolating experience. But it doesn’t have to be. You can join an online support group or a discussion forum focused on men’s mental health.
If you’re looking for 1:1 therapy, check out directories such as Psychology Today or The Men’s List to find a therapist who’s right for you.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to seek help. Call or text 988 to be connected with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential support.
When is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month?
In the U.S., June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness about men’s mental health and encourage loved ones to seek support. Many healthcare organizations host events during this time to spotlight community resources and bring the conversation about men’s mental health out of the shadows.
The bottom line
The statistics around men’s mental health are unsettling. But you can challenge the stigma that keeps many men from seeking the care they need.
Start by speaking more openly about your own mental health and invite the men in your life to do the same. Encourage your brother, father, uncle, friends, etc., to talk about their emotions and seek professional help when it’s needed.
By normalizing conversations around mental well-being, we can support men in asking for help and reframe outdated definitions of what it means to be a man.
Why trust our experts?
References
Affleck, W., et al. (2018). Men's mental health: Social determinants and implications for services. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2023). Suicide statistics.
Ashlee, K. (2014). 5 reasons I don’t say ‘man up.’ The Good Men Project.
Chatmon, B. N. (2020). Males and mental health stigma. American Journal of Men's Health.
CIHR Institute of Gender and Health. (2014). Science fact or science fiction: Is depression in men overlooked?
Cox, D. (2023). Male friendships are not doing the job. Institute for Family Studies.
Hawai’i Pacific University. (2023). The importance of men’s mental health awareness.
Konopa, R. (2023). RISE Blog | The stigma around men's mental health. Texas Tech University.
Martin, L. A., et al. (2013). The experience of symptoms of depression in men vs women. Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry.
Men’s Group. (n.d.). No-nonsense self-improvement resources for men.
Mental Health America. (n.d.). Infographic: Mental health for men.
Mental Health Foundation. (2021). Men and mental health.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Mental illness.
