Understanding men’s mental health is essential because mental illness affects over 50 million adults in the US every year—one in five people across all ages and backgrounds. Serious mental illness impacts one in 25 adults. Although mental illness occurs in both men and women, far fewer men receive a diagnosis or seek treatment. As a result, men may be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Gender Differences in Mental Health

Men tend to ask for and receive treatment less often than women. They also experience mental health issues differently. Clinicians have long noted differences in when symptoms begin, how often they appear and how mental illnesses progress. Yet deeper cultural and behavioral differences shape how men present symptoms.

“Gender bias occurs in the treatment of psychological disorders. Doctors are more likely to diagnose depression in women… even when symptoms are identical.” —World Health Organization, 2020

Women are diagnosed more often with internalized disorders such as depression and anxiety. mental health in men, however, tends to show distress through externalized behaviors including substance abuse, aggression and risk-taking. These behaviors may not be recognized as symptoms of underlying depression or anxiety.

This internal versus external pattern appears as early as adolescence. Girls experience higher rates of depression and eating disorders, while boys show more acting-out behavior and impulsivity.

Except for bipolar disorder—which affects men and women equally—women have higher overall diagnosis rates. Men, however, show distinct trends:

• Major depression: 5.3% of men vs. 8.7% of women
• Anxiety disorders: 14.3% of men vs. 23.4% of women
• PTSD: 1.8% of men vs. 5.2% of women

Men are more likely to receive childhood and adult diagnoses of ADHD. Boys are also diagnosed with autism at higher rates (3.0% vs. 0.7%).

Although mental illness is more commonly diagnosed in women, men’s mental health receives treatment far less often. Among adults with any mental illness, 49.7% of women receive treatment compared to 36.8% of men. The same pattern holds for serious mental illness.

Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Men

Men and women can experience identical disorders while displaying different symptoms. This may reflect social expectations about masculinity and mental health.

Men often seek help for physical symptoms—fatigue, aches or sleep problems—but may ignore emotional distress. Sadness or hopelessness may appear instead as irritability, anger or reckless behavior. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs is also common and can worsen symptoms.

The National Institute of Mental Health lists warning signs for men, including:

• Anger, irritability or aggressiveness
• Changes in mood, appetite or energy
• Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
• Difficulty concentrating; feeling restless
• Frequent worry or stress
• Misusing alcohol or drugs
• Feeling sad, flat or hopeless; suicidal thoughts
• Unexplained headaches, digestive issues or aches
• High-risk or unusual behaviors

Depression in Men

Depression in men often goes unrecognized because emotional symptoms may be hidden. Fatigue, irritability or declining interest in work or hobbies may be the first signs loved ones notice.

Men may avoid therapy but agree to see a family physician when they feel physically exhausted—often the first step toward treatment.

“Sometimes I would actively and aggressively pick fights because I thought maybe I could beat it… I thought physical trauma would force the depression out of me.”
—Melvin Martin, Marketing Executive

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. An estimated 60% of people who die by suicide have a mood disorder. Only 1% of women with a history of depression die by suicide, compared to 7% of men—a stark and troubling difference.

Challenges Unique to Men

Substance Use

While women develop substance use disorders at similar rates, men have higher rates of use, dependence and overdose deaths. Men with substance use disorders more often require emergency care and are more likely to complete suicide attempts.

“I’d drink to get numb… But the next day it’s still there. You have to deal with it. It doesn’t just go away.”
—Patrick McCathern, First Sergeant, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

Stigma

Social and cultural stigma strongly influences men’s mental health. Men are more likely to view depression as weakness or believe those with depression are dangerous or self-indulgent. They may delay treatment because they fear judgment or feel that “real men” should handle problems on their own.

The more strongly a man identifies with traditional masculine beliefs, the more likely he is to ignore symptoms, delay help and engage in risky or harmful behaviors.

Getting Treatment

Men may avoid seeking treatment due to social norms, fear of stigma, or the belief that talking “won’t help.” They may also mask or downplay symptoms, believing they should control their feelings without assistance.

Treatment, however, can prevent destructive behaviors, improve daily functioning and reduce long-term health risks. Medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments and prevention strategies all play important roles in recovery.

Best Day’s counselors can evaluate symptoms, identify underlying issues, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to each individual. With help, a focus on men’s mental health can reverse harmful cycles and achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives.