Shedding Light on Men’s Mental Health

In the United States, millions of men suffer from depression and other mental health conditions—but they are much less likely than women to recognize the symptoms and seek treatment.

By the Numbers

10%Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety.
2xMen are twice as likely as women to develop a substance use disorder.
40%Only 40% of men with mental illnesses receive treatment
4xMen are four times more likely than women to die by suicide.

Mental Health Warning Signs

Mental health conditions often affect men differently than women—and when symptoms don’t fit our assumptions about what certain disorders “look like,” it can be difficult to recognize them as warning signs.

Anger, aggression, and irritability
Aches and pains
Digestive issues
Overeating or not eating enough
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Lack of energy
Inability to focus
Loss of interest in hobbies
Feeling “empty” or “flat”
Withdrawing from friends
Misusing drugs or alcohol

Substance Misuse in Men

Because mental health conditions often go untreated in men, they are more likely to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. But these substances are far more harmful than helpful.

Men are more likely than women to misuse alcohol and have higher rates of binge drinking. About 1 in 5 men develop alcohol dependency.
Men are more likely than women to experience—and die from—an opioid overdose.
Overall, men tend to use cannabis and illicit drugs at higher rates, in larger doses, and with greater frequency.

Taking Care of Your Mental Wellness

Because mental health issues can impact all aspects of your life, from your thought patterns to your appetite, it’s important to take a whole-body approach to preventing and treating them.

Learn to manage stress.
Strengthen your coping skills through healthy habits like exercise, deep breathing, and mindfulness techniques.
Stay connected.
Make it a priority to spend time in-person with friends you can be authentic, open, and honest with.
Listen to your body.
Eating a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep (7–9 hours each night) can help you manage feelings of stress.
Reach out for help.
Therapy is confidential, non-judgmental, and highly effective—and can give you a valuable outside perspective.

Consistently taking care of your mental wellness may feel overwhelming at first—but the more effort you can put in, the more you’ll get out of it.

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