Men’s mental health: Overcoming the stigma
The conversation around men’s health often centers on physical wellness. Mental health is just as essential, but is frequently overlooked or ignored.
Recent data on mental health shows that men in the U.S. experience the following.
- 19% have a mental illness.
- 21% face substance use disorders.
- Less than half of those with a mental illness receive treatment.
Men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women. Despite these rates, men are diagnosed with depression and mood disorders at much lower rates, with societal stigma usually having an impact. Men frequently face social pressures based on fear of judgment and expectations to be masculine, which makes asking for help intimidating.
Since seeking care at all is a significant step, the healthcare system needs to ensure that needs are met. Research shows that more than 60% of men who died by suicide had accessed mental health services within the previous year, suggesting access alone is not enough. Some men report feeling misunderstood, mislabeled, or that their concerns are minimized.
The approach to men’s mental health needs to be reexamined. That includes assumptions around depression, anxiety, burnout, and substance use. It also means equipping providers with approaches that resonate and creating safe environments for men to speak openly about mental health struggles.
We can all be part of the solution. Checking in with family, friends, and colleagues can make a meaningful difference. Open conversations, along with improved care delivery, can help ensure men get the help they need.