Understanding Mental Health Symptoms in Men

Societal expectations about gender can impact how men show signs of a mental health condition. Stigma surrounding mental health can also prevent them from getting the support they need.

Boys growing up may hear many forms of the sentiment of “man up” when their feelings are hurt, or something sad happens. This kind of advice, combined with other societal expectations around gender and masculinity, can have long-term effects on emotional regulation and expression.

As a result, certain mental health conditions may present a bit differently in men than they do in women.

No two men are the same in how they’ll show signs of a mental health condition. However, certain signs and symptoms may appear more often in men.

Here’s a closer look at how mental health conditions might show up in men, sources of stigma, and how to find support for yourself or the men in your life.

Signs and symptoms of mental health conditions in men

Mental health conditions can appear in various ways and impact both physical and emotional health. The signs and symptoms below may sometimes be more apparent in men but can impact anyone regardless of gender. In addition, not all men will experience these symptoms.

Physical signs and symptoms

Men living with a mental health condition might experience:

• low energy levels
• loss of appetite
• sleeping too little or too much
• trouble concentrating
• unexplained pain or bodily dysfunctions, like digestion issues

Emotional signs and symptoms

Many men feel societal pressure to mask emotions they feel might be perceived as a sign of weakness or femininity.

Some of these emotional symptoms include:

• anger without a clear cause
• irritability throughout daily life
• aggressive behavior
• rapid mood swings
• constant stress , worrying, or anxiety
• feeling hopeless, persistently sad, or depressed
• feeling unable to have positive emotions
• suicidal ideation

Behavioral signs and symptoms

Men tend to be more likely to display behavioral signs of a mental health condition, such as:

• using drugs or alcohol to numb pain or self-soothe
• taking more risks without clear rewards
• sudden angry outbursts
• physical or verbal abuse toward loved ones
• picking fights with others

Friends, family, and even medical professionals may overlook some of these behaviors as a sign of a mental health condition. In some cultural contexts, they might be chalked up to “manliness.”

When do mental health conditions appear in men?

There’s no exact age when men start to experience mental health symptoms. The age can depend on the mental health condition that’s involved and other factors that influence your emotional state.

A 2021 review of 192 studies of mental disorders found that conditions typically peak between 18 and 25 years old. This is likely because in many young adults, regardless of gender, this is a particularly stressful time of transitions and change.

They may lose many of the support structures of their adolescence, and the signs of mental health conditions may become more apparent.

Intersectionality and mental health

Other elements of identity outside of gender may impact how men experience mental health conditions, including:

• Racial identity: A man may be part of a racial group that experiences regular and systemic racism . This could also cause them to mistrust the medical system due to a history of abuse or gaslighting .
• Sexuality: A man’s sexual orientation can result in ostracization or other forms of abuse from their peers or society . In the past, deviations in sexuality have also been stigmatized and labeled as a mental illness.
• Biological sex: A man who doesn’t identify with their gender assigned at birth may experience mental illness if they can’t access gender-affirming care . They may also experience bullying or other abuse from their peers or society .
• Military status: In the past, many military organizations have overlooked mental health resources for the trauma and specific mental illnesses associated with war, such as depression , shell shock, or (PTSD) .
• Political affiliation: Some political groups have socially conservative ideologies that promote stigmas discouraging men from seeking help for their mental health. They perceive this as a sign of weakness.

Recognizing the stigma surrounding mental health in men

In many Western cultures, men are taught to act “tough” and hide anything that could be seen as a weakness.

This means that men may not reach out for help — even when people in their lives want to support them. Men may be even less likely to seek help if other men in their lives also openly stigmatize mental health resources.

Men are also two to three times more likely to use alcohol or engage in dangerous behaviors to cope with mental illness.

The bottom line

Getting help for your mental health is no more a sign of weakness than going to the ER for a broken arm. A psychiatrist or therapist can help you develop tools to deal with anger, depression, and overwhelming stress — like a man.

Resources for men’s mental health care

Here are some ways you can reach out for help if you or a loved one is navigating a mental health condition:

• Use the HeadsUpGuys website to find a therapist who specializes in men’s mental health treatment.
• Use the APA Psychologist Locator to find a therapist near you.
• Go to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for help with drug or alcohol dependency.
• Contact your state’s Medicare agency if you’re on Medicare and need professional help.
• Find a therapist through the Anxiety and Depression Association of America website.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 if you’re dealing with suicidal thoughts or ideation.
• Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 if you need immediate help with your mental health symptoms.
• Check out this article to learn how to find an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist .
• Read this article to learn about how having a Black therapist can help change your experience of therapy.

Takeaway

The signs and symptoms of mental health conditions in men can often be difficult to recognize because of the societal expectations of men and the stigma around men seeking help.

If you believe that a man in your life has a mental health condition, consider starting with an open, judgment-free conversation about how he’s feeling and offer your support, whether that’s lending an open ear or helping to connect him with a mental health professional.