Men’s Mental Health: It’s Time to Talk About It
“Stop crying.” “Man up.” “Don’t be soft.”
Many boys grow up hearing these messages. They’re told to stay strong, stay quiet, and stay in control. Over time, those words become rules—unspoken expectations that shape how men view their emotions and whether they believe they’re allowed to ask for help.
But here’s the truth: those expectations are hurting men.
Despite growing awareness about mental health, men remain underrepresented and underserved in the mental healthcare system. Social norms, gender stereotypes, and stigma continue to discourage many from seeking help, expressing vulnerability, or prioritizing their emotional well-being. And that has real, sometimes devastating, consequences.
The State of Men’s Mental Health: What the Numbers Say
While mental health affects people of all genders, men face unique challenges that often go unnoticed or unaddressed. According to recent data:
Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half seek treatment.¹
In 2020, men died by suicide at a rate nearly 4 times higher than women.²
Around 6 in 10 men report experiencing at least one trauma in their lifetime.³
Men are twice as likely to binge drink and three times more likely to die from alcohol-related causes compared to women.⁴
49% of men say they feel more depressed than they let on to others.⁵
The most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in men include:
Depression and anxiety
Substance use disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar disorder
Yet, these challenges may not always appear the way we expect. Men are more likely to show signs such as:
Irritability or aggression
Risk-taking behaviors
Substance misuse
Chronic physical symptoms (like headaches or stomach pain)
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue or sleep changes
Loss of interest or motivation
Recognizing these signs—especially when they show up differently than in women—is key to bridging the gap.
How to Start the Conversation (and Keep It Going)
Breaking the stigma around men’s mental health begins with conversation. Whether you’re a friend, partner, parent, or colleague, your check-in can make a difference. Here are some ways to create safe, affirming spaces for men to open up:
Ask open-ended questions:
“How are you holding up with everything lately?”
“What’s been on your mind?”
“Is there anything I can support you with right now?”
Listen without rushing to fix it. Sometimes just having someone listen is the support they need most.
Avoid judgmental or dismissive language. Meet them with curiosity and care, not pressure or shame.
For parents, early emotional education matters. Asking sons the same reflective questions you ask daughters—and creating space for all feelings, not just the “strong” ones—helps build lifelong mental health habits. This emotional fluency can follow them through friendships, partnerships, careers, and parenthood.
Change Starts With Us
Prioritizing men’s mental health doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts with checking in. With noticing a shift. With validating that it’s okay not to be okay.
We’re all wired for connection, and men are no exception. If you’re unsure how to begin, that’s okay. You’re allowed to fumble. What matters most is that you show up, stay curious, and hold space.
And if you’re a man reading this: your mental health matters. You are not weak for struggling, and you are not alone. Seeking support is not a failure—it’s a step toward healing.
Resources for Support and Conversations
Let’s normalize emotional support—for everyone. Because when men thrive, we all benefit.
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