Putting the Men into Mental Health: Breaking Stigmas and Fostering Conversations

Mental health issues are a growing global concern. Estimates from many sources reveal that about 20% of men in the US are experiencing some type of mental health condition. Yet that number is most likely higher as men are significantly less likely than women to be diagnosed with or seek treatment for these issues.

Even more disturbing is that men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to data from the CDC. In males under the age of 45, suicide is the second most common cause of death (after accidents).

So why are these numbers so skewed when it comes to men versus women? I think there are a number of barriers that keep men from actually seeking help:

1. Stigma - Men often fear that they will be perceived as weak or inadequate if they reach out for help.

2. Societal norms - Traditional ideals around masculinity cause men to strive to be strong, independent, and stoic. Because of this, men have a difficult time being seen as vulnerable.

3. Difficulty with emotions - Men often struggle to both identify and effectively deal with emotions, thus making it difficult to verbalize their feelings with friends or family, and even with counselors and therapists.

4. Loneliness - Along that same line, men are more likely to feel alone or isolated than women. A Gallup poll from May, 2025 revealed that around 25% of males aged 15-34 reported feeling lonely "a lot of the day". Males tend to rely on partners for their emotional support and are less likely to have close relationships.

5. Lack of male-centric services - Many mental health programs often fail to underestimate men's specific needs and do not resonate with them, thus deterring them from therapy.

So what are some ways that we can improve this situation and provide potential solutions for men? I think there are a number of potential avenues to help, as outlined below:

1. Awareness - Simply being on the lookout for symptoms of mental health issues is the first step. This means listening more closely and asking appropriate questions. Watch for symptoms that might be related, such as anxiety, depression, anger/violence, irritability, social isolation, sleep issues, dangerous/reckless behavior, substance abuse, and obsessive work ethic.

2. Normalizing emotions - All humans experience emotions, so we need to challenge the idea around masculinity so as to embrace emotions and praise the act of seeking help. It is not weak to speak!

3. Promote social support - Letting men know that their feeling are not uncommon is an important step. Encouraging men to build and maintain connections can help to diminish or even eliminate loneliness and isolation. The addition of male support groups is a great way to start this process and let them know they are not on an island by themselves.

4. Take an integrative approach - This means looking at he whole person, diving into the physical elements and not relying solely on mental/emotional discussions. There are many overlapping and intertwined factors here, from the gut-brain connection (involving gut health, microbiome, proper diet, etc.) to hormonal health (testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, etc.).

My approach, especially through my certification via the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, is to do all of the above. I look for physical/biological/physiological elements that might be contributing to mental health concerns, while also listening and offering practical advice from the emotional support side of the equation. Lifestyle is a huge component of overall well-being, so it is imperative that we dive into that as well; diet, exercise, stress, sleep, alcohol use, tobacco use, and other recreational drug use can all have an impact.

It is time to change the paradigm when it comes to men's mental health. It is time to realize that real men know when to talk and face what's inside.