May 2025

Although caring for your mental health is as important as caring for your physical health, many men don’t prioritize it.

A 2023 MENtion It survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that 83% of men had experienced stress in the past six months, but most were hesitant to seek professional help. While most men reported following a healthy lifestyle, 44% said they didn’t prioritize their mental health.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, men who struggle with symptoms of mental illness are less likely than women to seek mental health care or obtain a diagnosis. Here’s why that matters and what you can do about it.

Why mental health care matters for men

For men, the consequences of untreated mental illness are dire. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide.

Some populations face specific mental health risks. Male veterans, for example, experience nearly twice the rate of alcohol and drug use as women veterans, according to Mental Health America (MHA).

Untreated mental health disorders can worsen over time and increase the risk of substance use disorder and physical health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

Help break the stigma

For many men, the stigma of mental illness can prevent them from getting the care they need. They may believe they need to “man up” or “tough it out” when it comes to mental health symptoms. Even if they seek care, they may not always follow through on treatment, such as medication or therapy.

Signs of mental health problems in men

When men don’t seek mental care, it’s up to family and friends to recognize the signs of mental health problems, which often differ from women, and urge them to get professional help.

According to MHA, depressed men are more likely to report fatigue, irritability, or loss of interest in work or hobbies rather than feeling sad or hopeless. Over six million men struggle with depression, but most go undiagnosed.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, other common symptoms of mental health disorders in men include:

• Anger and aggression.
• Problems concentrating or sleeping, sleeping too much, or changes in appetite or energy level.
• Engaging in high-risk activities, including substance abuse.
• Unexplained pain, headaches, and digestive problems.
• Increased worry, stress, or restlessness.
• Inability to feel positive emotions.
• Thoughts or behaviors, including obsessive thinking or compulsive behaviors, that disrupt work, family, or social life.
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or attempting suicide.

Where to go for help

If you have concerns for yourself or someone you know, seek help.

Make an appointment with a primary care provider (PCP). You may be overdue for a regular checkup (the Cleveland Clinic survey also found that 44% of men don’t get an annual checkup for preventive care).

Your PCP will rule out physical conditions that may cause mental health issues. Low testosterone, for example, is linked to depression, stress, and mood swings, especially in older men, according to MHA.

According to the Urology Care Foundation, doctors can treat low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy. That’s just one of the reasons you need to speak up and get help if you’re feeling down or not your usual self.

Sometimes you may need mental health care to help you manage emotions and behaviors that impact your life. Your PCP can refer you to a mental health professional that best fits your needs.

Untreated or poorly treated mental disorders may lead to a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or harming yourself or others, get help right away. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat online.