Each June, Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month raises awareness about a serious issue that often gets overlooked: the mental health challenges men deal with every day. Millions of men struggle with conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet many keep it to themselves, feeling like they have to handle it alone.

Speaking up about men’s mental health is important because staying silent can lead to bigger problems. Without support, mental health issues can get worse over time and impact not only the person but also their family and community.

In this blog, we’ll explore why many men avoid asking for help. Stigma, old-fashioned ideas about masculinity, and real barriers in the health care system all make it harder for men to get the support they need. It’s time to break the silence and start making a change.

Men’s mental health statistics show high suicide rates, underdiagnosed depression, and increased substance use

When it comes to mental health, the numbers reveal a serious issue. Men face tough challenges, but their struggles often go unnoticed. Looking at the statistics helps us see just how widespread the problem really is.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, men died by suicide about four times more often than women. Even with these high numbers, men are far less likely to be diagnosed with depression. Many men don’t talk about their symptoms—either because they don’t recognize them or because they feel pressure to stay quiet and “tough it out” instead of asking for help.

Substance abuse and addiction are other signs that many men are dealing with mental health challenges. Research shows that men are more likely than women to use alcohol and drugs to deal with their struggles. But self-medication often leads to more serious problems over time.

One reason this issue is hard to solve is that data doesn’t always tell the full story. A lot of mental health research focuses on women, so there’s less information about how conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma can show up differently in men.

Understanding these numbers matters. It shows us that men’s mental health is important—and that real progress begins with paying attention and speaking up.

Men’s mental health is often ignored because of stigma, old ideas about what it means to be “manly,” and not enough honest talk about mental health.

There are many reasons why men’s mental health doesn’t always get the attention it needs. One big reason starts early—many boys are taught to hide how they feel. Phrases like “man up,” “be tough,” or “stop crying” send the message that showing any kind of struggle is a sign of weakness. Because of this, a lot of men learn to keep things inside instead of reaching out for help.

Another issue is the lack of mental health education for boys and young men. While schools often talk about staying physically healthy and living a healthy lifestyle, they rarely teach students how to take care of their mental well-being. Without those early lessons, it can be hard for boys to understand what they’re going through or when it’s time to ask for support.

There also aren’t many mental health programs that focus on men’s specific needs. While resources do exist, most therapy options and support groups aren’t designed with men in mind. This can make it harder for men to feel comfortable or understood when they do try to get help.

The media plays a role, too. On TV or in movies, men’s mental health is often ignored or turned into a joke. This spreads the idea that real men don’t struggle—or that if they do, it’s something to be embarrassed about. These harmful messages can keep men from speaking up or getting the support they deserve.

When men don’t get help for mental health problems, it can lead to more serious issues like drug or alcohol use, trouble in relationships, and even suicide. But many men avoid reaching out because they’re worried about being judged.

Understanding the importance of men’s mental health helps us see that taking care of the mind is just as important as taking care of the body. One of the most serious results of ignoring mental health problems is the risk of suicide. Men die by suicide much more often than women, which makes this a major public health concern. Mental and physical health are closely connected. When men don’t get the support they need, it can lead to physical problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, or drug and alcohol misuse. Stress, depression, mood disorders, and anxiety can build up over time and make the body weaker.

Mental health struggles can also affect family life. Men who are dealing with untreated issues like depression or anger and aggression may have trouble talking clearly, building trust, or staying connected with their partners and kids. Getting the right kind of help can lead to stronger, more supportive relationships and healthier families. At work, ignoring mental health can lead to burnout, missed days, and poor job performance. These problems hurt not just the worker, but also the whole team and workplace.

Men’s mental health matters—not just for individuals, but for the people and communities around them. Helping men take care of their mental health leads to stronger families, better jobs, and healthier communities for everyone.

Men and women often experience mental health issues in different ways. Women are more likely to deal with anxiety or depression, while men are more likely to have problems with substance abuse or keeping their feelings inside.

Men and women often have different experiences with mental health, and gender roles play a big part in how each group handles challenges. These roles can affect how people show their struggles, how they’re diagnosed, and the kind of treatment they receive. Some experts believe there are small differences in the brains of men and women that may impact mental health, but these differences don’t mean one gender is stronger or weaker. Mental health is also influenced by hormones, personal experiences, and how someone was raised. So while biology matters, it’s only one piece of why men and women may deal with mental health in different ways.

Differences in showing emotions

One big difference between men and women is how they show what they’re going through. Many girls grow up learning that it’s okay to talk about things like sadness or stress. Boys, on the other hand, are often taught to stay quiet and not show when something is wrong. Instead of saying they feel down or overwhelmed, some men might act angry, show irritation, shut people out, or seem distant. This can make it harder for others to see when they need help.

Differences in diagnosis

Another big difference is how mental health conditions are diagnosed. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety. Men are often not diagnosed as easily. Their symptoms can show up in different ways, like getting angry, taking risks, or staying away from people. These signs don’t always match what doctors usually look for, so many men don’t get the help they need.

Difference in coping styles

Men and women often deal with mental health struggles in different ways. Women are more likely to keep their problems inside, which can lead to feelings like sadness or guilt. Men are more likely to let their struggles show through actions, such as irritation, anger, acting out, or taking risks. Knowing these different ways of coping can help us notice when someone might need support.

How stigma shows up differently

Stigma around mental health affects both men and women, but not always in the same way. Women are sometimes judged or not taken seriously when they speak up about their struggles. Men may be called “weak” just for admitting they’re having a hard time. By understanding these differences, we can do a better job of supporting everyone’s mental health, no matter their gender.

Stigma creates many barriers that often stop men from opening up or asking for help.

Stigma shows up in different ways, making it harder for men to get the help they need. Internalized stigma happens when men take in negative messages from society about mental health. Many are taught to be tough, handle problems alone, and never show signs of struggle. This way of thinking can lead to shame and the idea that they must always be self-reliant. For example, a man dealing with depression might tell himself to “just get over it” instead of reaching out for support.

Social stigma, also called public stigma, comes from fear about being judged. Many men are concerned that admitting they’re having a hard time will make others see them as weak or unable to cope. Imagine a man who’s feeling overwhelmed at work but says nothing because he’s afraid his boss will think he can’t handle it—this kind of pressure keeps many men silent.

Then there’s systemic stigma, which is built into how mental health care is set up. There are fewer programs, support groups, and services made specifically for men, and men’s mental health is often not a focus in research. These layers of stigma make it even harder for men to speak up and get the support they need.

One of the most important ways we can help is by ending the stigma around men’s mental health. People need to hear that asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of.

Here are some ways to encourage men to take care of their mental health:

• Talk openly about mental health. Let the men in your life know that it’s normal to struggle sometimes and okay to ask for help.
• Listen without judgment. If a man shares his feelings, listen carefully without rushing to fix the problem or making him feel weak.
• Share stories of other men getting help. Hearing about athletes, celebrities, or community leaders who have talked openly about their struggles can make a big difference.
• Watch your language. Avoid using words like “crazy” or jokes that make mental health struggles seem funny or shameful.
• Start early by teaching boys that talking about feelings is healthy and that crying or asking for help doesn’t make them any less “manly.”
• Be patient. Some men need time to open up. Let them know you’ll support them whenever they’re ready.
• Encourage therapy. Suggest seeing a counselor or joining a group as a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Take suicidal ideation and talk of suicide seriously. If someone says they’re thinking about ending their life, don’t ignore it—listen, stay with them, and help them get support from a mental health professional.

If you or someone you care about is struggling, Pacific Health Group offers compassionate, comprehensive mental health and behavioral health services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family counseling, and specialized therapy for teens. We understand the unique needs of men and teenage boys working through depression, anxiety, trauma, or major life transitions. We also offer convenient Telehealth options, so getting the support you need is easier than ever. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Reaching out is a powerful first step toward healing.

Call us today at 1-877-811-1217 or visit www.mypacifichealth.com to learn more or book an appointment.