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The stereotype that men dont need help - especially mental health help - persists to this day.

Evidence shows fewer men seek out assistance for mental health challenges compared to women.

During the last few years, we have witnessed a rise in awareness about mental health issues.

portrait of a young man drinking coffee

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Celebrities and star athletes have promoted increased advocacy for mental health.

Yet, men still are negatively affected bytoxic masculinityand thefear of showing vulnerability.

These factors and more can lead to men not getting help when they might need it.

So, what keeps men from seeking mental health support?

What Barriers Prevent Men From Seeking Mental Health Assistance?

Do Men Seek Help For Physical Health Challenges?

Unfortunately, men arent going to physicians for regular medical care, check-ups, or run-of-the-mill injuries either.

A national survey found 72% of men would rather do household chores than go to the doctor.

Once there, they are not forthcoming about their issues.

For example, headaches, like migraines, affect men.

What Are The Major Mental Health Problems Affecting Men?

One of the biggest mental health problems affecting men isdepression.

Depression isnt the only major mental health problem affecting men.

Another big mental health problem for men concernsalcohol addictionandsubstance abuse.

When it comes to male suicide, the 2022 statistics from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are sobering.

Mens deaths attributable to suicide are almost four times higher than for women.

What Are the Treatments for Mens Mental Health Problems?

They includemedication,psychotherapy, and/or lifestyle changes.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can also be extremely helpful when dealing with mental health issues.

Diet,exercise, andgetting good sleepare examples of helpful lifestyle changes that can positively impact mental health.

Am J Mens Health.

2020 Jul-Aug;14(4):1557988320949322. doi: 10.1177/1557988320949322.

PMID: 32812501; PMCID: PMC7444121.

Men and Mental Health.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/men-and-mental-health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/673172/mental-health-treatment-counseling-past-year-us-men/

Cleveland Clinic.

https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2019/09/04/cleveland-clinic-survey-men-will-do-almost-anything-to-avoid-going-to-the-doctor

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

(n.d.-a).Men and Mental Health.

National Institute of Mental Health.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

(n.d.-a).Depression.

National Institute of Mental Health.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression

Li, X., Zhou, W., & Yi, Z.

(2022, August 30).A glimpse of gender differences in schizophrenia.

https://gpsych.bmj.com/content/35/4/e100823

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

(2022, May 4).Sex and gender differences in substance use.National Institutes of Health.

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/sex-gender-differences-in-substance-use

Suicide statistics.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

(2024, August 26).

2019 May-Jun;13(3):1557988319857009. doi: 10.1177/1557988319857009.

PMID: 31184251; PMCID: PMC6560805.