When it comes to seeking out and getting needed mental health care support, men are falling way behind. Even though six million men suffer from depression each year and die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women, many men go untreated for mental health conditions because they are so much less likely to look for help.
Why don’t men seek treatment at the same rate as women? It potentially starts when they are small children. For generations, girls and boys have been bombarded with cultural and societal norms that spell out very clear expectations for behavior: Girls are meant to be sweet and demure, and boys should be bold and brave. That means keeping emotions and feelings under wraps, for fear it could make a boy (and eventually a man) look weak or insecure.
Today, we know that everyone, regardless of gender, can suffer from mental health issues, and seeking out professional support can sometimes be the literal difference between life and death, but still, men are typically diagnosed at half the rate as women. Understanding the common barriers men face and how they can be encouraged to seek help when they need it, could make a difference for many men struggling to cope.
Why Seek Help?
Because healing doesn’t require you to break the mold. It requires you to break the silence. Rethinking these early expectations can create space for real emotional resilience.
Stigmas Run Deep
When you’ve grown up in a society that pressures you to take care of your own problems and risk shame or embarrassment if you ask for help of any kind, it’s difficult to consider mental health care as an option. Some men may have been raised in traditional, conservative homes that look down on the idea of talk therapy or medication for anxiety or depression, especially for men.
In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), over 60% of men say societal expectations and stigma have discouraged them from seeking help.
Why Seek Help?
Because strength isn’t about hiding your pain, it’s about confronting it. Seeking care defies stigma and shows courage, not weakness.
Taking the Time
Prioritizing mental health is something everyone struggles with, but for many men, it falls to the bottom of their “to-do” list. A 2023 study by Mental Health America shows that nearly one in three men report a lack of time as a major barrier. Work, family, childcare responsibilities, and other conflicting priorities come first.
Geography may also play a part, as men who live in more rural areas can have limited access to qualified providers or specialized services. And though telehealth continues to become a more available and convenient option, men are 25% less likely to use these services than women. Cost and lack of insurance can be a barrier, especially for younger men who may not be adequately employed to afford mental health services.
Why Seek Help?
Because taking the time to focus on what you need allows you to better support those that rely on you.
A Different Depression
One-third of men report they have experienced a period of depression during their lives, but others may not even realize they are having symptoms. That’s because men’s symptoms may be very different from women’s. They could include:
- Anger or irritability
- Body aches/pains
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
- Trouble sleeping
- Thoughts of suicide
Men are also more likely to use alcohol and drugs to self-treat their mental health issues. They are two and a half times more likely to die of alcohol-related causes, and two to three times more likely to misuse drugs.
Why Seek Help?
Because recognizing signs of depression or anxiety allows you to treat it earlier before it causes long-term or irreparable damage.
Lack of Understanding
Many men struggle to recognize and express their emotions. When you grow up bombarded by messages that focusing on feelings is a sign of weakness, you learn to turn away from discussing them.
In fact, it’s so common for men to be unable to talk about their emotions, there’s a name for it: “normative male alexithymia,” which is defined by the APA as “found in boys and men reared to conform to traditional masculine norms that emphasize toughness….and discourage the expression of vulnerable emotions.”
Why Seek Help?
Because setting an example of healthy behaviors for the next generation may stop the stigma and shame for the next generation of young men.
Belief It Won’t Work
If you’re not talking about your feelings, you probably don’t see how talking about them actually does any good—which is another reason many men don’t seek mental health support. The idea of talking to a “stranger” about their problems goes against what they’ve been taught is manly.
Many men also may not like the idea of feeling reliant on medication or therapy to feel functional, as they’ve been taught it’s a sign of weakness. They feel more comfortable with handling problems on their own, even if they’re not able to move past them.
Why Seek Help?
Because learning how to open up and talk through issues can improve relationships, increase self awareness, and build emotional resilience.
Taking the Next Steps
With so many barriers to treatment, it’s a wonder any men seek out mental health support, but it remains a critical piece of recovery when needed. If you’re looking to support a male loved one’s mental health, try these tips:
- Be there to listen and provide space
- Go out of your way to express appreciation for what they do
- Encourage them to seek help if needed
Online mental health platforms like MindGlow Health provide a safe, private, and affordable option for men who may have difficulties seeking mental health support. If a man in your life is reluctant to try therapy or medication, you may want to point out that mental health is a critical piece of overall wellness and no less important to treat than any physical issue.
We offer talk therapy and psychiatry through online appointments with licensed providers who are experienced and passionate about what they do. The company was built on the foundation of a well-established behavioral health organization, where thousands of people nationwide have sought care for their mental health concerns.
Learn more about our convenient, secure, trusted services today and take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.
