Men’s Mental Health Should be a Priority

Common Mental Health Disorders in Men

It is important to learn the signs and symptoms of mental health issues in men. Symptoms may look very different in men than in women. Common mental health disorders in men include depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse disorders and bipolar disorder. 

Depression

Male depression is one of the most common among men’s mental health issues. According to the CDC, five percent of young adult males suffer from depression. Men are more likely to experience anger and irritability as symptoms of depression, rather than sadness. Symptoms of male depression can vary and may include:

• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Engaging in high-risk activities
• Substance abuse
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Chronic headaches or digestive problems with no clear cause
• Appetite and weight changes
• Fatigue
• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
• Changes in mood or energy level
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased worry or feeling stressed
• Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide 

Untreated depression in men can result in personal, professional and financial problems, even suicide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), four times as many men than women die by suicide in the United States, which may be a result of the higher rates of untreated depression.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are also common in men. Types of anxiety disorders often seen in men include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Social anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Phobias

Anxiety in men often increases the chances of being diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder and ADHD.

Symptoms of anxiety disorders may include:

• Overwhelming feelings of worry and stress
• Feeling jittery or constantly restless
• Sleep problems—either insomnia or sleeping too much
• Decline in academic or work performance
• Physical symptoms including muscle aches, stomachaches, and headaches
• Nausea, sweating, and shaking—particularly with social anxiety
• Avoidance—staying away from situations or places that trigger anxiety
• Panic attacks

Many of the symptoms of depression and anxiety may overlap in men. Often, depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand when diagnosing mental health disorders. 

Substance Abuse Disorder

While substance abuse is a mental health disorder in of itself, it may also be a symptom of other mental health issues. Alcohol or drug abuse is often used as a coping mechanism to help manage the debilitating symptoms of untreated mental health disorders including anxiety, depression or PTSD. Men will often self-medicate with alcohol or drugs instead of seeking treatment.  

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is caused by an extremely stressful or terrifying event or experience in a person’s life. PTSD can be caused by various situations include childhood trauma, a horrific accident or injury, mental or physical abuse, or toxic relationships, among other things. The symptoms of PTSD can be debilitating and may include:

• Flashbacks
• Irritability or aggressive behavior
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Recurring nightmares and upsetting dreams
• Ongoing negative emotions, including fear, blame, guilt, anger or shame
• Severe emotional outbursts or physical reactions to reminders of past traumatic events
• General anxiety

A large percentage of military veterans experience PTSD.  Male veterans face additional stigmas around mental health care due to the traditional masculine philosophy in military culture.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic depression, is a serious mental health condition that can cause extreme mood swings. This disorder causes radical shifts in mood, energy, and at times, the ability to perform everyday tasks. 

Men with bipolar disorder can experience periods of intense emotions and severe changes in behavior, which can last days or even weeks. These include periods of emotional highs, commonly referred to as mania or hypomania and intense lows called depressive episodes. 

Men with bipolar disorder often don't know how much their mood swings and emotionally unstable behavior disrupt their lives and the lives of those around them.  As a result, they often don't receive the treatment they need.

Finding Treatment for Men’s Mental Health Disorders

Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it is actually a sign of strength and determination. By acknowledging the importance of men’s mental health and taking proactive steps to recognize and address disorders and symptoms, we can break down the stigma that surrounds the topic and treatment of men’s mental health issues. 

Depending on the specific disorder, treatment will vary and may include a variety of approaches, including:

• Therapy
• Medication
• Group Counseling and Support Groups
• Brain Stimulation Therapies
• Lifestyle Changes
• Rehabilitation Programs

Encouraging open conversations about men’s mental health issues can ensure a healthier and more productive life for men who may be suffering and need treatment. 

Promoting Mental Health for Men

There are numerous ways to support men’s mental health and help to destigmatize treatment. Whether it is recognizing symptoms early, encouraging open discussions, or promoting resources, men’s mental wellness should be a priority.

• Encourage conversations and open dialogue about mental health issues that affect men in all settings – personally, professionally, medically, and socially.
• Education regarding men’s mental health issues is vital to building awareness. Sharing information about common issues like depression, stress, and anxiety, can help men recognize symptoms and seek support.
• Mental health services should be easily accessible and personalized to men’s individual needs. 

Find Care at Catholic Health

Find a Catholic Health doctor near you. Or call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-875-3117).