How to treat mental disorders in men (and why they happen)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Are you (or the man in your life) struggling with your mental health? Explore common mental disorders in men, what causes them, and 10 tips to help you cope.
Taking care of your mental health is often at the bottom of your to-do list. After all, you’ve got enough going on during the week with taking care of your family, finishing that big project at work, and squeezing in a workout before you run errands. Your best approach—or so you think—is to keep your head down and power through. After all, it’s what men do, according to societal standards, right?
Let’s face it: Mental health takes a backseat for many men. There’s a common belief that men need to—and can—“tough it out” or keep their struggles hidden. And even though we hear a lot about mental health these days, and maybe even talk about it a little, we still sometimes struggle, thinking we can cope if we just get through the day. Or the week. Or the month.
But the truth is, this mindset can make it harder to recognize when something isn’t right, which can be damaging to your wellbeing. Prioritizing your mental health, giving yourself a break, and asking for help don’t mean you’re weak. Mental health disorders can affect anyone, and tending to them is a sign of strength.
What are common mental disorders in men?
Mental health disorders can affect anyone, but some conditions are more common in men. These can affect how you think, feel, and act, which means they can interfere with your daily life, including your relationships and physical health. Over time, this gives you even more to cope with and manage.
Many men experience mental health issues at some point during their lives, but because symptoms may look different from what you might expect, they can be difficult to spot. All too often, they go unnoticed — or worse, dismissed as something else entirely.
Here are some of the main mental health conditions that men experience and the symptoms you might notice in yourself or a loved one.
Depression
Depression is a long-lasting condition that can drain your energy, make it tough to focus, and leave you feeling empty or hopeless. For men, depression might not show up as sadness like we’re used to seeing. Instead, it can look like irritability, anger, or a sudden lack of interest in things you used to enjoy.
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety can be constant and overwhelming — way beyond the occasional nervousness you might feel before a big event. Men with anxiety might feel tense, irritable, or on edge more often than not. Sometimes, this stress can show up physically as headaches, muscle pain, or stomach problems too.
Substance use disorders
Substance use, like overusing alcohol and drugs, is one of the most common mental health struggles among men. It often starts as a drink at the end of a long day to relax or escape stress, depression, anxiety, or trauma, but it can turn into a habit that’s hard to break.
Men are more likely than women to engage in heavy drinking or drug use, which can lead to addiction, health problems, and difficulties at work or in relationships. Substance use can also worsen the conditions you’re trying to deal with, too.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
People can develop post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, after witnessing or experiencing a serious incident, such as an accident or assault. Marked by flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness, PTSD is especially common in men with high-risk jobs like the military or emergency services.
Without treatment, PTSD can seriously impact your daily life, leading to isolation from loved ones or society.
Bipolar disorder
The intense mood swings and shifting between periods of extreme energy and excitement (mania) and deep depression of bipolar disorder can be more intense in men. Depressive episodes can leave you feeling exhausted, sad, and unmotivated, while mania can result in impulsive decisions, risky behavior, or feeling invincible.
What causes mental disorders in men?
There’s usually a mix of factors that can lead to men experiencing mental health disorders. A few common ones include:
Biology: Brain chemistry and hormonal changes can increase the risk of mental health disorders. If people in your family have a history of mental illness, you might be more likely to develop similar conditions.
Stress and trauma: Stressors like major life changes, the loss of a loved one, or financial difficulties can trigger mental health issues. Trauma, including childhood trauma, can also play a long-term role in mental health.
Societal expectations: From a young age, many men are taught to suppress their emotions and avoid asking for help or showing vulnerability. But, bottling up feelings can increase the risk of depression and anxiety, which makes things worse. Over time, this can lead to feeling isolated, frustrated, or even physical symptoms like fatigue or body aches. If this is something you struggle with, read up on our five ways to be more vulnerable.
Lack of social support: Not having close relationships with friends or family can make it harder for men to cope with stress and mental health struggles.
Substance use: Using alcohol or drugs recreationally or to manage emotional pain can lead to addiction and worsen existing mental health issues.
10 signs that you (or the man in your life) might have a mental disorder
It isn’t always easy to recognize the signs of a mental health disorder, especially for men. Symptoms can show up in ways that might not immediately seem mental health-related.
If you’ve been feeling off lately, or you’re concerned about someone you care about, here are some important signs to look out for:
1. Changes in mood: Sudden or ongoing mood changes can indicate mental health struggles. This might look like irritability, anger, or frustration over small things. Some men may feel numb or detached from their emotions.
2. Losing interest in hobbies and activities: Pulling away from hobbies or social events that were once fun, or spending less time with family or friends, can be a sign of depression or anxiety.
3. Fatigue or low energy: Feeling constantly exhausted, even after a good night’s sleep, can be a sign of mental health struggles. Depression, anxiety, and stress can drain energy and make it hard to stay motivated — even to do basic things.
4. Physical symptoms without a clear cause: Headaches, muscle pain, digestive issues, or chest pain can all be linked to stress, anxiety, or depression. If you’ve had ongoing physical symptoms but doctors don’t understand why, it might be worth exploring whether your mental health needs some attention.
5. Increased anger or aggression: You might feel more easily frustrated, snap at others, or experience road rage more often. This anger might feel like it comes out of nowhere, even in situations that wouldn’t normally bother you, which can be a sign of underlying mental health issues. Try these 13 anger management steps if you struggle with being quick to anger.
6. Risky or reckless behavior: Drinking too much, misusing drugs, reckless driving, or taking unnecessary risks to cope or distract yourself might feel like an escape from stress or numb emotions, but they can often bring more significant problems down the line.
7. Social withdrawal or isolation: Men struggling with their mental health might avoid social gatherings or stop reaching out to others altogether. If you notice that you or someone you know is canceling plans frequently or spending more time alone, it might be a sign they’re dealing with something internally.
8. Sleep problems: Depression and anxiety can make it hard to get quality sleep or feel rested. On the other hand, some men may sleep too much as a way to escape how they feel. If your sleep patterns have changed dramatically, pay attention to how your mental health might be contributing.
9. Trouble focusing or making decisions: If you’re finding it hard to stay organized at work, feeling mentally foggy, or like your thoughts are constantly racing, this could point to anxiety or depression.
10. Thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness: One of the most serious signs of mental health struggles is feeling hopeless or having thoughts of self-harm. If you or someone you know expresses feelings of worthlessness, talks about wanting to disappear, or seems overwhelmed by negative thoughts, seek help immediately. Professional support can make a life-saving difference.
How to treat mental disorders in men: 10 tips to help you cope
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Support is out there. But we know it can feel tough, so take any small step you can handle to help you manage your symptoms and feel better.
Here are 10 practical tips to help you (or someone you care about) cope with mental health challenges.
1. Seek professional help
One of the best things you can do to support your mental health is reach out to a mental health professional. A therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist can help you understand what you’re going through and guide you in finding treatments that work for you. This might include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask your primary care doctor for referrals. Online therapy is another option if in-person visits feel intimidating. Many workplaces also offer mental health resources or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that you can access for support.
Remember, talking to a professional doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. What it does mean, however, is that you’re taking care of your wellbeing.
2. Talk to someone you trust
Opening up to a friend, family member, or coworker can help you process your thoughts and emotions and feel less alone. You don’t have to share everything at once. Start with a simple, “I’ve been feeling stressed lately,” to open the conversation.
If talking feels hard, try writing down your thoughts first. Sometimes expressing yourself through text or journaling can help you organize your feelings before discussing them with someone else. Check out these seven tips to get started with journaling for your mental health.
3. Stay physically active
Exercise isn’t just good for your body — it’s also a great way to boost your mood. Physical activity can trigger your brain to release chemicals that reduce stress and improve your overall outlook.
Take a daily 20-minute walk or bike ride or spend some time gardening. If you like the gym, go for a workout, or if you love music, try a dance class. Find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.
💙 Follow Mel Mah’s advice on staying active by Moving for Fun.
4. Prioritize good sleep
If you’ve been struggling to sleep, try setting a consistent bedtime and creating a relaxing nighttime routine.
Avoid screens an hour or two before bed, limit caffeine in the afternoon, and keep your bedroom as calm and comfortable as possible. These 10 sleep hygiene tips can also help.
If you still can’t get a good night’s sleep, talk to your doctor, as they can help identify possible causes and suggest treatments.
5. Cut back on alcohol and substances
You might turn to alcohol or other substances to unwind, but relying on these for stress relief can make mental health symptoms worse.
Set limits on how often you drink, and instead, use healthier coping strategies like exercise or hobbies. If cutting back feels difficult, join a support group. Many men struggle with substance use as a way to manage their emotions, so there’s help out there.
💙 Listen to the Breaking Bad Habits masterclass with Dr. Judson Brewer for guidance on how to step away from unhealthy behaviors.
6. Practice mindfulness and relaxation
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga, can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Start with 5–10 minutes a day, and know that it may take a few weeks for you to notice the effects.
If meditation isn’t your thing, try focusing on breathing deeply for a few minutes whenever you feel overwhelmed. These small moments of stillness can ground you and help you reset.
💙 Learn the basics of mindfulness meditation with Tamara Levitt’s 7 Days of Calm series.
7. Build a support network
Try to stay connected with friends, family, or community groups. Socializing can reduce feelings of isolation and remind you that others care about your wellbeing.
If building connections feels challenging, consider joining local groups, volunteering, or participating in activities you enjoy. Even online communities can provide some emotional support and encouragement. Struggle with opening up in groups? Read our 11 tips to overcome shyness.
8. Set small, achievable goals
When you’re dealing with mental health challenges, even simple tasks can feel too overwhelming to begin. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps and work at checking these off one at a time.
Aim to complete one small task a day, like making your bed or going for a short walk near your home. Achieving these little milestones can boost your confidence and provide a sense of progress.
9. Limit stress where possible
While it’s impossible to eliminate all of your stress, reducing unnecessary stressors can improve your mental health. Identify areas of your life that feel too much and look for ways to simplify them.
You might set boundaries at work, delegate tasks, or cut back on commitments. Learn to say no and protect your time to help you take care of yourself and avoid burnout.
10. Be patient with yourself
You’ll likely have good days and bad days, and that’s completely normal. Healing and improving mental health takes time. Don’t expect instant results or be hard on yourself if progress feels slow.
Instead, celebrate small wins, and remind yourself that making even the slightest effort is a step in the right direction.
Mental disorders in men FAQs
Why do men’s mental health disorders often go undiagnosed?
Many men are taught to suppress their emotions and avoid showing vulnerability, which can make it harder to recognize or admit when something feels wrong. Instead of seeking help, men may try to push through their symptoms, which can lead to delays in diagnosis.
Mental health issues in men also tend to present differently—with anger, irritability, or physical symptoms—which can make it easier to overlook the emotional root of the problem. Reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health can help more men feel comfortable seeking support.
Are there specific risks that make men more likely to have certain mental disorders?
There are several factors that may contribute to higher rates of mental health issues in men, like anxiety, depression, and other disorders:
Trauma, including childhood trauma
Substance use, including as a coping mechanism, which can lead to addiction and worsen mental health
Societal pressure, meaning men feel they need to bottle up their feelings and be able to cope without help
High-risk jobs that may increase the likelihood of PTSD
Isolation and lack of emotional outlets
Can lifestyle changes help men manage their mental health disorders?
Lifestyle changes can help men who are looking to improve their mental health. While these changes alone may not fully treat mental health disorders, they can complement professional treatments like therapy or medication.
Getting regular exercise, getting quality sleep, and enjoying a balanced diet help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Building strong social connections can help mean support is more available.
Practicing mindfulness can help relieve stress and improve emotional wellbeing (here are five practices to try).
What are the symptoms of a mental breakdown in a man?
A mental breakdown often involves feeling completely overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily life.
Symptoms may include intense anxiety, depression, emotional numbness, and physical issues like chest pain or fatigue. Men might withdraw from loved ones, experience memory problems, or engage in risky behavior.
If a man in your life experiences a mental breakdown, it’s a sign that long-term stress or mental health issues need urgent attention. Seek professional help as soon as possible.
What could happen if your mental health disorder goes untreated?
If mental health disorders go untreated, they can worsen over time. This can deepen their effect on your relationships, work performance, and physical health.
Depression and anxiety, left unaddressed, can lead to substance abuse, social isolation, and increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease. In severe cases, untreated mental illness may contribute to suicidal thoughts or actions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available:
In the US, those experiencing suicidal thoughts can call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's available 24 hours every day and is free and private. They also have a Lifeline Chat.
Contact emergency services if you’re concerned that someone has, or will, harm themselves.
In the UK, Samaritans offer 24/7 confidential support for anyone in distress. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
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