Mental health challenges affect millions of men every year, yet research consistently shows that men are far less likely than women to receive mental health support. Cultural norms play a major role. Many boys are taught from an early age to suppress emotions, avoid vulnerability, and equate asking for help with weakness.
As a result, men often mask symptoms of depression or anxiety with irritability, anger, withdrawal, or self-destructive behavior. In fact, men are nearly four times more likely than women to die by suicide, and middle-aged men account for the highest suicide rates in the United States. Prevalence
- Over 6 million men in the U.S. experience depression each year. (MHA)
- Men are less likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to women, despite similar rates of occurrence. (NIMH)
- Bipolar disorder affects men and women at roughly equal rates. An estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults had bipolar disorder in the past year, with lifetime prevalence around 4.4%. (NIMH)
Help-Seeking Behavior
- Only 1 in 4 men who experience mental health issues talk to a mental health professional. (APA)
- Men tend to experience an earlier onset of bipolar disorder, often during adolescence or early adulthood (late teens to early 20s), compared to women. (APA)
- Men are far less likely than women to seek help for depression, citing stigma, cultural norms, and lack of access.
Suicide and Depression
- Men die by suicide nearly 4x more often than women in the U.S. (CDC)
- Up to 60% of people who die by suicide have a mood disorder such as depression at the time of death. (NIMH)
- Men aged 75 and older have the highest rate compared to other age groups. (CDC)
- Non-Hispanic White men have the highest suicide rate compared to other racial/ethnic men in this age group. (CDC)
Barriers to Treatment
Common barriers to men seeking mental health care include:
- Stigma: Fear of being seen as “less than” or “unmanly”
- Lack of awareness: Not recognizing symptoms or understanding what treatment looks like
- Limited access: Fewer touchpoints with the healthcare system, especially in rural or underserved communities
- Fear of judgment: Worry that they’ll be misunderstood or dismissed
These challenges are even more pronounced for men of color, LGBTQ+ men, and those facing economic hardship, where systemic inequities compound the pressure to stay silent.
What We Can Do
Men’s mental health doesn’t improve through silence—it improves through support, connection, and visibility. Changing the narrative starts with:
- Normalizing emotions: Teaching boys that it’s okay to feel sadness, fear, and vulnerability.
- Creating safe spaces: Offering peer support groups, workplaces, and communities where men can talk without judgment.
- Encouraging role models: Public figures who speak openly about their mental health journeys help reduce shame and promote healing.
- Meeting men where they are: Mental health resources must be accessible, culturally responsive, and integrated into everyday life.
Whether you’re a man struggling yourself, a loved one trying to support someone, or an advocate pushing for change, here are a few ways to take action:
- Start a conversation. Sometimes a simple “How are you?” can open a door.
- Listen without fixing. You don’t need to offer solutions—just being present makes a difference.
- Share resources. Point friends or family toward support groups, therapy options, or helplines.
- Lead by example. When men talk about their own challenges, it gives others permission to do the same.
Peer Support
DBSA offers men living with depression or bipolar disorder a safe, judgment-free space to connect with others who truly understand what they’re going through. Through peer-led support groups, wellness tools, and educational resources, DBSA helps men break the silence, find community, and build resilience—offering support that’s both practical and empowering.
