Men’s mental health matters as much as physical health, but men are less likely than women to get mental health treatment, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Signs can also look different in men, so they’re easy to miss, even for the men living with them.
This guide covers the warning signs, how to support a man who’s struggling, and where to find help today.
Key takeaways
- In men, depression and other mental health conditions can show up as anger, irritability or risk-taking, not just sadness.
- Men are less likely than women to get mental health treatment, and more likely to die by suicide.
- Help works and is available: in the US, call or text 988; in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
What is men’s mental health?
Men’s mental health covers how men think, feel and cope, including conditions like depression and anxiety. NIMH says men and women may have different symptoms. In men, signs often include anger, irritability, drinking or risk-taking, so problems can be missed. Treatment works, and reaching out early makes a difference.
Need help now?
In the US, call or text 988 (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or chat at 988lifeline.org. In Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. Elsewhere, contact your local crisis line. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911, 000 or your local emergency number.
7 warning signs in men
NIMH lists these common signs of mental health conditions in men:
- anger, irritability or aggressiveness
- noticeable changes in mood, energy or appetite
- trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
- misusing alcohol, drugs or both
- sadness or hopelessness that doesn’t go away
- taking part in high-risk activities
- thoughts of death or suicide
NIMH also lists feeling flat, trouble concentrating, more worry, unexplained aches, obsessive or compulsive behavior, and behavior that gets in the way of work, family or social life.
Men’s mental health warning signs and what helps
| Warning sign | What it might look like | What can help |
|---|---|---|
| Anger or irritability | Snapping at family, road rage, short fuse | Talk to a doctor; it can be a sign of depression |
| Drinking or drug use | Drinking more to switch off | Be honest with a doctor about how much |
| Sleep changes | Lying awake, or sleeping much more | Keep a regular routine and mention it to a doctor |
| Pulling away | Skipping friends, sport or family time | Reach out to one person you trust |
| Risk-taking | Reckless driving, gambling, fights | Ask for help before things escalate |
| Thoughts of death or suicide | Feeling like a burden, talking about not being here | Call or text 988 (US) or Lifeline 13 11 14 (Australia) now |
Why men often don’t get help
NIMH says men are less likely to have received mental health treatment in the past year than women. When depression shows up as anger, stress or drinking, it may not look like “depression” to the man or the people around him, so it goes untreated.
The good news: men’s mental health problems are treatable. A first step can be as simple as telling your doctor, “I haven’t been feeling like myself.”
Men and suicide
Men are more likely to die by suicide than women. NIMH data show that in 2023 the suicide rate among males was nearly 4 times higher than among females (22.8 vs 5.9 per 100,000). Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the US.
Suicide is preventable, and support helps. If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, reach out now. In the US, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
How to help a man who’s struggling
NIMH’s 5 action steps can guide you if you’re worried about someone:
- Ask. It’s not an easy question, but asking can start a conversation. Studies show asking about suicide doesn’t increase suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- Be there. Listen without judgment.
- Help keep them safe. Take steps to keep the person safe when suicidal thoughts come up.
- Help them connect. Connect them with 988 and other support in your community.
- Follow up. Staying in touch after a crisis can make a difference.
Everyday ways to protect men’s mental health
These steps from NIMH won’t replace treatment, but they help many people cope with stress:
- Exercise and eat regular, healthy meals.
- Keep a sleep routine.
- Limit extra caffeine.
- Stay connected with friends or family who help you cope in a positive way.
- Notice unhelpful thoughts and challenge them.
- Keep a journal.
When to get help
See a doctor or mental health professional if:
- stress, low mood or anxiety gets in the way of everyday life
- you’re avoiding things because of how you feel
- the feelings seem to be there all the time
- you’re drinking or using drugs to cope
If you’re thinking about suicide or in danger, call or text 988 in the US, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, or call 911, 000 or your local emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
What are signs of depression in men?
NIMH lists anger, irritability or aggressiveness, changes in mood, energy or appetite, sleep problems, misusing alcohol or drugs, ongoing sadness or hopelessness, risk-taking, and thoughts of death or suicide. Men may notice anger or exhaustion more than sadness.
How can I help a man who is struggling?
Use NIMH’s five steps: ask how he’s really doing, listen without judgment, help keep him safe, help him connect with support like 988, and follow up. Studies show asking about suicide doesn’t increase suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Is anger a sign of depression in men?
It can be. NIMH lists anger, irritability and aggressiveness among common signs of mental health conditions in men. If anger is new, constant or out of character, it’s worth talking to a doctor about.
Why don’t men seek help for mental health?
NIMH says men are less likely than women to have received mental health treatment. One reason may be that signs like anger, drinking or stress don’t look like depression, so they get missed. A doctor is a good first step.
Where can men get mental health help?
Start with your doctor or a mental health professional. In a crisis in the US, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. Elsewhere, contact your local crisis line.
Do men get anxiety too?
Yes. NIMH lists increased worry, trouble concentrating and unexplained aches among the signs men may notice. Anxiety is treatable, so see a doctor if worry is affecting your sleep, work or relationships.
The bottom line
Men’s mental health problems are common, treatable and often missed, because signs like anger, drinking or risk-taking don’t look like sadness. Check in on yourself and the men around you, and ask directly if you’re worried. Help is available today: call or text 988 in the US or Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia.