Men and Depression: Male Mental Health Stigma

_Editor’s Note: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This article is part of a special series we’re publishing this month with personal stories, education and resources around mental health, especially managing mental health during a pandemic. If you need immediate help please contact The National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor for free at Crisis Text Line._

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An undeniable stigma is attached to mental health in society today. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a stigma is when someone is treated or viewed unfairly and negatively due to having a mental illness. Stigma has societal and individual consequences and can influence whether you decide to seek help for your mental illness.

Unfortunately, stigma is prevalent when it comes to how men with mental illness are treated. While mental illness can present differently in men than women, much of this stigma stems from societal views on gender stereotypes and faulty belief systems. Because of this, men struggle with acknowledging and getting help for mental illness more than women.

Why is there a stigma associated with mental illness?

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Historically, society has viewed and supported gender roles where males are to suppress or disconnect from their emotions because men are supposed to be strong, and any display of emotion is seen as a weakness. This belief system combined with society’s predisposed myths creates an environment where men are less likely to seek help for mental illness.

Societal and individual myths that can prevent males from seeking help for depression also include:

A man should inherently be able to manage and control his emotions. Depression is a reflection of weakness, and as a man, weakness is unacceptable. “Real” men do not ask for help because asking for help is a sign of weakness. Seeking help from a professional and talking about your problems will not help. If you acknowledge your depression, you are burdening your loved ones

How is mental health stigmatized?

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Despite increasing social awareness about mental health and its prevalence in both men and women, male depression stigma is evident, and men often are criticized, alienated, and questioned when they come forward. Depression is a real disorder that, if left untreated, can lead to many problems including social isolation, physical health problems, substance abuse, and even death. As a society, it is imperative that we start talking about it and normalizing its existence.

Male depression statistics include:

9% of men in the United States experienced depression on a daily basis from 2010–2013. Of the 9%, only 1 in 4 sought help from a counseling professional, and 1 in 3 received medication for their depression. 30.6% of men have experienced an episode of depression. Men account for 75% of people who commit suicide every year. Men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide than women.

How to know if someone has depression

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Depression is classified as a mood disorder. Some general characteristics of depression include physical discomfort (fatigue, headaches, muscle tension) and changes in thoughts (thoughts of suicide), behavior (low motivation, isolation), and feelings (hopelessness, guilt). While these symptoms are common, depression in men can present differently than depression in women.

Behavioral signs of depression in men include: Substance use. Avoiding friends and family members. Exerting control or abuse in relationships with loved ones. Suicide attempts. Impulsive and risky behaviors such as gambling, reckless driving, and gambling. Difficulty maintaining family and work responsibilities. Overworking with little rest. Emotional signs of depression in men include: Physical and verbal aggression. Irritability. Anger. Frustration. Physical signs of depression in men include: Muscle and body pain. Headaches and migraines. Problems sleeping (too much or too little). Overeating or undereating. Fatigue. Nausea or other digestive problems. Tightness in the chest.

Reducing the stigma of mental illness

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With 1 in 5 Americans experiencing a mental illness, it is very likely that you have a man in your life that has experienced symptoms of depression. As individuals and as members of a greater society, we are all responsible for ending the stigma associated with male depression and mental health as a whole. Talking about mental illness in men and normalizing its existence in modern society is an initial step in ending the stigma. Eliminating judgments and stereotypes about mental health and gender roles creates an environment of acceptance where men can feel comfortable disclosing their mental health issues. Empathy, understanding, tolerance, and compassion are elements that, when practiced and applied, can help end the perpetuation of male depression stigma and mental health stigma as a whole. You can listen, support, and encourage your loved one to get help and seek treatment for their mental illness.