For years, research has told us that mental illnesses are more common in women than men. And it’s true—broadly speaking, women are more likely to be diagnosed with any mental health condition. Rates of anxiety and depression in women, for example, are roughly double that of men. However, this does not mean that men don’t also suffer. These disorders are still ranked among the top mental health issues affecting men today, with an estimated one in 10 men experiencing these conditions. Even further, there are certain mental health disorders that do affect men more than women—we unpack these all below.

What are the most common mental health issues in men?

1. Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders affecting men today. It’s estimated that roughly 14 percent of men are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder each year, yet even more are struggling with symptoms. Anxiety disorders can manifest as persistent worrying, feelings of dread, irrational fears, difficulty concentrating, and avoidance (to name a few signs). For men in particular, symptoms can also include irritability, aggression, struggles in social situations, strained relationships, and substance abuse. 

2. Depression

Depression is also prominent among men, with an estimated six million men struggling with this disorder every year. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and a low mood that gets in the way of everyday living. For men, the symptoms can look a bit different than those in women, with anger, irritability, substance abuse, and reckless behavior being common signs of depression in men.

3. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after a traumatic experience, affecting a person’s day-to-day life. Typically, PTSD causes a person to re-live the trauma through nightmares or flashbacks; however, it is also characterized by avoidance (e.g. withdrawing from certain situations/people) or hyperarousal (e.g. constant startling or scanning for threats). While women are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, on average, research shows that 60 percent of men experience a trauma in their lifetimes, meaning their vulnerability is still high. Further, studies show that traumas from the COVID-19 pandemic caused more men to develop PTSD than women.

4. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s reality—those struggling have trouble knowing what is real, with common symptoms including hallucinations and delusions. Sources show that among all people diagnosed with schizophrenia by 30 years old, a notable 90 percent are men.

5. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Roughly one in 20 men (more than 5 percent of U.S. males) struggle with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD. ADHD is a mental health condition that makes it hard to concentrate, focus, pay attention, and control behavior. Those struggling with ADHD may also experience over-activity, such as fidgeting and difficulty sitting still.

6. Substance use disorders

Substance use disorders are considered mental illnesses, due to the way in which they affect a person’s brain and behavior. Commonly referred to as “addiction,” substance use disorders occur when a person becomes reliant on drugs or alcohol to function. It’s characterized by compulsive behaviors, cravings, and an inability to control one’s drug or alcohol use. Substance use disorders commonly occur alongside other mental health conditions. Many men, for example, use drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with their mental health issues—leading to dependence and abuse.

Which mental disorders are more common in males?

• Schizophrenia: Studies suggest that rates of schizophrenia are slightly higher in men than women, and that even these figures might be understated, as it’s possible men battling this disorder will commit suicide before getting diagnosed.
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: According to national statistics, ADHD affects three times as many males as it does females.
• Substance use disorders: Experts show that men are more likely to abuse drugs than women, and that their drug use is more likely to result in emergency visits and overdose deaths.
• Suicide: Suicide rates are nearly four times higher among men than women. The CDC explains that while men make up about half of the U.S. population, roughly 80 percent of suicides occur in males.

It’s worth reinforcing this fact: Suicide is a very real possibility in men. While females are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition, men are far more likely to commit suicide as a result of one. Why is this the case? Often, men struggling with mental health issues do so silently—they might be too ashamed or too afraid to ask for help. When the burden of their struggles become too much, they might turn to suicide as a solution. Any signs of suicide, thoughts of death, and examples of self-harm warrant immediate attention and support.

Common mental health symptoms in men

As described above, every mental health disorder comes with its own, unique symptoms. Similarly, every person struggling with a mental illness will have different experiences. However, there are some common, tell-tale signs of mental health struggles in men. 

For example, unlike women, men will often become more angry, irritable, and aggressive when dealing with a mental health issue. They are also more prone to risky behaviors, like substance abuse and driving while intoxicated. Oftentimes, men struggling with a mental health issue will withdraw from loved ones and put all their energy into other, isolated areas of their life like work. These are just some examples.

Other signs of mental health issues in men include, but are not limited to:

• Physical symptoms without explicable cause, like digestive issues and headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Sudden changes in sleeping, eating, or personal hygiene habits
• Severe mood swings and emotional distress
• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, worry, and/or fear
• Decreased energy and activity levels
• Drops in performance at school or work
• Avoidance of once-loved activities and people
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Any combination of the above signs is concerning, but men showing signs of suicidal ideation, self-harm, or even symptoms of depression should be helped immediately. 

Understanding the issues in men’s mental health

While it’s true that women are more often diagnosed with mental health disorders than men, it’s important to recognize that men are less likely to seek help. Out of fear of what others will think, or failing their family, or simply not meeting society’s expectations to be strong, many men do not speak up and get the treatment they need. As such, men’s mental health issues often go undiagnosed. 

Therefore, even the statistics above might not encapsulate the many, many men out there who are struggling with issues like depression and who are too afraid (or too headstrong) to get treatment.

Perhaps that is why you are here. Maybe you are struggling silently with a mental health issue. Maybe you suspect your loved one – a brother, a father, a son – is struggling with their mental health. Addressing these issues is more important than ever. With suicide rates skyrocketing among men, intervention and treatment now can truly save a life.

Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider, with dedicated programs for young men struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse. We are here to help and just one call away. Contact us at 877-581-1793 today, or visit us online to explore our men’s program.