Men’s Mental Health Clinic Q&A

Men can experience any mental health problems that women face but are less frequently diagnosed with these conditions, making it sometimes difficult to determine which conditions are more likely to affect men. However, some mental health conditions are regularly diagnosed among men, including:

• Depression: This is one of the most common mental health conditions, regardless of demographic.
• Anxiety disorders: While most general anxiety disorders are more frequently diagnosed among women, social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are equally prevalent among women and men. 
• Schizophrenia: The vast majority of diagnoses for schizophrenia among those who are 30 years of age or younger are male. 
• Substance abuse disorders: Studies have shown that dependence on alcohol or illegal drugs is more prevalent among men than women, with men also being more likely to die from an overdose or require emergency medical services due to a substance abuse disorder. 

Although men face the same risks and causes for mental health issues, it is far less common for men to receive care or treatment for their mental health, with many professionals believing this disparity is due to the expectations that have traditionally been placed on men. These societal expectations often align with toxic masculinity, where men are seen as “manly” only if they are perceived as tough and unemotional, making it difficult for them to be able to disclose any concerns or symptoms of mental health conditions they may be experiencing. A lack of conversation about mental health from the male perspective has led to significant stigma around the topic. These expectations and stigma result in many men who are struggling with their mental health not coming forward to receive professional support, resulting in the conditions worsening and leading to men being at an increased risk of depression and suicide. 

While mental health conditions are less frequently diagnosed among men, they face the same risks and causes for mental health conditions as women but are far less likely to access the support they need to manage their mental health. Because of the stigma and expectations around mental health, men are more likely to commit suicide than women due to a lack of mental health management. For almost all mental health conditions including eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse disorders, men are much less likely to seek out professional help than women, putting them at an increased risk of the condition worsening and interfering with their general health and quality of life. Since much less is known about mental health among men due to societal expectations and stigma, not many people are aware of the symptoms or warning signs of mental health among male patients, resulting in even fewer men receiving diagnoses and treatments. 

The symptoms and early warning signs of mental health illnesses will vary quite a bit among different demographics, including among genders, and will even vary quite a bit among individuals that fall into similar demographics. Some common warning signs among men that are indicative of mental health concerns include:

• Changes in their appetite, energy levels, sleeping habits, or mood
• Displaying anger, irritability, or aggression
• Feelings of hopelessness, stress, or anxiety
• An inability to concentrate
• Impulsive or compulsive behavior
• A reliance on substances
• A loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities or socializing, becoming withdrawn
• Suicidal thoughts

It is also common for some physical symptoms of mental illness to manifest, including headaches or digestive issues. The symptoms will also vary depending on age, with adolescent males often initially displaying early warning signs that include anger, acting out, and can develop into engaging in high-risk behaviors. Adult men with mental illness tend to become more antisocial and are more likely to turn to substance abuse if their mental health conditions are left unmanaged. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Boynton Beach FL, Delray Beach FL, Palm Beach Gardens FL, Jupiter FL, Stuart FL, Palm City FL, Royal Palm Beach FL, Wellington FL, Vero Beach FL, Citrus Ridge FL, Plantation FL, Sunrise FL, Jacksonville FL, Riverside FL, Port St. Lucie FL, Beau Rivage West FL, Melbourne FL, Palm Bay FL, and surrounding areas.