Did you know that nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half receive treatment? Driven by stigma and traditional masculine norms, men die by suicide at roughly four times the rate of women, and suicide remains a leading cause of death for men under 50. Men account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths.
Alarmingly, up to 60% of men who die by suicide have no previously documented mental health condition, pointing to a high rate of unaddressed, “hidden” struggles. Only 41.6% of men with a mental illness receive treatment, compared to 56.9% of women. An estimated 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health. Surveys reveal that men cite feeling “too embarrassed,” fear of negative stigma, or worries about wasting their doctor’s time as primary reasons for not speaking up.
What can we do about this? We can normalize discussions about mental health! We can make it comfortable for men to speak openly and honestly about how they are feeling! We can provide opportunities for men to seek help in their places of employment through confidential employee assistance programs! We can ensure that primary care providers are screening patients for depression and that they are well trained in how to address it!
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach free, confidential support. Please stay around another day! The world needs you!