Men vs Women: The 3 Mental Health Challenges Men Face More Often

Mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being, but it often remains overlooked, especially in men. Many men carry silent struggles shaped by societal expectations and work-life pressures. This silence becomes harmful when mental health issues are normalised or ignored. Interestingly, while men and women both face mental health challenges, research shows men are more prone to certain disorders. Also tied to men’s health is diabetes, which can impact sexual health and overall mental well-being, making awareness vital. 

According to Dr Gopal Bhatia, Consultant Psychiatrist at Narayana Hospital, Ahmedabad, addressing these issues early is essential for better health outcomes.

Understanding the Silent Struggles of Men

Men often avoid seeking help due to social stigma and the expectation to be strong providers. Dr Bhatia explains, “Mental health is one of the most neglected aspects of well-being for men. Societal norms encourage men to suppress emotions, which can worsen conditions.” This leads to late diagnosis and treatment delays, increasing risks and negative consequences. The following three mental health challenges particularly affect men more often than women:

1. Depression: Under-the-Radar but Potent

Contrary to some stereotypes, men do get depressed, but they often don’t show it the way we expect. According to Dr Gopal Bhatia, “Men may not always express sadness. They more often show anger, irritation, or simply withdraw. These are still signs of depression, but society rarely recognises them as such.”

Because of these atypical signs, depression in men is frequently underdiagnosed. Studies show that men may manifest depression through irritability or mood swings rather than sadness. This matters: if left unattended, depression can increase the risk of serious consequences, including suicidal thoughts or behaviour.

2. Anxiety and the Weight of Expectations

Anxiety disorders are common in men, too, though they may be hidden under a veneer of “toughness.” Many men feel a strong pressure to perform, provide, and not show weakness especially in their roles at work or in the family.

Dr Bhatia explains, “Men often bury their emotions, believing they must be self-reliant. But over time, this builds up. It affects their sleep, relationships, and overall quality of life.”

These internalised pressures can lead to chronic stress, worry, and anxiety. Treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, or even simple stress-management techniques can help men re-establish balance and regain control.

3. Substance Use and Addiction: Coping in the Shadows

When men feel they have no way to cope, many turn to substances like alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to dull the pain or escape. This is not just self-medication; it's a vicious cycle. According to Dr Bhatia, “Often, by the time men reach out for help, substance use might already be masking deeper mental health issues like anxiety or depression.”

Co-occurring mental illness and addiction make treatment more complex but also more urgent. Early recognition, honest conversations, and professional help are critical.

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Breaking the Silence

One of the biggest issues is that men often delay seeking help until symptoms become unmanageable. Dr Bhatia points out, “We need to create environments where asking for help isn’t seen as weakness. Regular check-ins, from family or workplaces, can change everything.”

Here are some practical steps:

• Encourage open conversations about mental health in families and peer groups.
• Promote screening in clinics: doctors should ask empathetically about irritability, sleep changes, substance use, and stress.
• Implement workplace wellness programs that address emotional health, not just productivity.

Why Men Avoid Help and Why It Matters

• Stigma and social norms: Many men feel that admitting mental health struggles is a sign of failure.
• Lack of awareness: Some don’t recognise their symptoms like anger, irritability, substance use, as mental illness.
• Healthcare gaps: Clinicians may not always screen men proactively for emotional issues, especially if there are no “classic” symptoms.
• Cost of delay: Waiting until problems become severe can make recovery harder and lengthen treatment.

A 2025 global mental health report from the World Health Organization reveals that while women experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, men have higher rates of substance use disorders and suicide. This suggests that gender-specific approaches to mental health care are necessary for effective prevention and treatment. 

Practical Tips for Men (and Those Who Care About Them)

• Build a daily routine
• Include exercise, sleep, and a few minutes for mental rest (like meditation or deep breathing).
• Manage stress proactively
• Use tools like mindfulness, journaling, or therapy.
• Talk about it
• Speak to friends, family, or a counsellor.  
• Avoid self-medicating
• Limit alcohol or recreational drugs. If you're using substances to “cope,” reach out for help.
• Keep physical and mental health linked
• Monitor chronic conditions like diabetes carefully; treat mental health with equal seriousness.

ALSO READ: International Men's Day 2025: Study Reveals High Suicide Risk In Men Driven by Emotional Isolation, Expert Shares How To Overcome

Conclusion

Men’s mental health challenges often go unnoticed, hidden behind societal expectations and silence. Recognising the unique ways men experience depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders is the first step. With early intervention, open conversations, and tailored support, men can lead healthier, more balanced lives—breaking the stigma one step at a time.