Men’s Health edition of The Pulse
Did you know men are less likely to seek help for their mental health?
Mental health influences how we think, feel and act. It determines how we handle stress, make choices, and get along with others. Because it's linked to your overall health, it's important to get help if you need it.
Common Mental Health Issues in Men
One in five adults in the United States will suffer from a mental health problem this year. The most common mental health conditions for men are:
- Depression. It affects over six million American men each year. Men with depression consistently experience a low mood that disrupts their daily lives.
- Anxiety Disorder. At some point in their lives, 20% of men have anxiety. Anxiety causes uncontrollable feelings of fear and worry. The most frequently reported types of anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Bipolar Disorder. It causes sudden changes in mood, energy, and activity levels to a degree that others don't experience. About 2.9% of men are diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
- Substance Abuse. It affects more men than women, regardless of the substance. Abusing alcohol, illegal or prescription drugs can cause physical and emotional issues in your social and professional life.
Men often have different symptoms of mental health disorders than women. The most common warning signs are:
- changes in mood, specifically anger, irritability or aggressiveness
- changes in energy level, appetite or sleeping habits
- problems concentrating
- restlessness
- feeling “on edge," stressed or worried, sad, hopeless, or numb
- unwarranted physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues
- risky behavior that may cause physical or emotional harm, like drug and alcohol use
- thoughts of suicide
Mental Health Risk Factors in Men
Just like with any health issue, certain risk factors predispose you to mental health disorders such as:
- a traumatic experience at any stage of life
- employment issues, like being overworked or unemployed
- divorce or family problems
- financial or legal troubles
- genetic history
Treatment Options
Start by talking to your Primary Care Provider (PCP). They can help you by discussing treatment options and how they might benefit you. The most common treatments include:
- Therapy can teach you new skills for coping with challenges now and in the future. You don't have to wait until your problems become debilitating to get help.
- Medication for depression or anxiety in combination with therapy — it may take you a few tries to find the right medication. Be open and honest with your provider. Don't give up!
- Lifestyle changes like balanced eating, exercising, and getting enough sleep may improve your mental health.
Resources
TRS health plans offer in-person, virtual and digital mental health care coverage:
- Learn more about TRS-ActiveCare mental health benefits.
- Learn more about TRS-Care Standard mental health benefits.
- Learn more about TRS-Care Medicare mental health benefits.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. Men and Mental Health, May 2023.
- American Psychological Association. Understanding Psychotherapy and How It Works, March 2023.
- Medical News Today. Men's Mental Health: What You Need to Know, November 2020.