Men and Mental Health
Overview
While mental illnesses affect both men and women, the prevalence of mental illnesses in men is often lower than women. Men with mental illnesses are also less likely to have received mental health treatment than women in the past year. However, men are more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recognizing the signs that you or someone you love may have a mental disorder is the first step toward getting treatment. The earlier that treatment begins, the more effective it can be.
Latest News
- Media Advisory: NIMH Experts Available to Discuss Mental Health Concerns Related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
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• Media Advisory
Experts from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are available to speak on a variety of topics related to mental health and the coronavirus pandemic, such as the effects of the pandemic and isolation on those with and without mental illnesses; healthy ways to deal with stress, anxiety, and loneliness; how to talk with children and teens about the coronavirus; and how people can find mental health help and support if they need it.
- Higher Death Rate Among Youth with First Episode Psychosis
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• Press Release
A new study shows that young people with first episode psychosis have a much higher death rate than previously thought. Researchers looked at people aged 16-30 and found that the group died at a rate at least 24 times greater than the same age group in the general population.
Featured Health Topics and Resources
Featured Health Topics
Some of the mental disorders affecting men include:
- Anxiety Disorders including social phobia
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders
- Suicide Prevention
Featured Brochures and Fact Sheets
Federal Resources
- Brother, You’re on My Mind: This National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities initiative uses a variety of activities to raise awareness of the mental health challenges associated with depression and stress that affect African American men and their families.
- Men’s Health: National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus offers resources on men’s health (en Español).
- Mental Health for Men: This blog post from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health discusses the importance of supporting men’s mental health.
- National Center for PTSD: A program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this Center offers targeted information for anyone interested in post-traumatic stress disorder (including Veterans, family, and friends).
- Preventing Suicide among Men in the Middle Years: Recommendations for Suicide Prevention Programs: This Suicide Prevention Resource Center created this resource to help state and community suicide prevention programs design and implement projects to prevent suicide among men in the middle years.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: SAMHSA offers publications addressing the specific needs of men.
Featured Videos
What is PTSD?
These short educational videos from the National Center for PTSD describe PTSD and effective treatments.
Men in the Middle Years
This video from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center spotlights men between the ages of 35 and 64, who have a suicide rate that is more than double the national average.