We are in the midst of a mental health crisis among men, often referred to as a silent crisis. “Depression in men is quite deceptive,” explains expert Marianne J. Legato, MD.

Additonally, studies have found that anxiety may present differently in many men than in women. While symptoms such as feelings of dread are common across genders, anxiety in men often includes symptoms such as:

• Aggression

• Anger

• Headaches

• Muscle pains

• Panic attacks

Men are socialized to hide feelings and not complain. Perhaps to numb, men engage more frequently in high-risk behavior, including alcohol and recreational drug abuse and reckless driving.

Men are more likely than women to suppress their emotions, which is particularly harmful. Suppressing emotions can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress-related illnesses, including cardiac issues and cancer, and a higher risk of death. 

Across their lifespan, men and boys are more likely to die prematurely than women and girls. Men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women; nearly 80% of suicides occur among men. The rate is highest among middle-aged White men.

Life doesn’t start out this way. Interestingly, “boys are more emotionally expressive than girls before age two.” However, societal norms often shame boys for expressing their feelings, leaving anger as the only acceptable emotion they carry into adulthood. This suppression can lead to violence against others and themselves.

Society tends to blame men for their struggles without discussing context or root cause—the way society treats men.

This crisis affects all of us. Men who struggle with mental health challenges are our friends, neighbors, husbands, fathers, and sons.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Anger management expert Dr. Mitch Abrams says, “It’s not a sign of strength or toughness to avoid problems that are destroying your life. It’s a sign of toughness when you confront them.”

If you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, thoughts about hurting yourself or others, or any other struggles, don’t ignore them. 

“Emotional struggles don’t go away if ignored; they fester.”

Psychotherapy has numerous benefits:

• Improving emotional intelligence

• Building healthy relationships

• Exploring past trauma and shame

• Enhancing career and personal growth

• Reducing the risk of suicide

• Developing healthy coping mechanisms 

• Gaining control over anger

• Stress reduction

• Increasing self-esteem and confidence

• Preventing burnout 

• Building resilience

• Navigating life transitions

• Creating a sense of purpose and meaning

• Promoting healthy masculinity

• Fostering better decision-making

• Improving social connection 

• Managing grief and loss

• Boosting creativity and problem-solving

• Enhancing self-discipline

• Finding meaning in life

Seeking help is not unmasculine. You can still be a man and get the help you need. Reach out to a therapist who understands your unique needs today. 

Chris Haley Therapy

I specialize in working with men from diverse backgrounds, including working professionals, artists, entertainers, and students. If you live in New York State and are looking for a therapist who understands men’s issues, I invite you to contact me for a no-obligation consultation. I strive to create a warm, safe, and supportive environment to discuss anything causing you distress. You don’t have to go it alone.