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Men’s mental health is a critical issue that warrants significant attention. Men in the United States die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women, yet they are diagnosed with Depression and Mood disorders at much lower rates. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the crisis of men’s mental health. During the pandemic, U.S. men reported slightly lower rates of anxiety than women but had higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. The pandemic’s uncertainty, loneliness from social distancing, financial stresses, and relationship challenges contributed to increased rates of sleep difficulties, alcohol and substance use, and PTSD symptoms among men.
Historically, men were only allowed to express anger or sexual prowess and were expected to be strong and stoic.
-Cindy Speakman, LCSW
Consequently, in 2020, the rates of men seeking mental health care services increased more than five-fold over the prior year, surpassing the rates of women seeking such services. However, by 2021, only 40% of men with a reported mental illness received mental health care services, compared to 52% of women, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Even when men seek mental health care, it often falls short. Over 60% of men who died by suicide in Canada and the U.S. had accessed mental health services within the previous year. According to mental health care experts, social stigma and fear of judgment are barriers for many men from seeking help.
“Historically, men were only allowed to express anger or sexual prowess and were expected to be strong and stoic,” says Cindy Speakman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who practices in the State of California. According to Speakman, men feel a lot of pressure to be providers, work long hours, and “suck it up” when they’re feeling sad, upset, lonely, anxious, etc. This has impacted both their physical and mental health in negative ways, such as social isolation, risk-taking behaviors, and loneliness.
