Men's Health Month Spotlight - "Burnout, Mood, and Men: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health"

Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress affect millions of men and yet, far too many suffer quietly. Being strong doesn’t mean being silent. Many men feel compelled to appear “strong” and avoid vulnerability, making them less likely to seek help. A culture of masculinity pressures men to suppress emotional struggles. Currently in the United States improving mental health and emotional well-being as a top national priority for men, and it’s long overdue.

Low motivation, irritability, brain fog, and lack of drive are often written off as “just stress.” But these could also signal hormonal imbalance, burnout, or untreated mental health conditions. The truth? Mental health is physical health. When your body is under pressure, your mind follows and vice versa.

Mental Health Issues Among U.S. Men

Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness annually. Among these, an estimated 6 million men suffer from depression each year. Depression in men often goes unrecognized due to less typical symptoms and the effects of stigma. Men are also more likely than women to develop substance use disorders at a rate of 11.5% of men versus 6.4% of women in the U.S.

Suicide Incidents Among Men

In 2022, the male suicide rate reached about 22.9 per 100,000 men, nearly four times the female rate. Roughly 39,255 men died by suicide in 2022, a figure that rose to nearly 49,500 total suicides in 2022 and stayed at similar levels in 2023. White, non-Hispanic males made up 68% of male suicides in 2023 with firearms accounting for over half of suicide deaths. Among men aged 75+, these rates spike dramatically.

National and Local Services

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free, confidential, 24/7 support via call, text, or chat connected to mental health professionals. 

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Offers crisis lines, community programs, and research initiatives  .
• Man Therapy: A nationally recognized, stigma-shattering online resource crafted for men, using humor and relatable messaging shown to reduce suicidal ideation.
• Therapy & medication: Evidence-based options include psychotherapy (CBT, etc.), psychiatric care, and prescription medications. Telehealth options make access more discreet.
• Self-care & lifestyle: Regular exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction work alongside professional treatment.

Find Local Support

1. MentalHealth.gov Locator: Enter your ZIP code to find nearby therapists, clinics, and helplines.
2. SAMHSA’s Treatment Locator: Search for substance use and mental health services, including those covered by insurance/Medicaid.
3. Primary care providers: A trusted doctor can begin mental health evaluations and make referrals.
4. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many employers offer confidential counseling and mental health benefits.
5. Local nonprofits: Groups like NAMI offer peer support, education, and advocacy at community level.