Men and women can develop most of the same mental health conditions, but NIMH says they may experience different symptoms. This guide covers what the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the CDC say about men and mental health, and what the numbers can and cannot tell us. It is general education, not a diagnosis.
By the Exsura Team · October 25, 2026
NIMH says: “If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.” The 988 Lifeline says it is “available 24/7/365” and that conversations are “free and confidential.”
For veterans, NIMH describes the Veterans Crisis Line as “a free, confidential resource for veterans of all ages and circumstances.” It says to call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online. For help choosing between 988 and 911, see 988 vs 911: when to call which.
NIMH says: “Mental disorders affect men and women.” It says the prevalence of several mental disorders is lower in men than in women, while other disorders are diagnosed at comparable rates for men and women or at higher rates for men, like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It adds that “Certain symptoms may also be more common in men than women, and the course of illness can be affected by a person’s sex.”
NIMH is open about what is not yet understood: “Researchers are only now beginning to tease apart the various biological and psychosocial factors that may impact mental health.” So the figures below describe patterns, not reasons.
NIMH says men and women can develop most of the same conditions, “but they may experience different symptoms.” Common symptoms it lists include:
NIMH says recognizing these signs in yourself or someone you love is the first step toward getting treatment, and that “The earlier that treatment begins, the more effective it can be.”
NIMH used to publish a brochure called Men and Depression. The page is retired and now redirects to its general depression page, so this section draws on an archived copy marked revised January 2017. It is older, and it does not cite data for some of its statements, so treat it as background, not as a current finding.
The brochure said: “Men and women both experience depression but their symptoms can be very different.” It said that because men who are depressed may appear to be angry or aggressive instead of sad, “their families, friends, and even their doctors may not always recognize the anger or aggression as depression symptoms.” It also said that “Sometimes mental health symptoms appear to be physical issues,” such as a racing heart, tightening chest, ongoing headaches or digestive issues, and that many men are more likely to see their doctor about physical symptoms than emotional symptoms.
“Not every man who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some men experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many.”NIMH, Men and Depression (archived brochure, revised 2017)
The same brochure said that a person with depression cannot simply “snap out of it,” and that with the right treatment, most men with depression can get better and gain back their interest in work, family, and hobbies.
Two figures from NIMH are useful here, and each has limits.
of male adults with any mental illness received mental health treatment in the past year, compared with 56.9% of female adults with any mental illness (2022 survey).
This treatment figure does not say why the gap exists, and it should not be read as proof of how much need goes untreated.
On suicide, NIMH reports: “In 2023, the suicide rate among males was nearly 4 times higher (22.8 per 100,000) than among females (5.9 per 100,000).” The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reports the male rate was three to four times the female rate across 2002 to 2022. NIMH adds that among males, the rate was highest for those aged 75 and older (40.7 per 100,000), and that the most common method of suicide among males was firearm (60.7%).
A different measure points the other way: NIMH’s table for the 2024 survey shows 5.5% of both female and male adults reporting serious thoughts about suicide in the past year. So the data do not show that men think about suicide more, only that more men die by suicide. NIMH says: “People of all backgrounds can be at risk of suicide. Suicidal behavior is complex, and there is no single cause.”
NIMH lists misuse of alcohol or drugs among the common symptoms. It says: “The relationship between substance use and mental disorders is complex and often interconnected.” It adds that many people with substance use disorders also experience other mental disorders like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, that people with mental disorders are at a higher risk of developing substance use problems, and that mental disorders can lead to using substances to cope. We did not find an official figure for co-occurrence by sex. NIMH says integrated care combines mental health and substance use treatment so patients can receive coordinated care in one place. See also how to find addiction treatment.
NIMH says: “Mental disorders can be treated: A primary care provider is a good place to start if you’re looking for help.” The archived brochure made a related point: even men who have trouble recognizing that they are depressed may agree to seek help for physical symptoms, such as feeling tired or run down, and talking with a primary care provider may be a good first step.
For help finding a provider and preparing for a first visit, see how to find a mental health provider, or low-cost mental health care in Dallas County. If it is hard to bring up with the people close to you, see talking to your family about mental health.
NIMH says men and women can develop most of the same conditions but may experience different symptoms, and lists anger, irritability, or aggressiveness, misuse of alcohol or drugs, and aches, headaches or digestive problems without a clear cause among common ones. An archived NIMH brochure says not every man who is depressed experiences every symptom.
NIMH says men are less likely than women to have received mental health treatment in the past year. In the 2022 national survey, 41.6% of male adults with any mental illness received treatment compared with 56.9% of female adults with any mental illness. NIMH does not state why.
NIMH says a primary care provider is a good place to start. It also says the earlier treatment begins, the more effective it can be.
Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911. Veterans can call 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
Sources last checked October 25, 2026. This article is general education, not financial, legal or medical advice. Rules, fees and programs change, so confirm details with the organization before you act.
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