Written by: Rebecca Webb, PharmD Pharmacy Clinical Services Manager 

June is Men’s Health Month.  Part of overall well-being for men is prioritizing mental health, including emotional, psychological, and social health.  However, there has oftentimes been a gender stereotype for men to behave and act a certain way.  Traditionally, men may have felt discouraged and not accustomed to seeking mental health support.  We need to move beyond this out-of-date stigma surrounding men’s mental health.  This aspect of health and well-being is just as important for men as it is for everyone else.

 

Statistics relating to men’s mental health:

According to the Cleveland Clinic MENtion It® campaign national survey1:

• “83% of men have experienced stress in the last 6 months, but most are hesitant to seek professional help.”

• “Most men in the U.S. believe they are living a healthy lifestyle, however 44% don’t prioritize mental health.”

According to the National Institutes of Mental Health3:

• “Men are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women in the past year.” 

• “Men are more likely to die by suicide than women.” 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics2:

• “Substance use is more common in males.” Substance use reported includes heavy alcohol use, cigarette smoking, nicotine vaping, and illicit drug use.

 

It is time to place focus on men’s mental health. 

Common mental health conditions in men: 

For men, the stressors in life (e.g., work demands, finances, etc.) may contribute to issues with mental health.  Men may experience a broad range of mental health conditions.  Anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are all common conditions that men may experience.  

 

Signs and symptoms of mental health conditions:

It is important to recognize signs and symptoms that may indicate underlying issues with mental health.  These may include anger, frustration, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, fluctuations in mood, constant feelings of worry, feelings of hopelessness, or thoughts of death/suicide.  Furthermore, physical symptoms of mental health conditions may include chronic pain, headaches, digestive issues, changes in appetite, fluctuations in weight, shifts in energy levels, or difficulty/excessive sleeping.  Moreover, addictive habits (e.g., substance abuse), participating in high-risk activities, or unusual/disruptive/controlling behaviors may also signify mental health concerns. 

 

Coping with mental health conditions:

Men are more likely to fall into unhealthy coping mechanisms for stress and underlying mental health issues.  These may include excessive drinking; substance abuse; large, impulsive purchases; gambling; exercising too much; or spending every spare moment playing video games or online.  Mental health self-care involves healthy coping mechanisms including exercising regularly (but not excessively), avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, prioritizing normal sleep routines, enjoying relaxing activities (e.g., reading, listening to music, spending time in nature), engaging in beneficial hobbies, and emphasizing positivity. 

 

Having a support system:

Men need support systems too.  Primary care providers are a good starting point for addressing mental health concerns.  They can also make referrals to mental health professionals (e.g., psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, etc.).  Additionally, having family or friends to connect with and confide in is important for men.  Also, our Food City Pharmacists are available to lend an ear, discuss any medication(s) related to mental health, and guide patients in the appropriate direction when necessary. 

 

^References:

^{1. Cleveland Clinic Survey Examines the Current State of Men’s Health in America. Cleveland Clinic website. https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/09/06/cleveland-clinic-survey-examines-the-current-state-of-mens-health-in-america. Accessed May 12, 2025.}  

^{2. Health, United States Annual Report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics website. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/report.htm. Accessed May 13, 2025.}  

^{3. Men and Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health website. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health. Accessed May 12, 2025.}