Are there mental health resources and support specifically for men?
Mental health affects us all. Men die by suicide at 4 times the rate that women do, but men are much less likely than women to receive mental health treatment. In addition to symptoms like worry, sadness, and loss of motivation, men often feel irritable, angry, and frustrated when dealing with poor mental health. Many men don’t receive the information and support they need to take care of their mental health, leading them to cope with things like substance use, aggression, and reckless behavior.
Men are often socialized to have traits that are protective for their mental health -- things like resilience, drive, and self-sufficiency. Being honest about your pain, bonding with friends and family, and asking for professional help when you need it are also things that protect your mental health. However, these are all things that require vulnerability – something that is too often stigmatized for men. If you're experiencing poor mental health, don’t let stigma get in the way of asking for help. Use the resources below to learn about men’s mental health, start conversations about mental health in your community, and connect with mental health help when you need it.
Learn About It
Learn all about men’s mental health including common conditions, mental health symptoms, and things that can get in the way of asking for mental health help.
- NAMI Blog: 5 Myths that Prevent Men from Fighting Depression reviews 5 common myths that can keep men from getting the mental health help they need.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America "Men’s Mental Health" provides an overview of men’s mental health and why it’s important. This webpage also lists personal stories and resources for getting help.
- Man Therapy offers a list of “Men’s Mental Health Topics” including anxiety, anger, grief, trauma, thriving, and more.
- Medical News Today "Men's mental health: What you need to know" details warning signs and risk factors for poor mental health, common mental health conditions in men, and what it looks like to get help for yourself or a loved one.
- Medical News Today “Mental health for transgender men: What to know” describes unique mental health challenges that transgender men experience, how drugs, hormones, and gender dysphoria relate to mental health, and steps for getting mental health help as a transgender man.
- The Skill Collective Men’s Health provides an overview of men’s mental health and well-being, discusses men’s attitudes toward health, outlines steps that can be taken to improve men’s physical and mental health, and offers free men’s mental health resources for download.
Talk About It
Help fight mental health stigma by talking about your mental health challenges and encouraging other men seek help when they need it.
Men's Stories
- NAMI Blog: Engaging Your Community in the Mental Health Conversation reflects on childhood experiences that affected the author’s mental health and emphasizes the importance of starting community conversations about men’s mental health.
- NAMI Blog: How Depression Made Me a Man the author discusses how his journey with depression helped to transform his understanding of what it means to be a man.
- NAMI Blog: The Mental Health of the Modern Dad considers how changing parenting norms have influenced dads’ mental health, explores the impact of paternal mental health on families, and explains barriers to men's mental health care.
- NAMI Blog: What it Means to Be a Man NAMI CEO Dan Gillison talks about the mental health challenges men experience and encourages readers to prioritize wellness, find strength in vulnerability, and ask for mental health help when they need it.
- The Mighty “10 Stories about Men’s Mental Health You Really Need to Read” highlights the lived experience of 10 men as they recount their mental health journeys and share what they have learned.
Support & Discussion Groups
- NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Participants gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who've been there. Some local NAMI affiliates host Connection Recovery Support Groups specifically for men or men of color. Contact your local NAMI or visit their website to inquire about men’s support group offerings.
- Black Men Heal Kings Corner is a virtual weekly meetup group that discusses different topics applicable to men’s mental health issues or struggles. This group is open to men all over the country and internationally. The group is a safe space that promotes sharing, vulnerability, support, community, and brotherhood amongst participants.
- The ManKind Project is a non-profit organization that provides training, groups, and programs for men to form connections, receive support through hardships, and evolve into their best selves for their own well-being and the well-being of their communities. They provide free, confidential, online Men’s Groups throughout the country.
- Psychology Today’s support group locator offers a “Men’s Issues” filter. Use this filter to find men’s support groups in your area.
- Visible Man is a free men’s peer support community whose mission is to connect men in need and create a visible network of advocates. Visible man hosts a podcast and discord channel to promote important conversations about men’s well-being.
- Search online to find mental health support groups that are specific to your unique needs, identities, and cultural background. For example:
- “Hispanic men’s support groups near [city, state]”
- “Muslim men’s support groups near [city, state]”
- “LGBTQ+ men’s support groups near [city, state]”
Talking About Mental Health
- NAMI Webpage: Disclosing To Others outlines reasons to talk to others about your mental health, suggestions for talking about it in personal relationships and at work, and steps for how and what to talk about when discussing your mental health with others.
- HeadsUpGuys “Talk To A Friend” webpage provides a step-by-step guide to asking for help and includes helpful prompts for getting the conversation started.
Ask For Help
If you’re not feeling like yourself lately, and you’re experiencing symptoms like aggression, irritability, mood changes, sleep and appetite changes, sadness, numbness, or suicidal thoughts, it’s time to ask for some help. Use the resources below to connect with a mental health professional, substance use treatment, or crisis services in your area.
- NAMI HelpLine Knowledge Article: I need to see a Psychiatrist/Therapist. How can I find one? contains information on finding a mental health treatment provider that’s right for you depending on your preferences and insurance status.
- NAMI Knowledge Article: How can I get help/support for substance use disorder? contains resources for finding substance use disorder treatment.
- NAMI Knowledge Article: I'm having suicidal thoughts and need help. contains vital resources for connecting to mental health crisis support when you need it.
- Black Men Heal is a non-profit organization that centers on the mental health needs of Black men by pairing them with therapists of color who can attend to their unique cultural experiences. The organization offers up to 8 free therapy sessions to those who apply.
- Man Therapy offers a Telehealth Connecter and National Resources Hub for men to get connected with the right mental health help for their needs. The website also contains a “Worried About Someone” section with great information on how to support the men in your life.
- Psychology Today’s “Find a Therapist” tool offers a “Men’s Issues” filter. Use this filter to find therapists who are skilled at providing therapy specific to men’s mental health challenges.
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