Although terms like self-care, mindfulness, or emotional balance have long been part of societal discourse, one topic often remains in the background: men’s mental health. While women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed and more open about mental burdens, men often suffer in silence or exhibit symptoms that are not recognized as psychologically based. Our expert, urologist Dr. Pies, explains to FITBOOK how mental illnesses manifest in men and why they are often misinterpreted.
Mental health describes a state of inner balance, resilience, and emotional stability. It does not mean being happy all the time or never feeling stressed. Rather, it involves the ability to cope with challenges, perceive emotions, build relationships, and experience oneself as effective. The WHO (World Health Organization) refers to it as a “state in which people can realize their abilities, be productive, and contribute to the community.”1
Why Mental Illnesses in Men Often Go Unnoticed
“Statistically, women are more frequently diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders. At the same time, figures show that men are significantly more likely to commit suicide. This contradiction highlights a central problem: Mental illnesses in men are often not recognized or treated,” says Dr. Pies. “A key reason for this is that men are less likely to seek medical or therapeutic help. Psychological symptoms are often interpreted as personal failure or dismissed as a temporary stress phase. Additionally, deeply ingrained role models emphasize strength, control, and independence, negatively valuing weakness or the need for help. The result is a dangerous invisibility. Men suffer, continue to function, and sink deeper into psychological crises without their environment correctly interpreting the warning signs.”
How Do Symptoms Differ Between Men and Women?
Mental illnesses do not manifest the same way in everyone. In addition to biological factors, social conditioning plays a crucial role. Men often learn early on not to openly show feelings like fear, sadness, or helplessness. Instead, emotions are externalized or compensated for.
While women more frequently report internal symptoms, men often show psychological distress indirectly. Irritability, emotional distance, a need for control, or excessive drive for performance can be expressions of inner distress. These so-called externalizing symptoms complicate diagnosis, as they do not fit the classic image of a mental illness.
Also interesting: Constant anger in men can indicate a serious illness
Common Mental Illnesses in MenAddiction Disorders
Particularly noticeable is the high rate of addiction disorders among men. Alcohol, nicotine, or other substances are often used to relieve stress or numb unpleasant feelings. Addiction rarely occurs in isolation but is usually an expression of deeper psychological burdens. The transition from enjoyment to dependency is often gradual and goes unnoticed for a long time.
Also interesting: Early signs of alcohol addiction and types of dependency
Depression
One of the most common mental illnesses in men is depression. However, it often presents differently than expected. Instead of persistent sadness, irritability, anger, or emotional numbness are at the forefront. Many men report “feeling nothing,” withdrawing, or throwing themselves excessively into work or sports to compensate for inner emptiness. Sleep disturbances, concentration problems, and physical complaints are also common.
Burnout
High performance pressure, high self-expectations, and identification through professional success lead to chronic exhaustion. Burnout is not an independent diagnosis but can lead to depression or anxiety disorders if no countermeasures are taken.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are very common in men but are rarely recognized as such. Anxiety often manifests physically, such as through heart palpitations, a feeling of tightness in the chest, stomach problems, or dizziness. Instead of naming anxiety, many men speak of stress or suspect a purely physical cause.
Also interesting: Ryan Reynolds speaks openly about his anxiety disorder
Early Warning Signs of a Mental Illness
Mental illnesses often announce themselves through changes in behavior. If you notice persistent irritability, withdrawal from social contacts, increased alcohol or media consumption, sleep problems, or loss of interest in yourself or others, take these signals seriously. Physical complaints without a clear medical cause can also indicate mental stress. The earlier these warning signs are recognized and addressed, the better the chances of successful treatment.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
“At the latest, when psychological or physical symptoms persist for several weeks and impair daily life, you should seek professional help,” advises Dr. Pies. “Increasing distress or the feeling of not being able to find peace are also important alarm signals. The first step can be your family doctor, who serves as a low-threshold point of contact and can refer you to specialists or psychotherapists if necessary. It is especially important to seek help immediately if you have thoughts of self-harm or even suicide.”
What Influences Men’s Mental Health?
Often, it is the interplay of several burdens that destabilizes mental health. Societal expectations, professional pressure, and the lack of emotional role models play a role, as do relationship problems, social isolation, or lack of sleep. Physical factors such as lack of exercise, overtraining, or hormonal changes like a declining testosterone level with age can also affect mental balance.
How to Strengthen Your Mental Health
You can actively promote your mental health. Regular exercise without performance pressure, conscious recovery phases, and sufficient sleep are central foundations. Equally important are social contacts and open conversations about feelings, even if this initially seems unfamiliar. Additionally, mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, or meditation can help reduce stress and strengthen self-awareness. Above all, it is crucial to understand that seeking psychological support is not a weakness but an expression of self-responsibility.
Are you suffering from psychological issues? Find initial advice and help here:
Telephone counseling (0800/111 0 111 or 116 123) is available around the clock and offers anonymous, free conversations, also online.
In acute crises, you can reach the medical on-call service at 116 117.
The post Common Mental Illnesses in Men–and Why They Often Go Unnoticed appeared first on FITBOOK.