Silent Struggles: Understanding Depression in Men

Written by: Isabella Wahi

Edited by: Hayley

This essay examines how stigma and gender norms contribute to overlooked and untreated depression in men and explores ways to address it.

Depression affects millions of people worldwide, but its effects and awareness in men are frequently overlooked due to longstanding norms and stigma. Men may experience depression at similar or even higher rates than women, but they are significantly less likely to be diagnosed or seek treatment. The cultural pressure on men to appear strong, stoic, and emotionally reserved adds to the silent suffering that many people experience. Understanding how depression manifests differently in men, the unique challenges they face, and what can be done to address these issues is critical for improving mental health outcomes for all genders.

According to studies, men experience and express depression in different ways than women. While traditional symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in daily activities are present in both sexes, men are more likely to externalize their symptoms. This can include irritability, anger, risky behavior, and substance abuse. According to a review published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, these behavioral expressions can mask the underlying mood disorder, making it more difficult for clinicians to recognize and diagnose depression in men (Martin et al., 2013). As a result, men are frequently neglected or misdiagnosed, which further delays the assistance they require.

Another significant barrier to treatment is the stigma associated with mental health, particularly in male communities. Masculine norms emphasizing emotional control, independence, and toughness discourage men from expressing sadness or vulnerability. Many men are afraid of being perceived as weak if they admit to experiencing mental distress. According to a National Institutes of Health study, men are significantly less likely than women to seek depression treatment due to internalized stigma and cultural expectations (Seidler et al., 2016). This reluctance to seek help perpetuates a cycle of silence, suffering, and shame, leading to emotional distress.

Men who do not receive treatment for depression can suffer devastating consequences. Perhaps the most concerning statistic is the suicide rate among men. In the United States, men commit suicide at nearly four times the rate of women, even though women are more likely to attempt it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), middle-aged and elderly men are especially vulnerable. This gap points out the critical need to address mental health stigma in men and develop interventions that are responsive to their experiences and emotional expressions. Suicide is a common, tragic outcome of untreated or undiagnosed depression, particularly for those who feel isolated and unable to seek help.

To address these issues, we must make both cultural and clinical changes. First, public awareness campaigns can help to challenge toxic masculinity and reshape the narrative surrounding mental health. When influential voices open up about depression and therapy, particularly male athletes, celebrities, or public figures, it helps to normalize the conversation for others. Campaigns emphasizing that "asking for help is a sign of strength" can help combat harmful stereotypes that link vulnerability with weakness.

Second, healthcare providers must be trained to recognize depression symptoms that differ by gender. The use of gender-sensitive screening tools that take into account externalizing behaviors can lead to more accurate diagnoses. For example, the Male Depression Risk Scale (MDRS) is a tool for detecting depression in men by focusing on behaviors such as aggression and emotional suppression. Include these tools in routine checkups, particularly for high-risk groups, to improve early detection and intervention.

In addition to clinical settings, community-based programs designed specifically for men can offer support in more comfortable, relatable settings. Peer support groups, sports-based therapy, and workplace wellness programs that include mental health education are all effective ways to reach men who may be hesitant to participate in traditional therapy. According to the non-profit organization Movember, programs that combine male-friendly activities with mental health resources have shown promising results in terms of lowering suicide risk and improving emotional well-being.

Finally, schools and workplaces must proactively promote emotional literacy and reduce stigma from an early age. Boys should be taught that it is acceptable to feel, cry, and seek assistance when overwhelmed. Normalizing these conversations early on can save years of emotional repression and internal conflict. Similarly, employers should create environments in which mental health days are acceptable and counseling services are available without fear of judgment.

In short, depression in men remains a critical but often overlooked public health concern. Cultural expectations of masculinity, combined with gender-specific symptoms and insufficient mental health education, result in a landscape in which men silently suffer. However, by raising awareness, improving diagnostic practices, and providing culturally sensitive outreach, we can break the stigma and ensure that men feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek help. Addressing male depression is more than just about mental health; it is about saving lives.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Suicide data and statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html

Martin, L. A., Neighbors, H. W., & Griffith, D. M. (2013). The experience of symptoms of depression in men vs women: Analysis of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. JAMA Psychiatry, 70(10), 1100–1106. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.1985

Seidler, Z. E., Dawes, A. J., Rice, S. M., Oliffe, J. L., & Dhillon, H. M. (2016). The role of masculinity in men’s help-seeking for depression: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 49, 106–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2016.09.002

Verywell Health. (2023). Men’s mental health: Breaking the stigma. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/mens-mental-health-11683194

Vox. (2024). Men’s mental health crisis: Why it’s time to talk. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/388155/giving-tuesday-2024-men-issues-charities