🕷️ Crawler Inspector

[Skip to main content](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health#main-content)  An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know Here’s how you know  **Official websites use .gov** A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.  **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS** A **lock** ( Locked padlock icon) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Due to current HHS and NIH restructuring, some content on nimh.nih.gov is not being updated regularly. Please refer to [clinicaltrials.gov](https://clinicaltrials.gov/) and [nih.gov](https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-director/statements/nih-launches-initiative-modernize-strengthen-biosafety-oversight) for up-to-date information on NIH research. [](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ "NIMH Home") [In Crisis? Call or Text 988](https://988lifeline.org/) Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. [Home](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/) \| [Help for Mental Illnesses](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help) [Información en español](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/espanol) - [Mental Health Information](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health) - [Get Involved](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved) - [Research](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research) - [Funding](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding) - [News & Events](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news) - [About Us](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about) [Health Topics NIMH offers expert-reviewed information on mental disorders and a range of topics.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics) [Statistics NIMH statistics pages include statistics on the prevalence, treatment, and costs of mental illness for the population of the United States.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics) [Brochures and Fact Sheets Download, read, and order free NIMH brochures and fact sheets about mental disorders and related topics.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications) [Help for Mental Illnesses If you or someone you know has a mental illness, there are ways to get help. Use these resources to find help for yourself, a friend, or a family member.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help) [Clinical Trials If you or a friend or family member are thinking about taking part in clinical research, this page contains basic information about clinical trials.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/trials) [Stakeholder Engagement Find out how NIMH engages a range of stakeholder organizations as part of its efforts to ensure the greatest public health impact of the research we support.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/public-involvement) [Connect with NIMH Learn more about NIMH newsletters, public participation in grant reviews, research funding, clinical trials, the NIMH Gift Fund, and connecting with NIMH on social media.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/connect-with-nimh) [Digital Shareables Use these free education and outreach materials in your community and on social media to spread the word about mental health and related topics.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/digital-shareables) [Science Education Use these free digital, outreach materials in your community and on social media to spread the word about mental health.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/science-education) [Research Funded by NIMH NIMH supports research at universities, medical centers, and other institutions via grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Learn more about NIMH research areas, policies, resources, and initiatives.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh) [Research Conducted at NIMH (Intramural Research Program) The Division of Intramural Research Programs (IRP) is the internal research division of the NIMH. Over 40 research groups conduct basic neuroscience research and clinical investigations of mental illnesses, brain function, and behavior at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. Learn more about research conducted at NIMH.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh) [Priority Research Areas Learn about NIMH priority areas for research and funding that have the potential to improve mental health care over the short, medium, and long term.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/priority-research-areas) [Resources for Researchers Information about resources such as data, tissue, model organisms and imaging resources to support the NIMH research community.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh/research-resources) [Opportunities & Announcements Find all NIMH and cross-NIH funding opportunities.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/opportunities-announcements) [Funding Strategy for Grants Read more about the NIMH Strategic Plan for Research, Strategic Research Priorities, the anatomy of NIMH funding, and our yearly funding strategy for research grants.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/funding-strategy-for-research-grants) [Application Process Explore the NIMH grant application process, including how to write your grant, how to submit your grant, and how the review process works.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/grant-writing-and-application-process) [Managing Grants Learn about how NIMH manages research grants, including policies and reporting requirements.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/managing-your-grant) [Clinical Research Find the latest NIH and NIMH policies, guidance, and resources for clinical research.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/clinical-research) [Training Explore NIMH research training and career development opportunities.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/training) [Small Business Research Learn about funding opportunities for small businesses.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/sbir) ### Quick Links [Funding & Grant News](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/opportunities-announcements/funding-grant-news) [Support for Clinical Trials at NIMH](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/opportunities-announcements/clinical-trials-foas) [Science Updates List of NIMH science updates including press releases, research highlights, and institute announcements.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates) [Meetings and Events Details about upcoming events—including meetings, conferences, workshops, lectures, webinars, and chats—sponsored by NIMH.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/events) [Multimedia NIMH videos and podcasts featuring science news, lecture series, meetings, seminars, and special events.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media) [Innovation Speaker Series An annual lecture series dedicated to innovation, invention, and scientific discovery.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/innovation-speaker-series) [About the Acting NIMH Director Learn more about the Acting Director of the NIMH, Shelli Avenevoli, Ph.D.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director) [Advisory Boards and Groups Read about the boards and groups that advise and provide guidance to the Institute.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/advisory-boards-and-groups) [Strategic Plan Learn more about NIMH's roadmap for the Institute’s research priorities over the next five years.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic-planning-reports) [Offices and Divisions Learn more about the functions of each NIMH office and division.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/organization) [Budget Read the annual NIMH Congressional Justifications.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/budget) [Careers at NIMH Search for jobs, including scientific, administrative and executive careers at NIMH.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/careers) [Staff Directories Find the names, telephone numbers, email addresses, and office locations of NIMH staff.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/staff-directories) [History Explore key milestones, discoveries, and the impact of NIMH-funded studies on mental health.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/nimh-history) [Getting to NIMH Find directions, maps, parking information, and other visitor information for NIMH.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/connect-with-nimh) ### Quick Links **[Contribute to Mental Health Research](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/connect-with-nimh/donate-to-mental-health-research "Donate to Mental Health Research")** - [Mental Health Information](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health) - [Mental Health Information Home](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health) - [Health Topics](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics) - [Statistics](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics) - [Brochures and Fact Sheets](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications) - [Help for Mental Illnesses](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help) - [Clinical Trials](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/trials) - [Get Involved](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved) - [Get Involved Home](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved) - [Stakeholder Engagement](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/public-involvement) - [Connect with NIMH](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/connect-with-nimh) - [Digital Shareables](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/digital-shareables) - [Science Education](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/science-education) - [Research](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research) - [Research Home](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research) - [Research Funded by NIMH](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh) - [Research Conducted at NIMH (Intramural Research Program)](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh) - [Funding](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding) - [Funding Home](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding) - [Opportunities & Announcements](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/opportunities-announcements) - [Strategy for Research Grants](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/funding-strategy-for-research-grants/strategy-for-research-grants) - [Grant Writing & Approval Process](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/grant-writing-and-application-process) - [Managing Grants](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/managing-your-grant) - [Clinical Research](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/clinical-research) - [Research Training and Career Development Opportunities](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/training) - [Small Business Research](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/sbir) - [News & Events](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news) - [News & Events Home](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news) - [Science Updates](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates) - [Meetings and Events](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/events) - [Multimedia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media) - [Social Media](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/social-media) - [Email Updates](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/email-updates) - [Innovation Speaker Series](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/innovation-speaker-series) - [About Us](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about) - [About Us Home](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about) - [About the Acting NIMH Director](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director) - [Advisory Boards and Groups](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/advisory-boards-and-groups) - [Strategic Plan](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic-planning-reports) - [Offices and Divisions](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/organization) - [Budget](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/budget) - [Careers at NIMH](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/careers) - [Staff Directories](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/staff-directories) - [History](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/nimh-history) - [Getting to NIMH](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/connect-with-nimh) - [Health Topics](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics) - [Statistics](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics) - [Brochures and Fact Sheets](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications) - [Help for Mental Illnesses](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help) - [Clinical Trials](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/trials)  [Home](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/) \> [Mental Health Information](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health) \> [Health Topics](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics) \> Men and Mental Health ###### Share Page Menu - [Why is men’s mental health important?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health#part_2445) - [What are the symptoms of mental disorders in men?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health#part_2446) - [Health topics and resources for men](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health#part_7670) - [Health hotlines](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health#part_2829) - [Why should men participate in clinical trials?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health#part_2447) # Men and Mental Health ## Why is men’s mental health important? Mental disorders affect men and women. The prevalence of several mental disorders is lower in men than in women. However, other disorders are diagnosed at comparable rates for men and women or at higher rates for men, like [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd#part_2549). Men are also more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db330.htm) . Certain symptoms may also be more common in men than women, and the course of illness can be affected by a person’s sex. Researchers are only now beginning to tease apart the various biological and psychosocial factors that may impact mental health. Men are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women in the past year. Recognizing the signs that you or someone you love may have a mental disorder is the first step toward getting treatment. The earlier that treatment begins, the more effective it can be. **Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Learn more about** [**taking care of your mental health.**](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health "Topic Page: Caring for Your Mental Health") ## What are the symptoms of mental disorders in men? Men and women can develop most of the same mental disorders and conditions, but they may experience different symptoms. Some common symptoms include: - Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness - Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite - Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much - Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge - Increased worry or feeling stressed - Misuse of alcohol, drugs, or both - Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness - Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions - Engaging in high-risk activities - Aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear cause - Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior - Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life - Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts **Mental disorders can be treated**: A primary care provider is a good place to start if you’re looking for help. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help you figure out next steps. Find [tips for talking with a health care provider](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider) about your mental health. You can [learn more about getting help](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help) on the NIMH website. You can also learn about [finding support](https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support) and [locating mental health services](https://findtreatment.gov/) in your area on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website. If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the [988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/) at **988** or chat at [988lifeline.org](https://988lifeline.org/chat/) . In life-threatening situations, call **911**. ## Health topics and resources for men ### Featured health topics - [Anxiety Disorders](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders) - [Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd) - [Autism Spectrum Disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd) - [Bipolar Disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder) - [Borderline Personality Disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder) - [Depression](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression) - [Eating Disorders](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders) - [Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd) - [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd) - [Schizophrenia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia) - [Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health "Topic Page: Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders") - [Suicide Prevention](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention "Topic Page: Suicide Prevention") ### Featured brochures and fact sheets [](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism-spectrum-disorder) [](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know) [](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression) [](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-faq) [More brochures and fact sheets](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications) ### Federal Resources - [**Men’s Health**](https://medlineplus.gov/menshealth.html) : The National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus offers resources on the unique health issues men experience ([en español](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/menshealth.html) ). - [**Preventing Suicide Among Men in the Middle Years: Recommendations for Suicide Prevention Programs**](https://sprc.org/online-library/preventing-suicide-among-men-in-the-middle-years-recommendations-for-suicide-prevention-programs/) : The Suicide Prevention Resource Center created this resource to help state and community suicide prevention programs design and implement projects to prevent suicide among men in the middle years (ages 35–64). - [**Why We Need to Talk About Men’s Mental Health**](https://www.womenshealth.gov/blog/mens-mental-health) : This blog post from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health discusses the importance of supporting men’s mental health. ## Health hotlines - [**988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline**](https://988lifeline.org/) : The Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Call or text **988** to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available via [live chat](https://988lifeline.org/) . Para ayuda **en español, llame al 988.** - [**Disaster Distress Hotline**](https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline) : This helpline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The helpline is free, multilingual, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text **1-800-985-5990**. - [**Veterans Crisis Line**](https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/) : This helpline is a free, confidential resource for veterans of all ages and circumstances. Call **988** then press 1; text **838255**; or [chat online](https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/) to connect with 24/7 support. - [**NIH Health Info Lines**](https://www.nih.gov/health-information/health-info-lines) ## Why should men participate in clinical trials? Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although people may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, they should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future. Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct many studies with patients and healthy volunteers. We have new and better treatment options today because of what clinical trials have uncovered. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you. To learn more or find a study, visit: - [NIMH’s Clinical Trials webpage](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/trials): Information about participating in clinical trials - [Join a Study: Adults](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/join-a-study/adults): List of studies being conducted on the NIH Campus in Bethesda, MD Sex can influence health in important ways. You can help researchers learn more and advance health care for all people. NIMH is committed to ensuring that people have all the information they need to feel comfortable and make informed decisions before participating in a study. **Last Reviewed:** May 2024 Unless otherwise specified, the information on our website and in our publications is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy images. Please [cite the National Institute of Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/site-info/citing-nimh-publications-and-webpages) as the source. [Read our copyright policy](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/site-info/policies#part_2718) to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content. ## Disclaimer We link to external websites for informational purposes only, but we do not endorse or guarantee their accuracy. Once you leave our site, you will be subject to the new website’s privacy policy. Read NIMH’s [full external linking policy](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/site-info/policies#part_2717) for more information. ##### NIMH Resources [Health Topics](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics) [Brochures and Fact Sheets](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications) [Contact Us](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/site-info/contact-nimh) [Información en español](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/espanol) ##### Policies and Notices [Privacy Policy](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/site-info/privacy-policy) [Website Policies](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/site-info/policies) [FOIA](http://www.nih.gov/icd/od/foia/index.htm) [Accessibility](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/site-info/accessibility) [HHS Vulnerability Disclosure](https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html) ##### Federal Resources [National Institutes of Health (NIH)](http://www.nih.gov/) [NIH Virtual Tour](https://www.nih.gov/virtual-tour/) [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services](https://www.hhs.gov/) [USA.gov](http://www.usa.gov/) The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is part of NIH, a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. [Top](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health#skipnav)

## Why is men’s mental health important? Mental disorders affect men and women. The prevalence of several mental disorders is lower in men than in women. However, other disorders are diagnosed at comparable rates for men and women or at higher rates for men, like [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd#part_2549). Men are also more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db330.htm) . Certain symptoms may also be more common in men than women, and the course of illness can be affected by a person’s sex. Researchers are only now beginning to tease apart the various biological and psychosocial factors that may impact mental health. Men are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women in the past year. Recognizing the signs that you or someone you love may have a mental disorder is the first step toward getting treatment. The earlier that treatment begins, the more effective it can be. ## What are the symptoms of mental disorders in men? ## Health topics and resources for men ## Health hotlines ## Why should men participate in clinical trials? Unless otherwise specified, the information on our website and in our publications is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy images. Please [cite the National Institute of Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/site-info/citing-nimh-publications-and-webpages) as the source. [Read our copyright policy](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/site-info/policies#part_2718) to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content.