Men's mental health

Jess's heart (pounding)Mental illnesses affect women and men differently-some disorders are more common in women, and some express themselves with different symptoms. Scientists are only now beginning to better understand what causes these gender differences.

A background to men's health

No matter how much you know about men’s health, there’s always room to know more about ways to a better lifestyle, the top men’s health concerns, and the importance of getting medical care and regular screening tests. After all, men not only have unique health concerns, but they also suffer more from certain diseases. And worldwide, women outlive men. Why? Some reasons include:

  • Men tend to smoke and drink more than women and generally have less healthy lifestyles.
  • Men do not seek medical help as often as women.
  • Men tend to join in fearless, risky, dangerous behaviors more than women.
  • Men also largely define themselves by their work, which adds to stress and to being disconnected from their emotional side. This can add to problems in relationships, as well as in jobs and careers.

The good news is that many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented and treated if they are diagnosed early. So you deserve to pay more attention to yourself! Take better care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Or if you are a woman searching for ways to help the men in your life, tell them the same. One way to start is to use the resources you’ll find here.

www.menanddepression.nimh.nih.gov/