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Mens mental health is an important yet often overlooked health concern. Mental health can affect males differently than females.

Both men and women experience mental health difficulties. However, there are some notable differences between the issues affecting them and the factors that influence those issues.

Keep reading to learn more about the most common issues and conditions affecting mens mental health, including potential treatments and ways to help others experiencing mental health problems. How mental health issues affect men differently Share on Pinterest Seeking help is a crucial first step in recovering from any mental health condition.

Mental health issues affect men and women differently in the following ways:Differences in condition prevalence and suicide rates

Women are more likely to experience mental health conditions than men. They are also more likely to attempt suicide.

However, men are more than 3.5 times more likely to die from suicide than women. This may be because they tend to choose more lethal weapons, such as firearms.Different influencing factors

Mens issues can develop from different causes and triggers than those that affect women.

For example, mens issues often stem from societal expectations and traditional gender roles, which may lead men to think that they must:be the breadwinners in the familydisplay traditional masculine traits, such as strength and controlrely on oneself and not seek help from othersnot speak openly about their emotions

Holding on to these traditional beliefs can negatively impact mens mental health and keep them from accessing support and treatment.Differences in seeking help

Men are far less likely than women to seek treatment for issues such as depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events. According to Mental Health America, this is due to:social normsa reluctance to talkdownplaying their symptoms

A National Health Interview Survey reports that just 1 in 3 men took medication for daily feelings of depression or anxiety, while just 1 in 4 spoke to a mental health professional.

For more research-backed information and resources for mens health, please visit our dedicated hub.Was this helpful? Warning signs

The signs and symptoms of a mental health condition will depend on the type, but there are some symptoms that people can look out for. These include:aggressiveness, anger, and irritabilitychanges in mood or energy levelschanges in appetite or sleeping habitsdifficulty focusingfeeling restless or on edgea high consumption of alcoholinappropriate use of drugsparticipating in risky activitiesfeeling sad, hopeless, numb, or emotionally flathaving aches, pains, or other physical symptoms without a clear causeobsessive or compulsive thoughts or behaviorsthinking or acting in a way that causes concern to others or has a negative impact on work, social, or family lifethinking about or attempting suicide

If a person notices these symptoms in themselves or if a loved one spots them, it is a good idea to seek medical help.

Treating mental health issues in the early stages can often prevent the symptoms from becoming more severe and lower the risk of complications. Who is at risk?

Several factors increase the risk of mental health conditions and suicide among men. The following groups may be more at risk than others:Older, white men: White men aged 85 years and older are most at risk of suicide. More men in this demographic die by suicide every year than in any other group by age, sex, or race.Men who have experienced trauma: Traumatic events, such as engaging in combat or being the victim of an assault, increase the risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Men experiencing employment issues: Working in poor conditions or having a high workload can increase the risk of mental health issues. Unemployment and retirement also increase the risk of depression and suicide.Men who have had a marital breakdown: Depression is more common, and more severe, among men who are divorced. One study suggests that being single is a significant suicide trigger among men.Men with legal or financial concerns: Having legal or financial worries can trigger the development of mental health problems and increase the risk of suicide.Men who misuse alcohol or drugs: Men are more likely to engage in illicit drug use and alcohol use, which can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions.Men with a family history of mental health issues: Many psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia run in families, suggesting a genetic component.Men dealing with other life challenges: Other risk factors for mental health problems and suicide include physical illness or discomfort, conflict with family or friends, and the illness or death of a family member.Common mental health conditions in men

Some of the most prevalent mental health conditions among men are:Depression

Depression is characterized by a persistent low mood that interferes with everyday functioning. Worldwide, it is one of the most common mental health conditions.

Depression is almost twice as common in women as men. However, men are far less likely than women to seek treatment for it.

Learn about some of the hidden symptoms of depression here.

Learn about the typical symptoms of depression in men here.Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by intense and uncontrollable feelings of fear and worry.

The most common type, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), often co-occurs with depression. Although women are twice as likely to experience GAD, men are less likely to seek treatment for it.

Other types of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are equally common among men and women.

Social anxiety disorder causes intense anxiety and fear in social situations, while OCD causes the continuous repetition of specific thoughts (obsessions) or a compulsive need to perform specific routines repeatedly (compulsions).Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition wherein people do not interpret reality as it is. They experience hallucinations, delusions, and other forms of disordered thinking.

Schizophrenia can have a significant impact on quality of life and relationships. Of those who receive a schizophrenia diagnosis by the age of 30 years, 90% are men.PTSD

PTSD is a condition characterized by symptoms of reliving a traumatic experience, avoidance, and hyperarousal.

Research indicates that around 60% of men experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, while 50% of women do. Types of trauma differ, with men being more likely to experience:accidentsassaultscombatnatural disasterswitnessing a death or injury

Women are more likely to experience sexual assault or child sexual abuse.

Although men have a higher risk of traumatic events, women are more likely to develop PTSD.Substance abuse

Across most age groups, men have higher rates of use or dependence on illegal drugs and alcohol than women. They are also more likely to require an emergency department visit and die from overdose.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 68,000 men die annually from alcohol-related causes, compared with 27,000 women.

Learn more about addiction here. Treatment

Although many men are reluctant to seek and continue treatment for mental health issues, it is a vital step in recovery. With effective treatment, people can learn to manage their symptoms and begin to feel better.

Some treatment options include:Psychotherapy

Therapy can help people work through issues that have triggered mental health conditions. It can also help individuals manage their symptoms, change their negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviors, and learn new coping skills.

There are many different styles of therapy. In order for it to be effective, it is essential that people find the right therapist and type of therapy for them.Medication

A doctor may prescribe medication to treat various mental health conditions or symptoms associated with those illnesses

For example, they may prescribe:antidepressantsantianxiety medicationsantipsychotic drugssleep aids

Typically, doctors will recommend that people use medications in combination with psychotherapy.Lifestyle changes

Making positive lifestyle changes can make a significant contribution to mental well-being.

For example, it is important to:Eat a balanced diet.Get enough sleep.Exercise on most days.Manage stress through meditation or yoga, or in other ways.Limit or avoid the use of alcohol and drugs.

Learn more about some natural ways to ease conditions such as anxiety here.Peer support

Attending a support group or group counseling can be very helpful for those with a mental health condition.Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent mental health conditions. However, the following steps may reduce the risk of developing one:Communicate with family and friends, especially during stressful periods.Seek treatment promptly if any symptoms of poor mental health develop.Continue with maintenance treatment to prevent relapses of depression or other mental health conditions.Learn to manage stress through meditation, mindfulness, creative outlets, or other methods.Practice positive lifestyle choices, such as eating well, sleeping enough, and exercising.See a therapist for issues such as low self-esteem or childhood trauma, which could trigger mental health problems later in life.How to help

There are several things a person can do to help a loved one with mental health issues. For example:Look for changes in the persons behavior and mood. These may indicate the development of a mental health issue.Talk to the person and ask them how they are feeling. This is especially important if they have just experienced an upsetting event, such as divorce, bereavement, or retirement.Encourage them to talk to their doctor or a mental health professional.Offer to look up treatment providers, make an appointment for them, or attend the treatment with them.Check in with them regularly to see how they are.If someone is at risk of suicide, do not leave them alone. Call 911 and wait with them until help arrives.

Having the support of loved ones can have a significant impact on a persons recovery. Some research even suggests that some people who have suicidal thoughts but do not act on them choose not to do so because of the support of their friends and family.Helpful organizations

Organizations that may be helpful for men with mental health conditions include:the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is available at 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) or by free text for those in crisis (text NAMI to 741-741)the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is available 24/7 at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)the Face It Foundation, which provides support groups, peer support, and other resources for men with depressionHeadsUpGuys, which is an organization that provides strategies to manage or prevent depression in menthe Movember Foundation, which is a charity that focuses on issues that affect mens physical and mental health Suicide preventionIf you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:Ask the tough question: Are you considering suicide?Listen to the person without judgment.Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.Stay with the person until professional help arrives.Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.Was this helpful? Summary

Mens mental health issues differ from womens in many ways, yet they are just as important. One concerning aspect is that men are more reluctant to seek treatment for issues they face. The risk of suicide is also much higher among men.

However, seeking and continuing treatment can have a significant positive impact on the lives of men who experience mental health difficulties. Seeking support from health professionals and loved ones can ease the symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of suicide.

Many organizations offer support to those experiencing mental health challenges, and many focus solely on providing information and help to men.

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Elliott races from 8th to win in 2-lap OT at Kansas

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Elliott races from 8th to win in 2-lap OT at Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Chase Elliott somehow stole Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway, where he drove from eighth to the checkered flag during a two-lap overtime sprint to earn a spot in the third round of NASCAR’s playoffs.

It was a wild ending to a race that probably should have been won by Denny Hamlin, who dominated and led 159 laps until a bevy of late issues denied him his chance at career win No. 60 for Joe Gibbs Racing.

The race had a slew of late cautions — Hamlin dropped from the lead to seventh on a slow pit stop — that put Bubba Wallace in position to win the race. A red-flag stoppage for Zane Smith flipping his car set up the final overtime restart and Wallace was holding tight in a door-to-door battle with Christopher Bell for the victory.

Then Hamlin came from nowhere to catch Wallace, who drives for the team Hamlin co-owns with Michael Jordan, and Wallace scraped the wall as he tried to hold off his boss. That’s when Elliott suddenly entered the frame and smashed Hamlin in the door to get past him for his second win of the season.

“What a crazy finish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did,” NASCAR’s most popular driver told the crowd after collecting the checkered flag.

Elliott joins Ryan Blaney as the two drivers locked into the third round of the playoffs. The field will be cut from 12 drivers to eight after next week’s race in Concord, North Carolina and Elliott said once he got in position for the victory, he wasn’t giving up.

“I wasn’t going to lift, so I didn’t know what was going to happen. I figured at the end of the day, it was what it was at that point,” Elliott said. “Wherever I ended up, I ended up. At that point, we were all committed. Really cool just to be eighth on the restart and somehow win on a green-and-white checkered. Pretty neat.”

Hamlin finished second and was clearly dejected by the defeat. The three-time Daytona 500 winner is considered the greatest driver to never win a Cup title and needed the victory to lock up his spot in the next round of the playoffs. He also has a 60th Cup win set as a major career goal and is stuck on 59 victories.

He drove the final 50-plus laps with his power steering on the fritz.

“Just super disappointing. I wanted it bad. It would have been 60 for me,” Hamlin said. “Obviously got really, really tight with [Wallace], and it just got real tight and we let [Elliott] win.

“Man, I wanted it for my dad. I wanted it for everybody. Just wanted it a little too hard.”

Hamlin was followed his JGR teammates Bell and Chase Briscoe, who were third and fourth.

Wallace wound up fifth and even though the victory would have moved him deeper into the playoffs than he’s ever been in his career, he was satisfied considering how poorly his car was running earlier in the race. He wasn’t even upset with Hamlin, and he shook hands with his boss on pit road.

“To even have a shot at the win with the way we started … you could have fooled me. We were not good,” Wallace said. “Two years ago I’d probably say something dumb [about Hamlin]. He’s a dumbass for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we’re going for the win. I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.”

Elliott, in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, was the only non-Toyota driver in the top five.

Next up is a playoff elimination race at the hybrid oval/road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Kyle Larson won a year ago. The playoff field will be cut from 12 drivers to eight following next Sunday’s race.

The four drivers in danger of playoff elimination headed into that race are Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Reddick and Wallace.

“Obviously there’s only one thing we can do at Charlotte (win), and that’s what we’ll be focused on,” Reddick said.

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4-month-old son of NASCAR’s Reddick in ICU

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4-month-old son of NASCAR's Reddick in ICU

The wife of NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick on Sunday said the couple’s 4-month-old son is in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at a North Carolina hospital.

Alexa Reddick posted to social media that doctors are working on improving the “heart function” of Rookie, the couple’s second son who was born in May.

She wrote she had been seeking medical care for Rookie for some time without getting any concrete answers for what appeared to be “signs of heart failure that were being missed.”

“Always trust your mom gut,” she added.

Tyler Reddick, who has not discussed his son’s heath battle, finished seventh in Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Childers lands new crew chief job in Xfinity Series

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Childers lands new crew chief job in Xfinity Series

Rodney Childers, who guided Kevin Harvick to the 2014 Cup Series championship, has finally landed a new job after he was let go as crew chief at Spire Motorsports in April.

Childers will be the crew chief at JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series for the No. 1 Chevrolet, which will be split between Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch. It will be Childers’ first time as an Xfinity Series crew chief.

“Rodney’s résumé and career speak for themselves,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports. “Rodney and I grew up together and have known each other since we were kids. That’s a relationship that has always been close and has remained close to this day. We’ve always had interest in working together in motorsports, and I’m thankful that this opportunity came about and we could bring him into the JRM family.”

Childers worked with Justin Haley at Spire, but the team parted ways with him when both driver and crew chief said the relationship wasn’t working.

Childers won 40 races and a Cup title at Stewart-Haas Racing with Harvick then worked with Josh Berry in 2024 when Harvick retired. That was the final year Stewart-Haas Racing existed.

Also on Saturday, NASCAR confirmed it has parted ways with race director Jusan Hamilton with six races remaining in the season. He is no longer listed as an employee at NASCAR, where his official title was managing director for competition operations.

Hamilton first joined NASCAR as an intern in 2012 and returned in 2016 under various roles. He oversaw NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, pit crew development and the pro iRacing NASCAR divisions as well as serving as a race director.

Hamilton was instrumental in setting both the annual schedule and the schedule for each race weekend. His first event as race director was in 2018 at Pocono Raceway. In 2022, Hamilton became the first Black race director to officiate the Daytona 500.

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