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25 Inspirational Quotes for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

Since 1994, June has been celebrated as Men’s Mental Health Month. Men are less likely to make their mental health struggles known. Millions of men struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. Men are also more likely to commit suicide compared to women1. The stigma associated with men’s mental health contributes to these statistics. That’s why in June we spread awareness to help all men heal and get the treatment they deserve.

Along your recovery journey, you can find strength in words of wisdom from other men who have also overcome challenges. Inspiration spurs motivation. You can overcome your mental health battle. 

25 Quotes to Inspire and Live By

“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” — Matt Haig

“If a man’s mind becomes pure, his surroundings will also become pure.” – Buddha

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” — Bob Marley

“There is nothing wrong with being afraid – but there is nothing more wrong than allowing that to be your master.” — Bobby Darin

“Regardless of who you are or what you do for a living or where you come from, it doesn’t discriminate. We all kind of go through it.” — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King Jr

“The heart of man is very much like the sea; it has its storms, it has its tides, and in its depths, it has its pearls too.” — Vincent Van Gogh

“Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

“The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.” — Thomas Paine

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” — Albert Einstein

“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman.

“Since that day [I opened up about my emotions], it’s just been so much easier to live and so much easier to enjoy my life.” — Michael Phelps

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” — Ernest Hemingway

“To have become a deeper man is the privilege of those who have suffered.” Oscar Wilde

“Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” — Noam Shpancer

“Do not pray for an easy life. Pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” — Bruce Lee

“We need men who can dream of things that never were.” — John F. Kennedy

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” — Abraham Lincoln

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” — Samuel Johnson

“The first step to be a good man is this: You must deeply feel the burden of the stones some else [is] carrying.” — Mehmet Murat ildan

 “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” — Marcus Aurelius

“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” — Michal Joan Bobak 

“A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.” — Ayn Rand

“Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.” — Muhammad Ali

“One man with courage makes a majority.” — Andrew Jackson

Men’s Mental Health Treatment

Men’s-Only Rehab

You don’t have to struggle in solitude. Various treatment options address the unique challenges men face during addiction and/or mental health issues. There are several men-only programs. 

Gender-specific centers empower their clients to tap into natural strengths. You’ll grow by exploring new ideas enabling continued self-growth. And gender-specific treatment is tailored to your needs. For example, Sunshine Coast Health Centre caters to mens’ mental health needs through non-12-Step programming and a focus on healing with dignity. Little Creek Recovery in Pennsylvania uses adventure therapy and 12-Step philosophy to help men recover. In the world of men-only rehab, the options for gender- specific rehab are boundless. 

Burnout and Stress

Men in high-pressure jobs can often experience burnout and stress. While this may be something you’re used to, this does not have to be permanent. Symptoms can get worse if you ignore them. Getting help for your burnout can ground you and give you a new perspective on life. J. Flowers Health Institute, for example, heals burnout with concierge care and unique services like brain mapping and wellness programs.  

Dual diagnosis

When you experience two disorders simultaneously, like bipolar disorder and addiction, this is what we call dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders. Treatment centers like Soberman’s Estate, a men’s-only facility, can determine the root cause of your co-occurring disorders. They offer 3+ individual talk therapy sessions per week to discover how your disorders impact one another, and they also include on-site holistic activities like equine therapy to create a well-rounded program. Dual diagnoses can be complex, but the right care can lead you to success.

Eating disorders 

Eating disorders affect everyone, including men. Often, it’s harder to spot these patterns in men because they’re less likely to ask for help. That’s why Men’s Mental Health Month is so important: so we can spread helpful information and resources2 to those who need it. Finding the right care is essential for overcoming your eating disorder and living freely. Newport Academy Washington State offers eating disorder treatment for adolescent boys. They focus on having fun in recovery with activities like hiking and skiing. They also offer family therapy and academy support. 

Realizing Your Power

Whatever difficulty you’re facing right now, you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it’s Men’s Mental Health Month or not, you can always prioritize healing. Discover the man you want to be by exploring and connecting with rehabs for men.

Transformation begins within. Here are some ways to prioritize your mental health now:

  1. Make time for self-care
  2. Talk to a mental health professional
  3. Connect with others
  4. Exercise regularly
  5. Solidify a good sleep routine
  6. Eat a balanced diet
  7. Practice M3H: Mindfulness/Meditation/Movement/Hydration
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Gender Differences in Substance Abuse

People of every gender experience addiction. But most of the available data focuses on men. Fortunately, scientists are starting to expand their research to include other genders. And a growing body of work shows gender differences in substance abuse and addiction.

Rehab can be very effective when the treatment plan puts you first. Gender-specific treatment programs make you the main priority while acknowledging the impact gender has on recovery.

Differences in Addiction Between Women and Men

Being male or female can affect the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. For example, men have higher rates of alcohol and illicit drug use.1 However, both men and women are equally vulnerable to developing one of these conditions. 

As we learn more about gender and addiction, it’s important to note the gaps in scientific research. We need more information about people of every gender—not just cis men and cis women. The data we have points to stark differences between just these 2 groups of people. 

Understanding the impact of your gender on addiction can also help you approach recovery. With that in mind, some rehabs focus on gender differences in substance use disorders. These programs often treat people of different genders separately. 

Impacts of Gender on Substance Abuse

Drug and alcohol addiction goes beyond your emotional experience. It also reflects your relationships, social standing, and family dynamics. Many of these issues relate to gender. Anything from hormones to peer pressure can play a role in the onset and treatment of addiction.

For example, we now know that women’s biological characteristics— like fertility and menopause—can influence drug use. Addiction’s physical effects2 are often more profound in women, and they may develop addiction more quickly.

Because social pressures affect addiction, women and men often have different reasons for drug use. Many women report using drugs to control their weight, fight the exhaustion of providing childcare, or cope with domestic violence. 

Today’s gender roles aren’t as rigid as they once were, but these pressures still exist for many people. Western culture, for instance, pushes men to be providers and women to be caretakers. Understanding how gender roles affect your specific type of addiction can help you plan for recovery.

Alcohol

Men typically have higher rates of alcohol use.3 This might be because of peer pressure, or because they face a severe lack of emotional support. To work through these issues, you might consider a rehab for men. These programs help you connect with people who share both your gender and your experience of addiction. 

While men may be more vulnerable to alcohol use, its social impact on women is still severe. Data shows that alcohol addiction increases women’s risk of intimate partner violence.4 If you’re healing from this type of trauma, it might be easier to talk about your experience among people of your own gender.

Some rehabs for women offer trauma-informed care. These specialized programs can help you work through triggers while you recover from addiction and mental health issues. You can also connect with other women who have survived similar events. Building relationships with them can be empowering and validating.

Stimulants

Some effects of stimulant addiction are the same for both men and women. These drugs make it hard for anyone to concentrate and learn new things. Even short-term use can interfere with your academic achievement. But in some biological ways, men and women experience this addiction very differently.

Estrogen makes women more physically sensitive to stimulants. As a result, these drugs can put more stress on a woman’s blood vessels and heart. However, men are at a greater risk for resulting neurological issues. 

There are also differences between men’s and women’s social reasons for stimulant use. Many women report using stimulants to boost their energy levels so they can keep up with work and family commitments. Addressing those problems may help women recover. Men’s reasons for stimulant use5 are rarely so specific. As a result, it can be hard for men to define the root cause of their addiction.

Opioids

Opioids function as painkillers, and data shows that male and female bodies experience pain differently. This may explain some of the differences in how men and women develop opioid addiction.

Studies show women are more sensitive to pain than men, and more likely to have chronic pain. Perhaps as a result, doctors prescribe more opioid medications for women6 than men. This makes it easier for women to access these drugs. Women report using opioids to cope with both physical pain and emotional issues like anxiety. This behavior can quickly lead to addiction.

When it comes to illicit drugs, like heroin, men may be at a higher risk of addiction and overdose. Women who use these drugs tend to use smaller amounts for shorter periods of time. However, women are more likely to use heroin because of their partners.

In rehab for opioid addiction, men and women may have different recovery goals. For example, women might need to find new ways to manage chronic pain. And men who have been using drugs for a longer time may need to make lasting changes to their support networks.

Marijuana

Marijuana is a common way to self-medicate co-occurring disorders, like depression or anxiety. But like most substances, it comes with a risk of addiction. 

Men and women who use cannabis have similar rates of co-occurring disorders. However, men are more vulnerable to marijuana addiction than women. Men also report more severe symptoms of cannabis addiction and withdrawal.7 

On the other hand, data suggests that marijuana has a greater impact on women’s brains.8 It can even change the way teen girls’ brains develop—more than it does for boys of the same age. Both gender-specific and age-specific rehab programs can address the complexities of this addiction.

Gender Differences in Substance Abuse Treatment

Men and women tend to start addiction recovery for different reasons. For example, more men attend treatment than women.9 However, men might have a harder time admitting they need help. That can make early recovery an especially vulnerable time. Providers that understand the social roles associated with masculinity10 can support men as they begin treatment. 

Women typically face more barriers to addiction treatment11 than men. As a result, they may have more severe symptoms by the time they enter rehab. Women may benefit from seeking more specialized care, whether or not they attend a women-only program. 

Recovery can be more straightforward in a single-gender treatment environment. This is especially true for clients with a history of trauma. For example, in a group session, you can trust that all your peers share a certain amount of context. That saves time and energy for everyone. Instead of explaining your identity, you can immediately dig into your emotional experience. 

Finding Gender-Specific Treatment Programs

Recognizing the impact of gender on your addiction can help you choose a rehab that feels right for you. Gender-specific programs acknowledge the differences in addiction for men and women—and sometimes, for people of other genders. As a result, they can offer treatment that caters to your specific needs. These programs aren’t right for everyone, and your gender doesn’t have to define you. But for some people, it can have a huge impact on recovery. 

Connect with a gender-specific rehab that meets your unique needs for recovery. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Gender and Addiction Recovery

How do gender roles affect addiction?

Social pressures related to gender roles can affect addiction. For example, many women report using drugs to cope with domestic violence or childcare exhaustion. Men may use drugs as a way to cope with a lack of emotional support.

How can rehab programs address gender differences in addiction?

Gender-specific treatment programs can help people feel better understood and prioritize their unique needs. For example, men’s rehab programs can help male clients connect with others who share their experience of addiction, while trauma-informed care can help women work through triggers.

Why are women more vulnerable to opioid addiction?

Women are more sensitive to pain than men and more likely to have chronic pain, leading doctors to prescribe more opioid medication for women than men. Women report using opioids to cope with both physical pain and emotional issues like anxiety.

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Learning True Strength in Men-Only Rehab 

Men face a unique set of challenges that affect the types of mental health issues they have, their likelihood of seeking help, and their experience in treatment once they do. Thankfully, more rehabs are specializing in care for men, addressing male-specific struggles in a safe and supportive setting.  

Mental Health Challenges Facing Men Today

Growing up in a culture with specific expectations about what it means to “be a man” shapes male psychological development. This impacts the types of mental health issues men have, and the methods they use to cope:  

Because it can be harder for men to voice their problems, this suffering often happens in silence. Men’s mental health researcher Benita Chatmon, PhD says this raises concern: “These statistics are troubling because they reinforce the notion that males are less likely to seek help and more likely than women to turn to dangerous, unhealthy behaviors.”

A Note on Gender

In the past, gender has been thought of as being either male or female, but we now understand it to be far more nuanced. Those who aren’t cisgendered men may still be affected by cultural expectations of masculinity. And those who don’t see gender as a major factor in their experience may not find gender-specific treatment necessary. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which aspects of your care are most important.

sobermans estate mens group
Soberman’s Estate in Cave Creek, Arizona offers daily group therapy and equine therapy as part of their men-only treatment program.

Masculine Norms

“Men are subjected to a culture where the standards of masculinity are literally killing them,” says Chatmon. 

This happens through what men’s mental health activist Dan Griffin calls the “internalization of the ‘man rules.’”4 Sometimes called “toxic masculinity,” this set of rules tells men how they’re supposed to behave:

  • Don’t show weakness. 
  • Don’t express your emotions. 
  • Don’t cry. 
  • Don’t admit that you’re afraid. 
  • Don’t lose control.
  • Don’t ask for help. 

Unfortunately, following these rules leads many men to struggles with depression, anxiety, stress, and substance abuse. And, it cuts them off from support when they need it most. 

“When men adhere rigidly to the kinds of norms that encourage them to not share their emotions, to be sort of relentlessly self-reliant without seeking the help or support of others, they can have poorer mental health outcomes,” says health behavior professor and men’s mental health expert Wizdom Powell, PhD, “because doing so cuts them off from the social networks and social supports that might help them get through a difficult time.” 

Everyone’s Journey is Their Own

Of course, just because certain issues tend to be more challenging for men doesn’t mean all men experience them in the same way. These norms show up differently for different people, affect men to different degrees, and vary according to context. “A man who enacts a particular masculinity in the boardroom may enact a very different kind of masculinity on the street corner,” says Powell.

Why is it Harder for Men to Ask for Help?

Mental illness is often overlooked in men,5 and is therefore more likely to go untreated. SAMHSA’s guide on Addressing the Specific Behavioral Health Needs of Men states that there are “specific issues facing men that can affect all elements of the treatment process,6 including the decision to seek treatment in the first place.”

Social conditioning can influence how likely men are to talk about their feelings or reach out when they’re struggling. And there’s far more to this picture than what appears on the outside: 

Trauma and Shame 

Intense shame is a common theme for men in recovery,7 in addition to “histories of violence, sexuality, family issues, and difficulty accessing emotions.” Some men feel this as a result of trauma they’ve experienced, or inflicted on others. And some feel shame around violating masculine norms. 

Shame is a powerful emotion.8 It affects the way you see yourself, how you interpret the world around you, and the choices you make. That includes your willingness to address the traumas underlying your addiction, anxiety, or depression. 

But working through shame is a necessary part of healing. Psychologist and former president of the American Psychological Association Ronald Levant explains: “We have to brave the shame. We were made to feel ashamed of ourselves for not being fully masculine,9 and that was nonsense…Those lessons you learn as a child are not valid. A better approach is to have an open heart, an open mind, and to freely express your emotions to the people you care about.” 

That includes yourself. 

Stigma

Mental health stigma exists across all genders, but especially so for men, who are under extra pressure to seem like they have it all together.

In a report from the 2019 Behavioral Health Aspects of Depression and Anxiety in the American Male, experts agreed that “stigma is an extreme barrier to those needing mental health treatment,”10 and that men’s acculturation affects the way they experience mental health issues.

When men do get into treatment, that acculturation also affects how receptive they are to the process.

next step adventure therapy
Next Step Recovery in Asheville, North Carolina is a 12-Step intensive outpatient program offering adventure therapy and optional sober living.

Adjusting to the Treatment Process

Many of these unspoken rules are the opposite of what recovery asks us to do. The healing process requires us to be vulnerable, make room for our emotions, and be unflinchingly honest with ourselves. Residential rehab, where feelings are shared with therapists and in groups, may feel inherently unsafe to someone with little practice doing any of these things. 

“Men are expected to be independent, self-sufficient, stoic, and invulnerable,” says SAMHSA. This means that, often, men struggle with certain issues during treatment:11 

  • inability to see or express weaknesses
  • difficulty opening up to therapists or peers
  • competitiveness with other patients 
  • defensiveness 
  • unwillingness to take direction or accept suggestions 
  • anxiety around privacy and confidentiality 
  • lack of ability to connect feelings to the problems they stem from 
  • a false sense of security in their recovery status 
  • resistance to attending continuing care or ongoing meetings 

Intensive treatment is only the beginning of the recovery journey. After treatment, men return to their home communities, where they face the same societal pressures as before. That’s why it’s important to prepare for life after rehab by gaining tools that reduce your chance of reverting to old coping habits. 

Common Male Coping Strategies 

Suppressing Emotions

Men are often taught that expressing emotions is wrong. But regularly holding them in doesn’t make them go away—it just makes them come out sideways.

“Suppressing emotion in and of itself isn’t necessarily harmful,” says Powell. “It’s when you do it habitually; if it’s your go-to response to all the stress that you experience. Eventually, that suppression will cause a rebound in some other areas, like whack-a-mole. You hit it down in one place and it pops up in another.”

Humans are blessed with an astounding range of emotions—and ideally, we should be fluent in all of them. But this is easier said than done. Many men are limited to just a handful of emotions that are considered acceptable to express. 

Anger 

When we’re stressed, we tend to respond with the emotion that’s most readily available to us. And for men, who may not be well-versed in expressing sadness or fear, that emotion is more likely to be anger. 

Sometimes, we channel anger and other “negative” feelings into behaviors—some of which are harmful to us. Especially if we feel the need to “suck it up” and get through hardships on our own, those behaviors are less likely to look like talking through our problems with a friend or therapist, and more likely to look like social withdrawal, overworking, aggression, or alcohol and drugs. 

Substances 

Substances are a common way to cope with problems we’d rather not face head-on. And for men, anger and the inability to untangle difficult emotions can lead to more substance use. 

Data shows that “men tend to use more alcohol as opposed to women when they are stressed.”12 According to Powell, “we can see higher rates of substance abuse in males because of that anger and emotional response.”

Mental Health Among Minority Men 

Mistrust of treatment professionals comes from a particularly deep-rooted place for men and boys of color. There’s not only a verified link between racism and poor mental health,13 but an established history of racial trauma and access inequities in the American healthcare system.14  

The good news is that this can be changed. “Even with those experiences in the background,” says Powell, “when Black men have more patient-centered, empathic experiences with physicians, they report lower medical mistrust. So in other words, mistrust is not immutable. It can be fixed. It can be intervened upon.” 

Fortunately, some treatment programs are evolving to be more responsive to the societal issues their patients are grappling with. 

How Treatment Can Help  

Looking at deeply held traumas and unprocessed emotions is a necessary step toward healing. “When they feel safe enough, [men] are willing to look at many important, although difficult, issues commonly overlooked in traditional treatment. Some of these are relationships, sexuality and sexual behavior, power and control, criminal behaviors, privilege and entitlement, and grief,” say the authors of Helping Men Recover: A Program for Treating Addiction. 

Rehab can be a safe place to do just that. 

Gender-Responsive Care Takes Men’s Issues Into Account

“The keys to developing effective treatment for men,” says Griffin, “are acknowledging their life experiences and the impact of living as a man in a male-based society.”

In men-only rehab, patients can ease into the treatment process alongside others facing similar issues, with less distraction and a chance to build lasting bonds. 

Soberman’s Estate in Cave Creek, Arizona caters exclusively to adult men. They find that this gender-specific grouping raises the comfort level, leading to more sharing and honesty in group sessions. This creates an environment conducive to recovery, comradery, and true release. And because they make special efforts to accommodate working professionals, business access time is built into the daily schedule. 

For those who prefer to live at home during treatment, Next Step Recovery in Asheville, North Carolina offers a men’s-only intensive outpatient program (IOP) with optional sober living options for men ages 18-40. In addition to a focus on building a healthy daily routine, the center offers a range of therapeutic outdoor activities including river rafting, paintball, and high ropes.

Face the Fears That Keep You From Your Best Life

Being a man doesn’t need to mean foregoing care that will make you well, and ultimately more capable of living to your full potential. 


See our directory of men-only rehab centers to learn more about their programming, facilities, activities, and more.

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Depression in Men: Recognizing and Treating a Hidden Condition

Depression can be difficult for anyone to discuss, as sufferers have to deal with not only their condition but also the stigma associated with it. This challenge can be even more profound for men. Many men who struggle with depression suffer silently for years, compounding their feelings of sadness with the frustration, anger, and guilt of seeming weak. And unfortunately, these feelings often hinder men from seeking treatment for their depression.

While the symptoms are similar across genders, there are some key differences in how depression manifests in men. For example, when men are depressed, they may tend to appear aggressive or angry instead of sad. Also, while women can often be more in tune with their emotions and recognize depression for what it is, it can be harder for men to identify it in themselves. They may be more likely to ignore or suppress their feelings, or to attribute them to something else.

Depression can disrupt men’s daily lives and negatively impact their physical health, interpersonal relationships, and careers. It can also be life-threatening, as depressed men are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women.1 That’s why we need to understand the signs and sometimes unique symptoms of male depression.


In this article, we’ll explore how depression presents in men. We’ll also dive into the reasons why men and those around them often fail to recognize that they’re suffering from depression and the consequences this can have, as well as how to find effective treatment.

Signs of Male Depression

Men face a set of cultural expectations as to how they’re supposed to display (or not display) emotion. As such, they’re more prone to hide certain feelings for fear of being criticized or rejected. Whereas depression may show up in women as sadness, some men may be less comfortable with this expression. Men might express feelings of sadness as anger or aggression—which in turn makes depression harder to identify.

Physical Symptoms

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, what we go through mentally and emotionally can affect us physically. Men may notice the physical effects of depression2 first, and are more likely to go to the doctor for physical problems than emotional ones.

These are some of the most common physical indicators of depression in men:

  • Headaches
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Erectile dysfunction or loss of libido

These symptoms may occur due to changes in brain function caused by depression, or they may result from other disruptions depression can bring, such as changes in eating habits or sleep. Fortunately, getting treatment for depression can provide relief from its physical and psychological effects.

Behavioral Symptoms

Early indicators of depression in men3 might include anger, aggression, irritability, and frustration. Since feelings lead to actions, behavioral signs might also appear:

  • Increased drug or alcohol use
  • Becoming controlling or abusive in relationships
  • Working more without taking breaks
  • Participating in high-risk activities, such as dangerous sports or unsafe sex
  • Falling behind on work or family duties

According to one survey analysis published in the medical journal JAMA Psychiatry, these self-destructive reactions are often the consequence of men lashing out in an attempt to hide their depression.4

What Causes Depression?

A combination of factors can cause depression in men:

Stress

Financial difficulties, the death of a loved one, relationship problems, major life changes, professional challenges, or any other stressful circumstance may trigger depression in certain men. Likewise, lacking the skills to cope successfully with stressors can worsen their emotional state.

Illness

Depression can result from medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease. It can also exacerbate these issues, and vice versa. Medications used to treat these conditions might sometimes have adverse effects that induce or aggravate depression symptoms.

Genetics

Men with a family history of depression may be more prone to develop the condition.

Isolation

Loneliness can be harmful to your mental health if it lasts for a long period of time. Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep disorders, and stress.

Childhood Trauma

Men who incurred abuse or trauma during childhood may experience severe depression as adults.

Substance Abuse

Men who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse may be at risk for developing severe depression. Depression is also a risk factor for substance abuse, as sufferers may self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. This combination of depression and substance abuse is known as a co-occurring disorder and requires specialized treatment. In this case, it’s best to seek comprehensive therapy that addresses both issues.

The possible causes of male depression are as unique as each individual. There are also a number of reasons why men or their loved ones may not recognize their depression.

Why Does Men’s Depression So Often Go Unrecognized?

The reasons men may ignore, hide, or simply be unable to see their depression for what it is can be complex. Emotional or behavioral indicators of depression in males might be misinterpreted as negative personality attributes. And because men are culturally conditioned to believe that expressing emotions connected with depression is wrong, many therefore strive to repress them. Even those who do recognize they’re depressed may avoid seeking treatment for fear of damaging their reputation among colleagues, family, or friends.

Co-Occurring Depression and Substance Abuse

As mentioned earlier, men often use alcohol or drugs to escape from their daily struggles or to cope with overwhelming symptoms of depression.

Co-occurring substance abuse can add to the challenge of treating men with depression. The two conditions can fuel each other’s negative cycles, ramping up behavioral consequences like aggression and risk-taking. This, in turn, can cause significant negative results in a man’s relationships, employment, and physical health.

Risks of Untreated Depression in Men

Effectively treating male depression can be lifesaving. Depression can cause people to feel powerless and hopeless, putting some at a dangerous risk for suicide.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for confidential assistance from a trained counselor. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911.

Untreated depression can last for months or years. And in addition to the day-to-day suffering it brings, it can also put men at risk of serious, long-term consequences.

According to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, scientists have known for many years that there’s a link between depression and heart disease.5 Depression affects at least a quarter of all cardiac patients, and people with depression are more likely to develop heart disease.

In addition, depression and stress damage the immune system,6 and as mentioned earlier, can lead to several other physical ailments.

Families are profoundly affected when a loved one suffers from untreated depression. Family members may carry guilt around the situation, believing they did something to cause it or could have done more to help. They might also feel fearful about their loved one’s wellbeing, or anxious because they’re empathizing with his pain. Or, they might feel like they’re walking on eggshells due to his unpredictable moods.

Those struggling with severe depression might find intensive treatment at a residential depression treatment center to be helpful.

Inpatient Depression Treatment

Many residential rehab centers treat not only addiction, but also mental health issues like depression. If depression impairs your ability to function in daily life, you may find relief in a residential rehab‘s higher level of care. Inpatient depression treatment allows you to devote your full attention to your recovery for an extended period. In inpatient treatment, you’ll receive treatment in an immersive therapeutic setting, with 24/7 access to staff. Most luxury rehabs also offer aftercare programming to help you transition to life back home and maintain your progress and lifestyle changes after inpatient care.

Gender-Specific Care

Some luxury rehabs offer gender-specific programming, which can help with a few aspects of treatment:

  • Increasing comfort levels: Men may feel freer to open up about their experiences (for example, they may be less apt to self-censor during group sessions), allowing them to get more out of the treatment process.
  • Avoiding distraction: Early recovery is a vulnerable time, when emotions are often running high. Without the added pressure of women in the treatment setting, some men might feel better able to focus on their work of healing.
  • Forming bonds: Learning from shared experiences and finding commonalities with others can help men feel they’re not alone.

Centers Offering Men-Only Treatment Programs

Following are a few examples of depression rehabs with programs designed specifically for men:

Soberman’s Estate

This men-only residential center in Cave Creek, Arizona serves men between the ages of 30 and 80, and happily accommodates executive clientele. Their depression treatment program focuses on the emotional challenges that men, in particular, face. Their campus in the “shadow of the saguaro” offers expansive natural beauty and amenities such as a putting green, fire pit, and farm-to-table meals to help men rediscover their appreciation for life’s simple joys.

Peaks Recovery

This dual-diagnosis treatment center in Colorado Springs, Colorado offers a men’s inpatient program aimed at allowing clients to address gender-specific issues while strengthening bonds between peers. Clients live in one of 3 separate homes on their 12.5-acre campus, surrounded by Rocky Mountain scenery that inspires self-connection.

Taking Steps Towards Relief

Depression is a serious, life-altering disorder. It’s critical to understand that this persistent sadness is not a sign of weakness. It’s a real illness, and it requires proper treatment.

Recognizing the signs of depression, learning more about your condition and what you can do to treat it, and reaching out to a facility for an assessment are the first steps toward taking back your life.

Learn more about luxury depression treatment facilities here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Male Depression

How is depression in men different from depression in women?

While the symptoms of depression are similar across genders, there are some key differences in how it manifests in men. Men may tend to exhibit aggression or anger rather than sadness when depressed. They may also have difficulty identifying their own depression and ignore or suppress their feelings. Understanding these differences is important for addressing male depression effectively.

What are the treatment options for male depression?

Effective treatment options for male depression include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support from loved ones. Individual therapy can help men explore and address underlying issues contributing to their depression. Medication (prescribed by a healthcare professional) may be used to manage symptoms. Making positive lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, eating well, and managing stress can also support mental wellness.

Are there specialized treatment programs for men with depression?

Yes, there are specialized treatment programs available specifically designed to address the unique needs of men with depression. Some luxury rehabs offer gender-specific programming, creating a safe and supportive environment where men can openly discuss their experiences and find commonalities with peers. These programs aim to increase comfort levels, avoid distractions, and foster bonds among participants. Examples of such programs include Soberman’s Estate in Arizona and Peaks Recovery in Colorado.