Men’s mental health: signs to notice and ways to feel better
Stress, depression and anxiety are common in men, but they often look different than people expect. Many men push through and never put a name to it. This guide covers the signs, how your mood and your sex life connect, and simple ways to get support.
Stress, depression and anxiety in men
Everyone has hard days. Stress from work, money, health or family is part of life. But when low mood, worry or tension sticks around for weeks and gets in the way of daily life, it may be depression or an anxiety disorder.
These are real health conditions, not a weakness. They can affect any man at any age, and they can be treated.
Signs men often miss
Men do not always feel sad when they are depressed. The signs can show up in other ways, so they are easy to miss or blame on something else.
- Anger: feeling irritable, short-tempered or on edge
- Drinking more: using alcohol or drugs to cope or unwind
- Sleep changes: trouble falling asleep, waking early or sleeping too much
- Low desire: losing interest in sex, hobbies or people you enjoy
- Erection problems: trouble getting or keeping an erection
- Body signs: headaches, stomach problems or aches with no clear cause
- Pulling back: working all the time, taking more risks or avoiding family and friends
How mental health and ED affect each other
Your mind plays a big part in getting and keeping an erection. Stress, anxiety and depression are known causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). Worry about sex can make it harder, which can lead to more worry.
It goes the other way too. ED can hurt your confidence and your relationship, which can wear down your mood. Some medicines for depression can also affect erections. If that happens, do not just stop them. Tell your doctor so you can work out a plan together.
The good news is that both can be treated. Care for your mood often helps your sex life, and ED treatments, including pills that work well for many men, can ease the stress around it.
What helps
- Talk therapy: a counselor can help you sort through stress and change patterns that keep you stuck.
- Medicine: for some men, medicine for depression or anxiety helps. A doctor can explain your options.
- Move your body: regular activity, even a daily walk, can lift your mood.
- Sleep and routine: try to keep regular sleep times and cut back on alcohol.
- Stay connected: spend time with people you trust, even when you do not feel like it.
How to start the conversation
The first step is often the hardest. You do not need the perfect words. You can tell your doctor, “I haven’t felt like myself lately,” and go from there.
It may help to write down what you have noticed before your visit, like sleep, mood, drinking or changes in your sex life. Talking to your doctor is a good place to start. They can check for physical causes and help you find the right support.
If you need help right now
If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself, or you are in emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is free, private and open 24 hours a day. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Not sure where to start? We list trusted places to get checked in Louisiana, from community health centers to men’s health clinics. See where to get care.
Sources
- NIMH: Men and Depression
- NIMH: Men and Mental Health
- NIMH: I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet
- NIDDK: Symptoms and Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Where to get care
Any of these is a good next step. Pick the one that fits you.
- Aspire Health and Wellness†. A men’s health clinic in Metairie specializing in erectile dysfunction and weight loss, with free private visits and a range of treatment options. Visit aspireneworleans.com.
- Your primary care doctor. A good first stop. They can check your heart, blood sugar, and hormone levels.
- A urologist. A doctor who specializes in men’s urologic and sexual health.
- A community health center. Fees are based on income, with or without insurance. Find a community health center.
- Louisiana Medicaid. If you qualify, it covers doctor visits and prescriptions. See if you qualify.
- Veterans. Southeast Louisiana VA Health Care offers men’s health care for enrolled veterans.
† Affiliated with Aspire Community Care. We’re a nonprofit and don’t provide medical care; choose any provider that fits you.
Not sure where to start? Tell us what’s going on and we’ll help you find a next step. What you share stays private.
Keep reading
Talking to Your Doctor
What to say, what to expect, and a short checklist.
Sleep Apnea and ED
Snoring and tired days can affect your heart and erections.
ED: The Basics
What ED is, how common it is, and what causes it.