Millions of men in the U.S. experience depression each year, whether or not it gets diagnosed, talked about, or even recognized for what it is. While the public conversation around mental health has grown over recent years, male depression remains under-acknowledged.
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 6.2% of adult men in the U.S. experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021.
- Suicide rates are 3-4 times higher in men than women across all race and ethnicities
Culturally and within their own families, men are often taught to tough it out no matter what’s going on inside. Emotional struggles are framed as weakness, and vulnerability is something to hide, not share.
That mindset can make depression in men harder to recognize, harder to talk about, and much harder to treat.
“Depression symptoms can differ in men and women. Men tend to use different coping skills — healthy and unhealthy — than women.”
- Mayo Clinic
These differences, combined with societal pressure to appear strong or unemotional, can prevent men from acknowledging what they’re feeling or reaching out for help.
Understanding the causes of male depression is a crucial first step in changing that.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is more than just a bad mood or a tough week. It’s a medical condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and functions, often for weeks, months, or longer. While both men and women experience depression, the causes and symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
genetics
A family history of depression can increase vulnerability. Men with a close relative who has experienced depression may be at higher risk themselves, even if they’ve never experienced symptoms before.
brain chemistry
Chemical imbalances in the brain, particularly those involving neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, can impact how the brain regulates mood, energy levels, and stress.
life events
Grief, trauma, major transitions, and chronic stress can all trigger depression. Men may be especially affected by events that undermine their sense of control or identity, such as job loss or divorce.
physical health
Chronic illnesses, pain, hormonal shifts, and poor sleep habits can all contribute to depression. In men, these symptoms may be overlooked or misattributed to aging or fatigue.
For some, depression comes on gradually, making it difficult to pinpoint when something started to feel off. For others, it may follow a specific event like a divorce, job loss, or serious illness. Either way, the symptoms often creep into daily life, changing how a person eats, sleeps, interacts, and works.
Male Depression
When people picture depression, they often imagine sadness, tears, or withdrawal. But in men, the signs often look different, and that difference can delay recognition or prevent it altogether.
Instead of sadness, men may feel irritable, frustrated, or emotionally flat. They may overwork, isolate, or turn to alcohol. In some cases, they may not feel “depressed” at all in the traditional sense, but something still feels off.
As the National Institute of Mental Health explains, men are less likely to talk about their feelings and more likely to use distraction or denial as coping strategies. This can make it harder for friends, family, and even the men themselves to identify what’s really going on.
Cultural expectations around masculinity only reinforce that silence. From an early age, many men are taught to be self-reliant, to keep emotions in check, and to view vulnerability as a flaw rather than a strength.
These deeply ingrained beliefs don’t just shape how men behave; they shape how they interpret what they're feeling. A man who feels constantly frustrated or disengaged may not see it as a symptom of depression. He may just think he’s burned out or not trying hard enough.
In men especially, symptoms may show up as:
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Digestive problems
- Loss of interest in work, hobbies or relationships
Because these signs don’t match the stereotype of what depression "should" look like, they’re often dismissed or misdiagnosed. Some men may not feel sadness at all but still experience a persistent sense of disconnection or dissatisfaction that affects their quality of life.
Recognizing these patterns is key. Without support, untreated depression can become more severe over time, increasing the risk of serious mental and physical health issues.
Even when symptoms are severe, men are far less likely than women to seek mental health support. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, women were nearly twice as likely to receive counseling or therapy than men.
Some of the most common reasons include:
- Fear of appearing weak
- Belief that they should "tough it out" on their own
- Discomfort with traditional talk therapy
- Misunderstanding what depression actually looks like
The result is that many men delay or avoid treatment, even when it’s having a clear impact on their work, health, or relationships.
Workplace Stress as a Contributing Factor to Male Depression
For many men, work is closely tied to identity and self-worth. That makes job-related stress a significant risk factor for depression, especially when expectations are high and support is limited.
Workplaces that demand long hours, offer little flexibility, or lack psychological safety can add to the pressure. And in male-dominated industries like construction, manufacturing, and law enforcement, there may be even more stigma around discussing mental health struggles.
Because depression in men often looks different from what people expect, it’s easy to miss. Some signs are emotional or behavioral. Others show up physically. And sometimes, they’re mistaken for personality changes or work-related stress.
Some men describe feeling “numb” or disconnected from their own lives. They may be able to function but are not really engaged. Others feel trapped in cycles of burnout, guilt, or restlessness but don’t realize these are potential signs of depression.
Recognizing the signs is a vital step toward breaking the cycle. And when someone close to you is struggling, even a small conversation can make a big difference.
What Organizations Can Do to Help
Employers have a unique opportunity to support men's mental health by fostering an environment that prioritizes employee well-being and reduces stigma.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), work-related stress can significantly impact employee well-being, and managers play a crucial role in mitigating this stress. Implementing supportive workplace policies and practices is essential for addressing mental health concerns among workers.
Here are some strategies organizations can adopt:
- Promote Open Dialogue. Encourage conversations about mental health to normalize these discussions and reduce stigma.
- Provide Access to Resources. Ensure employees are aware of and have access to mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
- Train Leadership. Equip managers with the skills to recognize signs of mental distress and to respond appropriately.
- Model Healthy Behaviors. Leaders should exemplify work-life balance and self-care, demonstrating that it's acceptable to seek help when needed.
By taking these steps, organizations can create a supportive atmosphere that not only benefits individual employees but also enhances overall workplace productivity and morale.
A Final Word on Male Mental Health
Male depression doesn’t always follow a familiar pattern. That makes awareness even more important. When signs are missed or dismissed, the consequences can grow quietly over time, affecting relationships, performance, and overall quality of life.
But that’s starting to change. As more people speak openly about their experiences with mental health, especially online, stigma is beginning to soften. Conversations that once felt off-limits are becoming more common, more honest, and more supported.
For men, that shift matters. And for organizations, families, and communities, there’s an opportunity to reinforce it by creating space for vulnerability, understanding, and real help.
Depression is treatable. Support is available. Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s a turning point.
When you partner with Ulliance, our Life Advisor Consultants are always just a phone call away to teach ways to enhance your work/life balance and increase your happiness. The Ulliance Life Advisor Employee Assistance Program can help employees and employers come closer to a state of total well-being.
Investing in the right EAP or Wellness Program to support your employees will help them and help you. Visit https://ulliance.com/ or call 866-648-8326.
The Ulliance Employee Assistance Program can address the
following issues:
• Stress about work or job performance
• Crisis in the workplace
• Conflict resolution at work or in one’s personal life
• Marital or relationship problems
• Child or elder care concerns
• Financial worries
• Mental health problems
• Alcohol/substance abuse
• Grief
• Interpersonal conflicts
• AND MORE!
References:
Male Depression: Understanding the Issues; Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/male-depression/art-20046216
Men and Mental Health; National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
Men: Don’t Ignore Signs of Depression; Harvard Health Publishing
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/men-dont-ignore-signs-of-depression
What Causes Depression?; Harvard Health Publishing
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression