Men often go undetected. Why is this?
To answer this question, the Men's Health Portal of the German Federal Institute of Public Health stated that mental illness is less commonly diagnosed in men than in women. This isn't because men are less affected by mental illness than women, but rather because they visit a psychiatrist less often.
The portal explained that dealing with mental health problems remains difficult for many men, as they tend not to acknowledge suffering from a mental illness.
Addictive Behaviors
Men often cope with mental illness through anger outbursts, increased risk-taking, excessive exercise, and addictive behaviors such as increased alcohol and nicotine consumption.
The portal emphasized the importance of consulting a psychiatrist if these behaviors are observed, in order to receive timely psychological treatment, especially if these behaviors are accompanied by symptoms such as hopelessness, a loss of self-worth and value for life, and thoughts of self-harm, such as suicidal ideation.
Psychotherapy
These symptoms can be addressed through psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients change their negative outlook on life and teaches them helpful strategies for coping with stress and psychological pressures.
In some cases, medication, such as antidepressants, may also be used.