Does Mental Illness Affect Men Differently Than Women? [Poll]

According to professionals, mental illness affects men at the same rates it does women, though it may affect men differently. About half of the total population will struggle with mental health issues at some point in their lives. Whether it be depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or another condition, mental illness is a genuine and widespread occurrence.

The Effect of Mental Health on Men vs. Women

There are critical differences in how men and women are affected by mental illness. Men and women are prone to be diagnosed with different disorders. While women are more commonly diagnosed with symptoms of depression and anxiety, the rate of addictive disorders is twice as common among men.

Men are more often diagnosed with an antisocial disorder, and women are more commonly diagnosed with illnesses related to a history of trauma or violence. It’s believed that this is largely the result of social stereotypes and socioeconomic disparities.

It’s difficult to determine hard numbers regarding mental health disorders, as doctors rely almost exclusively on the method of self-reporting. About only 2 out of every 5 people struggling will ever seek help from a professional.

Social Norms and Symptoms

It’s believed that men are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders in silence. Women generally express the presence of symptoms to doctors if they are asked about them.  Another way that mental illness affects men differently than women is the manifestation of symptoms.

Women most often report psychological symptoms of a mental health disorder, such as feelings of depression or loss of interest in things that were once important to them. Men are more likely to discuss physical symptoms associated with mental health, such as frequent aches and pains or excessive fatigue.

What Has Been Your Experience with Mental Health?

Men and women, we want to hear from you. How has mental health affected you, and have you seen the above reports to be proven true in your own personal experience?