Men's mental health: Why men seek help less often

In Finland, 6,132 people died by suicide between 2016 and 2023. Of these, 4,602 were men and 1,530 women: the male suicide rate is three times the female rate (Partonen et al. 2024, Psychiatria Fennica). Finland's suicide rates have declined since the 1990s but remain above the EU average (State of Health in the EU: Finland 2023).

This article addresses why men seek help less often, how anxiety and depression present differently in men, and what can be done if you or someone close is struggling.

Behind the statistics

There is a connection between male suicide rates and help-seeking, but not a straightforward one. Mental health prevalence in men is not significantly lower than in women, but men have markedly fewer diagnoses, therapy visits, and uses of Kela rehabilitative psychotherapy.

Finland's National Mental Health Strategy 2020–2030 names men's help-seeking threshold as a priority area (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health). Finnish society has done significant work to be open about mental health, which has reduced shame.

Why men seek help less often

Research and clinical experience identify several factors:

Masculinity norms where "enduring", "going it alone", and "invulnerability" are ideals. Asking for help can feel like weakness. Lack of emotional vocabulary, men have traditionally been raised to recognise anger but not sadness, shame, or fear as precisely. Fear of being labelled at work or socially. Internal "I should be able to handle this" message that prevents reaching out. Practical barriers: occupational health doesn't always feel like the right place, calling a health centre is a high threshold, and information about where help is available isn't always at hand.

How depression and anxiety appear in men

The classic image of depression (sadness, crying, withdrawal) doesn't always match men's reality. In men depression often appears as:

Irritability and anger, not always associated with depression. Increased substance use: alcohol, cannabis, gambling: as an attempt to numb feelings. Burying oneself in work that fills all space and leaves no room for emotion. Physical symptoms: headache, back pain, gut symptoms without organic cause. Risk-taking: in traffic, finances, relationships. Withdrawal from relationships without visible sadness.

This different symptom profile is one reason depression in men goes unrecognised, both by themselves and those around them.

What help is available

Finnish healthcare has few services targeted specifically at men, but general services serve everyone well:

Your own health centre is always the first possible contact. The therapy guarantee, an objective of the national mental health strategy, aims for short psychotherapeutic or psychosocial treatment within a month of need being identified, though implementation varies by region. Occupational health offers quick assessment and brief intervention. The MIELI crisis line (09 2525 0111, 24/7) is confidential and anonymous: calling commits you to nothing.

Miesten Kriisikeskus and Miessakit ry offer male-targeted support. Sekasin chat (sekasin247.fi) is for young people and young adults, lowering the threshold of first contact.

What to do if a man close to you withdraws

A direct question is often more useful than vague worry. "I've noticed you seem tired lately: how are you really?" gives space to answer if the other wants to talk. Don't demand an answer immediately.

A concrete suggestion is often more effective than "get help". "Could you call occupational health tomorrow?" or "I can come with you" helps cross the first threshold.

Don't interpret irritability or withdrawal as personal rejection. It may be a symptom.

Where to get help

In acute crises, MIELI crisis line 09 2525 0111 (24/7) or 112. Your own health centre for assessment and the therapy guarantee. Occupational health for working people. Sekasin chat (sekasin247.fi) for anonymous conversation. Miessakit ry (miessakit.fi) for male-focused peer activities. Kela's provider registry to find rehabilitative psychotherapy.

Sources

• Partonen et al.: Deaths from Suicide in Finland 2016–2023
• State of Health in the EU: Finland Country Profile 2023
• Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
• Sekasin chat
• Miessakit ry

Where to find a therapist

You can look for a therapist in several places:

• Search services run by the Finnish Psychological Association (Psykologiliitto) and professional bodies.
• Kela's service provider search, if you are applying for rehabilitative psychotherapy (only Kela-approved therapists qualify for reimbursement).
• The Valitse Terapia service and other directories.
• Your own health centre, occupational health service or student health service (YTHS), which can refer you onward.

You can contact several therapists and see with whom the collaboration feels natural.