Common Signs of Distress in Men

Recognizing distress in men isn’t about diagnosing - it’s about noticing changes

Whether a guy is dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness, or any other mental health challenge, there are general signs to pay attention to.

We’ve grouped these signs into six categories:

1. Changes in behavior

  • Avoidance through distractions, such as spending excessive time online, working excessively, or burying himself in tasks
  • Changes in work or daily routines, such as missing deadlines, struggling to focus, appearing disorganized
  • Neglecting responsibilities at work or home that they usually take seriously
  • Increased alcohol or drug use as a way to cope or self-medicate
  • Disengagement from hobbies or interests that once mattered to them
  • Neglecting physical health, fitness, or grooming habits

2. Cognitive signs

  • Difficulty concentrating, like trouble focusing, forgetting details, or zoning out during conversations
  • Struggling to recall important information or complaining of feeling mentally “foggy”
  • Negative thought patterns, such as overthinking, doubting oneself, or feeling stuck in a cycle of worry

3. Changes in mood or attitude

  • Irritability or anger that seems out of proportion
  • Mood swings or becoming quickly frustrated
  • Restlessness or a sense of agitation
  • A “short fuse” or getting into conflicts more easily
  • Difficulty enjoying activities that he used to be interested in, seeming detached from things he once enjoyed
  • Shutting down emotionally, seeming numb or distant

4. Physical signs

  • Muscle tension and aches, such as persistent tightness in shoulders, neck, or back
  • Frequent headaches or unexplained aches and pains
  • Digestive issues, like an upset stomach or nausea
  • Fatigue or sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently, or sleeping too much
  • Changes in appetite, eating noticeably less or more than normal
  • Feeling tired and lacking energy

5. Changes in social life

  • Losing interest in family and friends and avoiding contact with them
  • Feeling like other people don’t understand
  • Withdrawal from social interactions, such as cancelling plans, avoiding conversations, spending more time alone
  • Getting irritated or angry with others
  • Avoiding conversation or seeming unusually quiet, distracted, or disconnected

6. Subtle communication cues

Men may not directly say, “I’m not doing well”, but they might show distress through:

  • Jokes about not being needed or wanting to disappear
  • Self-deprecating comments, often brushed off as humour
  • Statements like, “I’m just tired” or “I’m fine”, even when it’s clearly not true
  • Reluctance to open up, even when given space to do so
  • Cynicism or sarcasm that masks deeper pain
  • A change in tone, such as flatness, sarcasm, or resignation

Trust your gut

Recognizing distress in men isn’t about diagnosing – it’s about noticing changes. You know the men in your life – whether it’s a friend, partner, brother, colleague, or teammate. If something feels off, even if you can’t name it, it’s worth paying attention. Distress in men often hides behind routine, responsibility, or silence.


To conclude Section One, we’ll do a quick knowledge check to understand what these signs might look like in an everyday scenario.