ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: to analyze the Mental Health Literacy of young and aged men living in Brazil in the COVID-19 pandemic context. METHOD: a qualitative study conducted with 87 men by means of an asynchronous online survey. The data were processed in the NVIVO12® software, structured with the Collective Subject Discourse method and analyzed through Anthony Jorm's theoretical concept of Mental Health Literacy. RESULTS: six central ideas emerged from the analysis of a synthesis discourse on the components of the Mental Health Literacy, namely: Ability to recognize specific disorders or different types of psychological distress; Knowledge and beliefs about risk factors and causes; Knowledge and beliefs about self-help interventions; Knowledge and beliefs about available professional help; Attitudes that facilitate recognition and the search for adequate help; and Knowledge on how to seek information on mental health. CONCLUSION: there are differences in the mental health literacy of young and aged men living in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aged men were more competent for mental health care management and protection than young men, in relation to the Mental Health Literacy levels.