Depression is the most common mental health condition in the world. While certain groups of people may have greater risk factors for it, it can affect anyone. There appear to be fewer cases of male depression, but one of the reasons behind that is that fewer men seek help or receive an official diagnosis.
There are many reasons why men don’t always officially get diagnosed with depression. Men are much less likely to seek-out help for mental health difficulties due to social norms, stigma, minimizing symptoms, and reluctance to talk. Other times, men may not fully recognize the signs and symptoms of depression.
Depression can impact everyone differently. But, there are some “hidden” symptoms that you should be aware of if you’re feeling like you might be struggling. Let’s take a look at some of the most common signs of depression and how depression may manifest in men.
Common Signs
Some of the symptoms of depression are the same for men and women. Not everyone experiences them, but they’re some of the most common signs and often the easiest to notice. They include
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Feelings of extreme sadness
- Changes in appetite/weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of enjoyment in usual hobbies and interests
If you notice yourself experiencing any of these, and it is distinctly different from the way you normally feel, depression could be the reason.
There are some signs, however, that mostly affect men when it comes to depression. These can sometimes be harder to spot because they can show up as irritability, isolation, and substance use rather than sadness.
How Does Depression Impact Behavior in Men?
Men can respond differently to certain thoughts and feelings than women. When a man is dealing with depression, he may go through behavioral changes that include acting in (withdrawing inward), acting out (risk taking/destructive behaviors), or becoming angry easily.
Men may also avoid relationships with friends and family, work excessively, and turn to substances like drugs or alcohol to cope with the way they feel. These behavioral response to depression are likely influenced by family rules and expectations, societal norms, or stereotypes of masculinity.
Emotional Changes
Men often experience emotional symptoms of depression, too. They often show up as anger, frustration, or irritability. Men express these emotions differently than women, and it could have to do with the fact that they aren’t as open about when they’re struggling. When men are depressed, they might feel secondary anger, especially if they think it is a weakness to not be in control of their own emotions.
The mind and the body have a strong link. So, while depression causes emotional changes in men, it can also lead to things like a low sex drive and a loss of motivation.
The Dangers of Depression
Depression can be a dangerous disorder for anyone. But, it can often be even more dangerous for men who haven’t received a diagnosis and help.
Because men generally tend to process the emotions of depression differently than women, the results can lead to more risks. As stated above, men can engage in more risky and destructive behaviors when dealing with depression. Thus, they may have more trouble expressing themselves in healthy ways, leading to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Men have higher rates of suicide than women – some 3 to 4 times higher in western cultures. So, helping men become more comfortable acknowledging their feelings, recognizing the signs of depression, and engaging in help-seeking is critical.
If you’re dealing with any of the signs or symptoms listed here, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Depression is more common than most of us realize; can affect anyone regardless of their gender, race, or sexuality; and we need to dispel the false stigma that it represents weakness or inadequacy. Getting help doesn’t make you weak. In fact, it makes you much stronger, more accountable and empowered in coping with life’s events and adversities.
Contact Me
You’re not alone in your struggle. If you’re looking for help, feel free to contact me. Together, we can work through the underlying cause of your depression and work on ways to manage your symptoms. When you learn how to do that, you can find freedom from the turmoil inside your mind, and feel at peace once again in your day-to-day life.
