Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men
Depression sufferers are less likely to seek treatment, and their symptoms are more difficult to detect than women. Men are socialized to keep their emotions in check and adhere to strict "masculine norms" which makes it difficult to express their feelings.
Encourage your male friend or family member who is suffering from depression to seek treatment. Here are a few signs of depression among men:
1. Loss of interest in activities
An abrupt disappearance of interest in things that usually make you feel happy could be an indication of depression. You might notice that you're not interested in certain hobbies, feel tired often, or are experiencing sleep disturbances.
It's natural for your interests to change over time. If you're not able to enjoy any type of activity, then it's crucial to seek assistance. Depression can alter your appetite and make it difficult to eat and may even cause weight loss or an increase.
Men are more likely to conceal their emotions more than women, and may not be aware of signs of depression. They are also less likely to seek treatment because of the stigma associated with it. If you observe your male relative or family member showing these symptoms, it's crucial to encourage him to visit his GP to get a diagnosis and treatment.
While depression can strike at any age for both genders however, it is more common during midlife. This might be due to several factors, such as changing physical or mental health, life changes, and relationships stressors. Men are more likely to experience feelings of sadness, failure, and grief in response to disappointments.
They might then drink heavily or abuse drugs, or gamble regularly to deal with their emotions. This can lead to physical problems like headaches, back pain and digestive issues as well as emotional ones such as irritability and anger. It can also lead to reckless behavior like pursuing dangerous sports or driving recklessly. Men can also be aggressive or abusive to cover or manage their emotions. This is known as toxic masculinity and can be a warning indication of depression.
2. Difficulty concentrating
If you observe that someone you know is having difficulty in concentrating or seems to be easily distracted, it could be an indication of depression. Alongside causing difficulties in retaining and learning as well, depression can affect how people interact with one another and, as a result, they might be less able to express themselves in a healthy way or be able to listen to others' needs.
Men are typically more reluctant to seek help for depression than women, and this can be due to a number of factors. Men may cover up depression symptoms through aggressive behavior or alcohol and drugs, due to cultural expectations that men should be able control their emotions. Men are often uncomfortable speaking about their feelings. This can also delay treatment.
Psychologists and other mental health professionals treat both types of depression equally despite the fact men may have different symptoms than women. However as the awareness of differences in depression symptoms for men rises and psychologists are becoming more aware of this, they are segregating their research and treatment efforts to account for gender-specific symptoms.
Men are at a higher risk of post-trauma depression disorders (such as illnesses, injuries, the loss of a loved or fighting) and, consequently, require more attention and specialized treatment. Also, since men are more likely to suffer from physical traumas, they're more at chance of developing depression in response to those events.
Anyone who is concerned that someone close to them suffers from depression should urge them to reach to a professional for help. It's also important to note that the longer depression is untreated, the more severe and damaging it could be.
3. Anxiety
People who suffer from depression may also experience anxiety. They may feel that they are unable to control their emotions, and may feel they may feel that there is something wrong with them. Often, this can be a sign that they are contemplating suicide. It is crucial to seek immediate help if someone you know is experiencing this. You can reach an emergency counselor by calling 911, the emergency number or texting TALK 741741.
Every person experiences anxiety at some point in their lives. If your symptoms continue to linger and are hindering your daily activities you should seek assistance. A doctor is able prescribe medications or other treatments to help manage your symptoms.
Some people may be unable to identify depression in men since the symptoms and signs are different from those experienced by women. For example women may experience sadness and feelings of despair, while men may become angry or irritable. Men are also more likely than women to use alcohol or drugs to manage their symptoms. This is due to the fact that men frequently attempt to cover up their depression by adhering to gender stereotypes.
It is crucial to recognize the signs of depression in men in order to seek help. While recent discussions on mental health are more inclusive and open than ever before, it's still difficult for many males to openly discuss their feelings in a society that promotes traditional views of masculinity. This can make men less likely to seek help, which is why primary care doctors only treat depression in males approximately half as often as in females.
4. Feelings of despair
People may feel helpless because they do not have a good sense of how to improve and, often, they don't seek help. This is a typical way to deal with the issue, but it can be harmful in the long run. As long as a person continues without seeking treatment, the symptoms will get worse. Depression can affect every aspect of a person's life, including relationships, work and health.
Men who feel hopeless are more likely to have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you have a friend or relative who is suffering from these thoughts, speak to him in a non-judgmental environment and offer your assistance. You can also encourage him to reach out for help from an expert in mental health or any other reliable source. You could also connect him with men's support groups or call a suicide crisis hotline.
In general, it's easier for women to open to emotional issues than men, which could be why depression in males is underdiagnosed. Many men think that seeking help for mental health is not "manly." Others are concerned that they will be treated differently by colleagues or close friends if they do.
Men with depression may also experience physical symptoms, like headaches, aches and stomach pains or digestive issues. These symptoms could be a sign of depression, or a different health issue such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Consult your physician if these symptoms persist. He might suggest medications as well as counseling or other treatments to alleviate symptoms and treat depression. Some of these treatments include electroconvulsive therapies (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation. He might also suggest lifestyle modifications like sleep changes, exercise and healthy eating habits.
5. Anger
A man who gets angry easily, is short-tempered or angry could be suffering from depression. This can manifest in a variety of ways including road rage, to anger-filled outbursts at work or home. Men suffering from depression may have trouble controlling their anger and agitation. This could lead to substance abuse and family problems as well as a failure to carry out everyday tasks.
While depression can be a problem for anyone, it's more common in men in their mid-life. This is due to a variety of reasons like physical and health changes, stress in relationships, and challenges in the workplace. Men are also affected by traumatic incidents like combat in the military, childhood trauma or an natural disaster.
People who are depressed have an internalized worldview, which can lead to an inability to feel empathy for other people as well as an increase in aggression and irritability. People who are depressed might have a lower sexual libido or a sense of discontent with their sexual relationships.
Researchers have found that there is a wide range of differences between men's ways to experience depression and anger. In fact, one study revealed that latent classes were formed that differentiated men by their level of internalized depressive symptoms and externalized anger.
Men suffering from depression can benefit by identifying the negative thought patterns that fuel their anger, and then re-examining them. By post natal depression symptoms -examining and challenging these negative beliefs, one can take responsibility for his own actions and behaviour instead of feeling helpless or resentful of the way people treat him. This can also help alleviate depression symptoms by allowing a man to have a more balanced view of the world. Talk therapy is a great way to begin this process. Experts suggest that even the most skeptical men can experience relief by expressing their feelings to a therapist.