Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men who suffer from depression may be less likely to seek treatment and their symptoms can be harder to spot than in women. This is because men are socialized to hold in their emotions and conform to "masculine" norms that can make men feel less comfortable talking about their feelings.
If you notice a male friend or family member who is suffering from depression, it's crucial to encourage them to seek treatment. Here are some indicators of depression among men:
1. Loss of interest in the activities
Sudden loss of interest in activities that usually make you happy could be an indication of depression. You may notice that you are no longer engaged in certain activities, feel tired often, or have disturbed sleep.
It's normal for your interests to change over time. If you're unable to engage in any kind of activity, it is crucial to seek help. Depression can influence your appetite, making it difficult to eat, and can even cause weight loss or an increase.
Unlike women, men tend to hide their emotions more frequently and may not be aware of the symptoms of depression. They are less likely to seek out mental health treatment due to the stigma that surrounds it. If you observe your male friend or family member displaying these signs, it's important to encourage him to visit his GP to get a diagnosis and treatment.
Both genders can be affected by depression at any time but it typically peak around the middle of life. This could be due to several factors, such as changes in physical or health conditions or life changes, as well as relationship stressors. Men are more likely to repress emotions such as sadness, disappointment and grief after experiencing disappointment.
As a result they may cope with their emotions through drinking excessively, consuming substances or gambling regularly. This can cause physical ailments like back pain, headaches, and digestive problems as well as emotional issues such as anger or anger. It can also lead to reckless behavior like pursuing dangerous sports or driving recklessly. Men may also become aggressive or abusive to hide or deal with their feelings. This is a sign of toxic masculinity and it could be an indication of depression.
2. Trouble concentrating
If you notice that someone you know is having difficulty in concentrating or seems to be easily distracted, it could be a sign of depression. Depression can alter the way someone interacts with other people. They may not be able to pay attention to their needs or express themselves well.
Men are often more hesitant to seek help for depression than women, and this may be due to a variety of reasons. Cultural expectations that men are expected to be able to manage their emotions, for instance they may mask depression symptoms by acting violently or using alcohol and/or drugs as unhealthy ways to manage. It is also normal for men to be uneasy discussing their feelings which could lead to delays in treatment.
signs and symptoms of postnatal depression 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 signs for men rises and psychologists are becoming more aware of this, they are dissociating their treatment and research efforts to take into account gender-specific symptoms.
Men are at greater risk of post-trauma depression disorders (such as injuries, illnesses or the loss of a loved, or even combat), and therefore require greater attention and intensive treatment. Also, since men are more likely to suffer from physical traumas, they are at a higher risk of developing depression due to those events.
Anyone who is worried that someone close to him or her is suffering from depression should encourage them to seek professional help. It's important to remember that the longer depression goes untreated, the more severe and damaging it is.
3. Anxiety
Men who suffer from depression are also likely to be anxious. This is because they may be unable to control their emotions and are more likely to believe that there is something wrong with them. This is often a sign that they are thinking about suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing this, it's important that you seek help immediately. This can be done by calling 911 or the local emergency number, or by texting TALK to 741741 to connect with the crisis counselor.
Although everyone is susceptible to anxiety from time the other, it is essential to seek assistance if your symptoms are persistent and are affecting your daily routine. A doctor may prescribe medication or other treatments to ease your symptoms.
It can be difficult to recognize depression in men because the symptoms and signs are different than those experienced by women. For example women may experience sadness and feelings of hopelessness and men might become angry or irritable. Men are more likely than women to turn to alcohol or drugs to deal with their symptoms. This is because men often try to mask their depression by adhering to gender stereotypes.
It is important that people are aware of the signs of depression in men so that they can seek assistance. Although recent discussions about mental health are more open and inclusive than ever before, it's still difficult for many males to openly discuss their feelings in a society that is based on traditional notions of masculinity. This can make men less likely to seek treatment which is a major reason why primary care physicians are unable to detect depression in males half as often as they do in women.
4. Feelings of despair
Men may feel hopeless because they do not have a clear idea of how to improve and, often, they don't seek help. This is a common method to deal with the issue, but it can be detrimental in the long term. The longer a person goes without seeking treatment, the more severe his symptoms will become. Depression can affect all aspects of a person's life, such as work, relationships, and health.
People who are depressed are more likely to have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you know someone who is experiencing these thoughts, talk to him in a non-judgmental way and offer your help. You can also suggest to your friend to seek assistance from a mental health professional or another trusted source. You can also try to connect him with a men's support group or contact the suicide crisis hotline.
It is usually easier for women than for men to discuss their emotional concerns and this could be the reason why depression is underdiagnosed in males. Some men believe that seeking mental health care is not "manly." Others may worry that they will be treated differently by their coworkers or their friends if they seek help.
People with depression can also have physical symptoms such as headaches, aches, stomach pains or digestive issues. These symptoms may be a sign of depression, or a different health condition like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Consult your physician if these symptoms persist. The doctor may suggest medication as well as counseling or other treatments to ease symptoms and treat the depression. Some of treatments include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation. He might also suggest lifestyle modifications like exercising, changes in sleeping patterns and healthy eating habits.
5. Anger
A person who is easily angry or irritable may be suffering from depression. This can be evident in a variety of ways from road rage to angry outbursts in the workplace or at home. Men suffering from depression may have trouble controlling their anger and agitation. This can result in substance abuse and family problems and a lack of ability to carry out everyday tasks.
Although depression can affect anyone in any age group, depression in men is more prevalent in the middle of life due to a variety of factors, including health and physical changes, stress in relationships and challenges in the workplace. Men are also affected by trauma-related events such as combat in the military, childhood trauma or a natural disaster.
Men with depression have an internalized view of the world, which can lead to feelings of ineptitude towards others, as well as an increase in aggression and anger. Men who are depressed may also experience a decrease in sexual desire, or a sense of discontent in their sex life.
Researchers have found that there is a variety in the way men feel about anger and depression. In fact, one study showed that men were categorized into latent classes based on their level of externalized depressive symptoms and internalized anger.
Men suffering from depression may benefit from finding the negative thoughts patterns that fuel their anger, and then re-examining them. By challenging and examining these negative beliefs, men can begin to take control of their actions and behaviors instead of feeling powerless and being a victim of others. This can also help to develop an unbiased perspective and help to reduce depression symptoms. Talk therapy can be an ideal way to begin this process. Experts suggest that even the most sceptical men can feel relief by communicating their feelings to an counselor.