Have you ever heard about depression in men?
Depression may affect men, women, and people of all gender identities at some time in their life. Depression is a significant mental illness that has an impact on how a person thinks, feels, and acts.
Women appear to experience depression at a greater incidence than males, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it is believed that men are underrepresented in these figures.
This might be due to a combination of social and biological variables that make detecting and diagnosing depression in males more difficult. They may also experience cultural pressure to be “manly” by concealing their feelings.
As a result, males are more likely to suffer from depression, with symptoms that differ and can be difficult to recognize.
If you suspect that you or someone you care about is suffering from depression, keep reading to learn about the signs and symptoms that men may experience, as well as what you can do next.
Physical Symptoms Of Depression In Men
Men suffering from depression may initially experience bodily symptoms. While depression in men is commonly believed to be a mental health issue, it can also present physically.
Many men are more inclined to contact their doctors for physical difficulties than for mental issues, according to Source.
The following are some of the most prevalent physical symptoms of depression in men:
- chest tightness
- digestive problems like gas, diarrhoea, and constipation
- erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems
- headaches
- hormonal issues like low testosterone
- pain
- racing heart, or heart palpitations
- unintended weight loss (and sometimes weight gain)
Mental Symptoms Of Depression In Men
Mental signs of sadness may manifest differently in males than in other genders, making depression more difficult to identify.
These symptoms may impair a person’s ability to think and absorb information, influencing behaviour and emotions.
The following are some of the most prevalent mental symptoms of depression in men:
- inability to concentrate
- memory problems
- obsessive-compulsive thought patterns
- racing thoughts
- sleep issues, usually difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- suicidal thoughts
Emotional Symptoms Of Depression In Men
When most people hear the word “depression,” they envision a person who appears to be depressed. However, sorrow is only one of the numerous feelings that depression may produce.
Men may suffer the following emotional symptoms of depression, in addition to sadness:
- agitation
- aggression
- anger
- emotional withdrawal from friends, family, and colleagues
- hopelessness
- lack of interest in family, community, hobbies, and work
- lack of libido
- Restlessness
Behavioural Signs Of Depression In Men
Depression’s mental, bodily, and emotional symptoms in men can all have an impact on their conduct. Because some men are resistant to communicating their emotions, their behavioural signs of depression are frequently the most visible to others.
The following are the most frequent behavioural signs of depression in men:
- difficulty meeting work, family, and other personal responsibilities
- drug misuse
- drinking alcohol in excess
- indulging in high-risk behaviours, such as reckless driving or unprotected sex
- social isolation
- suicide attempts
Why Can Depression In Men Go Undiagnosed?
While conversations on mental health appear to be broadening in scope and compassion, there is still a significant cultural and societal stigma associated with depression, particularly among males.
In general, males are trained by society to suppress their emotions, even though we know this is unhealthy. Many men’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being may be jeopardised in their efforts to uphold these societal expectations.
Furthermore, many men are never trained to detect the less common indications of sadness that they are more prone to suffer than others.
Some guys seldom seek assistance for depression because they fail to identify the symptoms. On the other side, some men who recognise the indications may be hesitant to disclose their experiences for fear of being judged by others.
As a result, when many men show indications of depression, they begin to work long hours or otherwise spend their time in order to keep active, rather than treating the melancholy itself.
Depression may be diagnosed and treated, which can help save lives. Suicide rates among men are high, especially among those who have served or are currently serving in the military. Men are also three to four times as likely as women to commit suicide.
By continuing to open the dialogue, we can assist males suffering from depression in recognising the symptoms. Men suffering from depression may live their lives to the fullest by getting therapy.
What Are The Current Treatment Options For Depression In Men?
Depression is most commonly treated with conversion therapy, medicines, or a combination of the two. A healthcare expert can assist you in developing a tailored treatment plan that works best for you.
Many men begin treatment for mild depression by making an appointment with a talk therapist (psychotherapist). The therapist may then recommend particular forms of care, such as:
- cognitive behavioural therapy
- interpersonal therapy
- problem-solving therapy
- psychodynamic therapy
- From there, medication may be added if needed.
In more severe cases, however, medication may be recommended immediately once to assist alleviate some of the physical, mental, emotional, and behavioural symptoms of depression. This might be the case for someone who is suicidal or has tried suicide.
Depression is often treated with antidepressants such as paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft). A mental health expert, on the other hand, may recommend different medicines.
Be aware that it might take many weeks to months for these drugs to start making a significant impact on how you feel. Be patient and follow the treatment plan exactly.
When To Seek Help?
If you’re suffering one or more of the following symptoms of depression and it’s interfering with your everyday life, make an appointment to see a mental health counsellor.
Most insurance plans cover such therapy, and treatment is discreet and confidential.
The Takeaway – Depression In Men
While recent discussions on mental health have been more open and inclusive, many men still find it difficult to express their emotions in a culture that maintains traditional beliefs about males.
It can also be difficult to recognise depressive symptoms in males, which are impacted by the same societal influences as well as male genetics.
We can assist pave a road toward better, more inclusive mental healthcare by sharing knowledge about the signs of depression in males.
Depression becomes a far more bearable aspect of the human experience with talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.