Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men with depression are less likely to seek treatment and their symptoms are more difficult to recognize than women. Men are conditioned by society to suppress their emotions and adhere to "masculine norms" which can make it difficult for them to express their feelings.
If you observe a male friend or family member struggling with depression, you must urge them to seek treatment. Here are some symptoms and signs of depression for males:
1. Loss of interest in activities
A sudden loss of interest in activities that normally make you happy can be an indication that depression is present. You might notice that you're not interested in certain hobbies or activities, feel tired frequently, or have disturbed sleep.
It's normal for your interests to change with time, but if you're unable to find enjoyment in any kind of activity, it's crucial to seek help. Depression can influence your appetite, making it difficult to eat, and may even cause weight loss or gain.
Men, unlike women, tend to conceal their emotions more and may not be aware of signs of depression. The stigma attached to mental health makes them less likely to seek treatment. If you see your male friend or family member is showing these symptoms, it's crucial to encourage him to see his GP to get a diagnosis and treatment.
Both genders can experience depression at any time, it usually peaks in mid-life. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as changes in physical or mental health conditions. It could also be due stressors in relationships. Men are more likely to experience feelings of sadness, disappointment, and grief in response to disappointments.
They may then drink excessively and abuse drugs or gamble compulsively to cope with their emotions. This can lead to physical issues like back pain, headaches and digestive issues as well as emotional issues like irritability or anger. It can also lead to reckless behavior such as pursuing dangerous sports or driving recklessly. It is also common for males to become aggressive or abusive as a way of hiding or expressing their feelings. This is referred to as toxic masculinity, and can be a warning indicator of depression.
2. It is difficult to concentrate
If you observe that someone you know is having difficulty staying focused or is easily distracted, this could be an indication of depression. In addition to causing difficulties in retaining information and learning and affecting how people interact with one another and, as a result, they might be less able to communicate in a healthy way or to be attentive to the needs of others.
Men are often more hesitant to seek help for depression than women, and this can be due to a number of factors. Men may cover up depression symptoms with an aggressive attitude or drinking alcohol and drugs due to the cultural expectations that men must be able to control their emotions. Men often feel uncomfortable talking about their emotions. This can also hinder treatment.
Psychologists and other mental health professionals treat both forms of depression equally despite the fact men can have very different symptoms than women. However, as awareness of the differences in depression signs for men increases, more and more psychologists are segregating their treatment and research efforts to account for gender-specific symptoms.
For instance, men's increased likelihood of developing post-traumatic depression (such as injuries, illness, loss of a loved one or fighting) may require specific attention and more intense care than women who experience similar trauma. Men are more likely than women to experience physical traumas. This puts them at a higher risk of depression as a result.
Anyone who is worried that a person close to him or her is suffering from depression should encourage them to seek out professional help. It's also important to note that the longer depression goes untreated, the more severe and damaging it is.
3. Anxiety
People who suffer from depression may also become very anxious. This is because they might be unable to control their emotions, and are likely to feel like there's something wrong with them. This is often a sign that they're thinking about suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing this, it is very crucial that you seek assistance immediately. You can contact a crisis counselor by calling 911, the emergency number or texting TALK 741 1741.
Every person experiences anxiety at some moment in their lives. However, if your symptoms continue to linger and are hindering your daily activities it is recommended that you seek help. postnatal depression symptoms can prescribe medication or other treatments to help manage your symptoms.
It can be difficult to recognise depression in males, as the symptoms and signs are different from the women's symptoms. For instance, a woman may express sadness and feelings of hopelessness, while men may become angry or frustrated. Men are also more likely than women to turn to drugs and alcohol to treat their symptoms. This is because men often attempt to hide their depression to adhere to gender stereotypes.
It is important to recognize the signs of depression in men in order to seek assistance. While recent discussions on mental health have been more inclusive and open, it is still challenging for men to talk about their feelings in a society that is based on traditional notions of masculinity. This could make men less likely to seek treatment which is a major reason why primary care physicians miss depression in males half as often as they do with women.
4. Feelings of despair
The men may feel helpless when they don't know how to make improvements and they don't seek assistance. This is a typical coping strategy however it could be damaging in the long term. The longer a person goes without seeking treatment, the symptoms will become more severe. Depression can affect every aspect of a person's life including relationships, work, and health.
People who are depressed are more likely to have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you know someone in your family who is struggling with these thoughts, try to talk with him in a judgment-free setting and offer help. You can also encourage him or her to seek help from a mental health professional or other trusted source. You could also refer him to a men's support group or call the suicide crisis hotline.
In general, it is easier for women to speak about their emotional struggles than men, which may be the reason why depression in males isn't being recognized as a problem. Some men believe that seeking treatment for mental health issues is not "manly." Others worry that they may be treated differently by colleagues or close family members if they do.
Apart from feeling depressed, those who suffer from depression may be afflicted by physical symptoms, such as headaches, aches and pains or digestive problems. These symptoms could be an indication of depression, or a symptom of a different health issue, like diabetes or heart disease. If these symptoms persist, it is important to consult with a doctor. He may suggest medications, counseling or other treatments to alleviate symptoms and manage depression. Some of these treatments include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation. He may also recommend lifestyle changes such as exercise, sleeping changes and healthy eating habits.
5. Anger
A man who gets angry easily, is short-tempered or angry could be suffering from depression. This can be seen in various ways from road rage to angry outbursts at work or home. Men with depression may find it difficult to manage anger and agitation, which can lead to substance abuse and family issues, as well as the inability to complete everyday tasks.
While depression can be experienced by anyone, it's more prevalent in those who are in their midlife. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as physical and health changes, relationship stress, and career challenges. Men can also be affected by traumatic events like combat in the military, childhood trauma or natural disasters.
Men who have depression often have an internalized view of the world, which can result in feelings of ineptitude towards other people and an increase in aggression and anger. This can also affect sexual life, with those who are depressed often reporting diminished libido, or feelings of discontent with their sexual lives.
Researchers have found that males have a variety of emotions that include depression and anger. In fact, one study revealed that latent classes were formed that distinguished men based on their depressive levels internalized symptoms and externalized anger.
Men who are suffering from depression may benefit from identifying the negative thoughts that drive their anger and re-examining those thinking patterns. By challenging and exploring the negative beliefs that drive them, men can begin to take control of their actions and behaviors, instead of feeling helpless and being a victim of others. This can help reduce the symptoms of depression by allowing a man to have a more balanced view of the world. Talk therapy is a great method to start this process. Experts suggest that even the most skeptical men may feel better after communicating their feelings to the therapist.