Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men who suffer from depression may be less likely to seek treatment, and their symptoms are often more difficult to recognize than women. Men are socialized to suppress their emotions and adhere strictly to "masculine norms", which can make it difficult to express their emotions.
If you notice a male friend or family member struggling with depression, it's important to encourage them to get treatment. Here are some signs of depression for males:
1. Loss of interest
Sudden disappearance of interest in things that usually make you happy could be a sign of depression. It could be that you no longer enjoy certain activities, you feel fatigued often or sleep is disturbed.
It's normal for your interests to change in time. But, if you're not able to enjoy any activity, then it's crucial to seek assistance. Depression can affect your appetite and make it difficult to consume food. It can also lead to weight gain or loss.
Men tend to hide emotions more than women and might not even be aware of the signs of depression. The stigma associated with mental health makes men less likely to seek treatment. If you see your male relative or family member showing these signs, it's important to encourage him to visit his GP for diagnosis and treatment.
Although depression can strike at any age for both women and men but it is most prevalent during midlife. This could be due several factors, such as changing health or physical conditions or life changes, as well as relationships stressors. Men tend to be more likely to internalize feelings such as sadness, failure and grief when they experience disappointment.
In the end they may cope with these feelings through drinking excessively, consuming drugs or gambling compulsively. This can lead to physical problems such as headaches, back pain, and digestive issues as well as emotional issues like irritability or anger. This can cause men to engage in reckless behaviors, such as engaging in dangerous sports or driving in reckless manners. Men can also be aggressive or abusive to hide or manage their emotions. This is toxic masculinity, and it can be an indication of depression.
2. Trouble concentrating
If you're finding that someone in your life is struggling to concentrate or is easily distracted it could be a sign of depression. Alongside causing difficulties in retaining information and learning as well, depression can affect how someone interacts with others and, as a result, they might be less able to communicate in a healthy manner or 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 reasons. A belief system that says men are expected to be able to manage their emotions, for instance they may cover up depression symptoms by acting aggressively or using alcohol and drugs to manage. It is also normal for men to be uneasy discussing their feelings which can further contribute to delays in treatment.
Psychologists and other mental health professionals treat both forms of depression equally despite the fact men may have different symptoms than women. However as awareness of the differences in depression signs for men rises and psychologists are becoming more aware of this, they are separating their treatment and research efforts to consider gender-specific symptoms.
For instance, men's increased chance of suffering from post-traumatic depression (such as illness, injury, loss of a loved one or fighting) might require specialized attention and more intensive treatment than women who experience similar trauma. In addition, since men are more likely to experience physical traumas, they are at a higher chance of developing depression in response to those events.
Anyone who is concerned that someone close to him or him or her is suffering from depression, should encourage them to seek professional help. It's important to remember that the longer depression is left untreated, the worse it can become.
3. Anxiety
Men who are depressed can also be extremely anxious. They may feel that they are unable to control emotions and they may feel that something is wrong with them. This is often an indication that they are thinking about suicide. It is important to seek urgent help if someone you care about is experiencing this. You can contact a crisis counselor by dialing 911, or the local emergency number or texting TALK at 741741.
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives. However, if your symptoms persist and are affecting your daily routine it is recommended that you seek help. A doctor may prescribe medication or other treatments to help manage your symptoms.
It can be difficult for people to recognise depression in males because the signs and symptoms are different from the women's symptoms. Men can be angry or angry, whereas women might feel depressed and feel depressed. Men are also more likely than women to turn to drugs and alcohol to manage their symptoms. This is because men often attempt to cover up their depression to adhere to gender stereotypes.
It is crucial 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 promotes traditional views of masculinity. This can make men less likely to seek help, which is the reason 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 don't have a good sense of how to get better and often do not seek help. This is a typical coping strategy however it can be damaging in the long run. The longer a person goes without seeking treatment, the more severe his symptoms will become. Depression can affect every aspect of life, including work, relationships and health.
People who are feeling despair are at risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. If you have a friend or family member who is having these thoughts, try talking with him in a judgment-free environment and offer support. You can also encourage him to seek assistance from a mental health professional or another trusted source. You could also refer him to a group for men or contact the suicide crisis hotline.
It is generally more comfortable for women than men to discuss emotional issues which is one reason depression isn't being diagnosed in males. Some men believe that seeking help for mental health isn't "manly." Others worry that they might be treated differently by coworkers or close friends when they seek treatment.
Men who are depressed may also suffer from physical symptoms, like headaches, aches and pains, or digestive problems. These symptoms could be an indication of depression, or a sign of another health condition, such as heart disease or diabetes. Consult your physician if these symptoms persist. He may recommend medications, counseling or alternative treatments to reduce symptoms and treat the depression. Some of treatments include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation. He might also suggest changes in lifestyle such as exercises, sleep changes and healthy eating habits.
5. Anger
Anyone who is easily angry, short-tempered, or angry may be suffering from depression. This can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from road-rage to angry outbursts both at home and at work. Men with depression may have trouble controlling their anger and anxiety. This could cause addiction and family issues as well as an inability to carry out everyday tasks.
Although depression can be experienced by anyone, it's more prevalent among those who are in their midlife. This is due to many factors including physical and health changes, stress in relationships, and job-related challenges. It's also believed that traumatizing experiences such as combat in the military, childhood trauma, or witnessing a disaster could trigger depression in males.
Depression sufferers have an internalized worldview, which can cause an inability to feel empathy for others as well as increased anger and anger. Men who are depressed may also report a decreased libido, or a sense of discontent with their sexual relationships.
Researchers have discovered that there is a lot of variation between men's ways to experience depression and anger. In fact, a study found that men were classified into latent classes based on the level of internalized depressive and externalized anger.
symptoms of depression for men who are suffering from depression may benefit from identifying the negative thoughts that fuel their anger and re-examining those thought patterns. By re-examining and challenging these negative beliefs, a person can take responsibility for his own behavior and actions, rather than feeling helpless or depressed by the way others treat him. This can also help reduce depression symptoms by allowing a man to have a more balanced view of the world. Talk therapy can be a great method to start this process. Experts suggest that even the most sceptical men can feel relief by communicating their feelings to a therapy.