Recognizing Depression Symptoms in Men

Many men have difficulty to express their emotions, even though the conversation about mental health has become more open and compassionate. They can miss depression symptoms, whether they're their own or a friend's.

Fortunately depression in men can be treated with counseling, medication, or lifestyle adjustments. NYU Langone's team of experts in psychology gives an overview of depression symptoms of major depressive disorder that men typically experience and provides tips on how to seek treatment.

1. Loss of interest in the activities

Men who suffer from depression often experience a lack of enjoyment in the things they normally enjoy. They might also notice losing interest in their work and social relationships. In the end, men who have depression are less likely to seek assistance for the condition than women. This is due to a range of factors including the belief that "man should be able" to "tough out" the condition as well as the belief that depression is a sign weakness. Men are more open about their experiences with depression, which helps to reduce the stigma and encourages others to seek out help.

Men are likely to express anger and aggression more than women who experience depression as feelings like sadness or hopelessness. This is due to cultural pressures that men believe to be tough. They may hide their emotions or use harmful methods of coping such as alcohol and drugs. People who are depressed may also have trouble expressing their grief and loss.

This is why it is often difficult for friends and family members to realize that a man is suffering from depression, especially when the symptoms appear differently than women. Men with depression can be anxious, withdrawn, or experience changes in their sleeping patterns and appetite. Men who are depressed may also feel physical pain or other bodily sensations, which may make it difficult to express their emotions.

In addition to the feeling of being bored in everyday activities, those who suffer from depression are at greater chance of experiencing issues such as sexual dysfunction and other issues. As a result, it is crucial for anyone who suspects they are depressed to see a medical professional immediately.

The recognition and treatment of depression can affect the quality of life of a man. Early treatment can prevent symptoms of moderate depression from becoming worse and improve communication at home and at work. In addition to medication, counseling with a trained mental health professional is beneficial in treating depression.

2. Anger or aggression

People with depression usually have a hard time expressing their emotions, and the symptoms they experience are different from those of women. For instance men may be angry and irritable, and may even lash out at people while another may be constantly anxious or restless. Men may have difficulty recognizing their emotional or behavioral changes especially if they're in denial.

Depression can trigger physical issues as well, such as a loss of appetite, sleep disorders, and pains throughout the body. In certain instances, these problems can be the result of an underlying condition like an undiagnosed chronic back or headache.

The symptoms of depression may also manifest as anger or aggression, which is a common manifestation in men. This may occur when they are provoked by an unpleasant memory or feeling, such as a failure at work, a fight with a loved one, or the death of a loved one. They might feel as if they are being attacked or that their life is in danger.

Men may misinterpret symptoms of depression in youth of depression in their own lives, like an inclination to be angry, or they may think that expressing emotions is not manly. Some men may try to hide depression by engaging in unhealthy behavior such as drinking excessively or focussing on work. These activities temporarily lessen the pain, but they ultimately make it worse.

Men who are depressed should discuss with someone in their family or friends about their feelings. They should also seek help in the event that they think they're showing any of the warning indicators.

Depression is a serious condition that can result in suicide among those not receiving treatment. In Australia, around 7 people commit suicide each day. This is because a lot of people are not receiving the medical care they require.

It is important to know the symptoms of depression to be able to look out for them in themselves and their family members and friends. Early intervention can help prevent depression from getting out of control. Treatment or antidepressant medications can be used to treat depression.

3. Feelings of hopelessness

Depression can cause a person to feel like they are hopeless, and that life isn't worth living. These feelings can be so strong that they lead to thoughts of suicide which is one of the most common causes of death in men. Although it is a serious illness, there are steps that can be taken to make people feel better and live longer. Recognizing depression in yourself or others is the first step.

Many people, including prominent athletes and politicians are now talking openly about their struggles with depression which has helped reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The more people know about the warning symptoms of depression in men, the easier it will be to identify these signs and seek treatment if needed.

It's important to keep in mind that although feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts are commonly associated with depression, it's not a definitive indicator of the disease. It is possible for a male to be depressed but not have suicidal thoughts. Men can also experience feelings of despair as a result of other medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease or cancer.

Despite this, it's still common for men to ignore or deny symptoms of depression because they believe they're not "real." This is largely due to the expectation that men should be in control of their emotions and refrain from expressing them. This can mask the symptoms of depression in men who utilize unhealthy coping strategies such as drinking or using drugs.

A range of physical symptoms may be signs of depression, like headaches, digestive problems or chronic pain. Insomnia, irritability and fatigue are also typical. Men with depression may have trouble focusing on their personal or work relationships. They might also be less interested in sexual relationships, and more prone to suffer sexual problems. This could be a side-effect of antidepressants in particular.

Men who are concerned about a loved one's health need to talk to them about their feelings, but in a non-judgmental space. Encourage them to think about therapy that can help reduce depression and improve mood. If they're hesitant about speaking to counsellors or therapist, they can try online therapy with BetterHelp which can match them with an accredited therapy therapist in just 48 hours.

4. Physical symptoms

When we think of depression, we typically imagine someone who seems very sad. However, sadness is only one of the many signs of mental health problems that can come with depression. Other mild signs of depression include irritability and feelings of hopelessness. Many of these symptoms can be related to physical ailments like headaches and aches or weight changes, as well as insomnia. In addition, some people with depression might experience problems with their sex drive. It is important that you discuss your emotional and physical symptoms with your doctor to be able to diagnose.

Men are less likely to discuss their feelings than women, making it harder for them to get treatment. In the end, they tend to minimize or dismiss depression symptoms. If you suspect that a male family member or friend is depressed, offer him support and encourage them to seek treatment. It is also essential to remind that depression is a medical condition and that it won't get better on its own. People often believe that asking for help is not manly and that they should be able to manage their depression on their own.

Depression can affect someone's work, home life, and social interactions. It can cause problems with relationships and even job loss. In extreme instances, it may lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Depression can be treated with therapy, medication or a combination.

Inpatient or partial hospitalization for psychiatric treatment for men who are severely depressed, at risk for hurting themselves or others, or who are unable to take care of themselves at home, it might be necessary to undergo inpatient or partial hospital psychiatric treatment. This type of treatment provides 24/7 psychiatric treatment under the supervision of a clinical specialist. This could include individual, group or family counseling, as along with medical services like blood tests and X-rays.

Depression is a serious illness that can last for a long time and cause harmful effects if it is not treated. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to seek assistance as quickly as possible. You are not in any way a failure or weak in seeking assistance. It is the best thing to do to help yourself get back to normal life.