Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men may suffer physical symptoms like headaches or aches and pains and emotional issues such as despair and a lack of motivation. They may not seek help and instead, express their emotions by expressing anger or aggression.
It is normal to be down at times However, depression can have a negative impact on your relationships, work, and diet, as well as your enjoyment of life. Here are a few of the most frequently reported depression symptoms:
1. Loss of interest in the activities
Men suffering from depression can lose interest in the activities they typically take pleasure in. They may feel drained or irritable, or lose interest in hobbies that they typically enjoy, such as sports or other escapist activities like watching television, or playing video games, for hours at a time. These symptoms can be the first to appear and make people reluctant to seek treatment.
This is in part because of the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. While there are many conversations happening now about the importance of mental health, it's still a challenge for some to recognize and discuss these issues. Depression sufferers may be more hesitant to seek treatment due to the way in which their condition affects them.
Men also exhibit more subtle signs, which makes it difficult to recognize. According to Verywell Health, men are more likely to display aggressive emotions such as anger and aggression when they're depressed, than women. Women are more likely to experience despair and sadness. These behaviors shifts are often a result of cultural expectations that men should be tough and calm but can obscure the real issue.
This explains why so many men are not diagnosed when they suffer from depression. It is crucial to be aware of how depression symptoms vary in men and to know that it is completely normal for men to experience these variations. This awareness can help people suffering from depression to seek help. If a man is concerned that they are in imminent danger or has suicidal thoughts, it is vital to contact emergency services.
2. Feelings of hopelessness
When men are suffering from depression, they may feel depressed and hopeless. These feelings indicate that it's time to seek out help. It can be difficult for men to admit they're depressed. Friends and family members should encourage the person to seek help.
Men with depression are more likely than others to drink alcohol or engage in risky behaviors. These behaviors could be an attempt to hide their feelings or comply with "masculine norms" or they could be signs of depression.
Irritability and anger can also be a sign of depression in men and these feelings are usually manifested in violent ways. Road rage, for example, is common in depression sufferers. Men with depression may also be angry with their loved family members. These angry outbursts can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stressors at work, personal relationship problems, and health issues.
Many people are unable to detect depression in a loved ones because the signs vary from person to person. One man might be angry and another may be withdrawing. People suffering from depression may confuse their feelings with other mental health disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or medical conditions like chronic pain and undiagnosed autoimmune disorders.
It is crucial to be able to recognize the symptoms of depression in men, and speak with them openly about their emotions. People who are depressed are more likely to commit suicide than those who do not therefore it's imperative to seek assistance. If they're reluctant to seek help due to the fact that they believe it's "unmanly," you should remind them that depression is a serious condition that will not go away by itself.
3. Feelings of devalued
Men may feel like they don't have anything to offer others, especially when their depression becomes severe. They might feel hopeless and lose enthusiasm for activities they normally enjoy, such as work or hobbies. These feelings can lead people to believe that they'll never get better and that it's useless to try and find solutions.
They can also become easily angered and aggressive, which can have a significant impact on their relationships as well as their ability to work. They're also less likely to seek treatment for their issues. The National Library of Medicine reports that primary care doctors do not recognize depression in men 50% of the time. Men tend to focus on physical symptoms and avoid discussing the emotional aspects.
The reluctance of people to admit they're struggling has led to the stigma associated with mental health issues, especially depression. It's essential for those who know someone suffering from depression to recognize the symptoms of the disorder and encourage them to seek treatment.
With the right support A person suffering from depression can heal. You can get relief using medication, therapy or a combination. Finding a therapist that understands the mental health concerns of men is the first step. BetterHelp is a simple service that connects you with licensed and accredited therapists that can offer depression treatment or other support for mental health. Take the free assessment to begin.
Depression is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people around the world. The good news is that the appropriate treatments can boost a person's mood and result in better quality of life and improved emotional well-being.
4. Feelings Of Guilt
A common symptom of depression is feeling guilty. Men may feel guilty for a variety reasons, like anger, irritability and reckless driving. These feelings may be temporary or last for months or weeks. Because men are more hesitant to discuss their emotions they may not even realize the connection to depression and may not seek treatment.
Anger is usually a sign of depression, and can range from irritability and a short temper to abuse or road rage. It can also be due to a feeling of dissatisfaction or failure particularly when a man reaches mid-life. Most of the time, men with depression will internalize these feelings and blame himself for his failures or losses, instead of acknowledge that they are connected to depression.
Men may also engage in escapist behavior, such as excessive drinking or playing video games for long hours, to avoid dealing their depression. This can have severe consequences for your health. It's important to recognize when these symptoms are present in a family or friend member and to take action.
It's also important to keep in mind that depression is a mental illness, and that it is unlikely to get better on its own. Although antidepressants can alleviate symptoms, it is important to consult a therapist and pursue self-help methods like exercise, yoga and healthy eating to tackle the root cause. Men who are depressed may also find relief talking to an experienced friend or family member, but it can be difficult for some men to open up about their emotions because they feel that seeking therapy is "unmanly" or that they will be seen as an aggressor.
5. Anxiety
Men with depression may also experience anxiety or a sense of agitation. It is often because they are feeling trapped in their situation and feel powerless to change it. People who experience this are less likely than women to seek assistance as they don't realize that it is an indication of depression, and not weakness. They might also be unable or unwilling to express their emotions and ignore their feelings. This makes it difficult for others to recognize the problem.
Male depression that is not treated can negatively impact all aspects of life including relationships, work and your own security. In www.iampsychiatry.com , males are up to four times more likely to take their own lives than women. The reason is not entirely evident, but it could be because men are less likely to seek help, or because they are more impulsive when they do try to seek help.
It is crucial to know the differences in how men and women experience depression. This is especially crucial when identifying the signs of depression in a family or friend member. Men are more likely to recognise physical signs of depression, like fatigue and loss of appetite however, they are not capable of recognizing emotional changes. Therefore, it is crucial for friends and family to be aware and look for any changes in behaviour that could be a result of depression.
People who are concerned about the mental health of a man must speak to them honestly and in a way that is supportive. This can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage the person to get the help they require. Contact the Beyond Blue suicide hotline at 1300 224636 if you are concerned about someone who is at the risk of self-harming or suicide.