Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men who are experiencing depression can be less likely to seek treatment, and their symptoms can be difficult to identify than women. This is because men are conditioned to be in emotions and adhere to "masculine" norms, which can make them less comfortable discussing their feelings.
If you observe a male friend or family member struggling with depression, you must encourage them to seek treatment. Here are some indicators of depression in men:
1. Loss of interest in the activities
A sudden loss of enthusiasm for activities that usually bring you joy could be a sign that depression is present. You might notice that you don't enjoy certain activities, you feel fatigued often or sleep is disrupted.
It's normal for your interests to change over time however if you're unable to find enjoyment in any activity, it's important to seek out help. Depression can affect your appetite and make it difficult to eat, and even lead to weight loss or an increase.
Men tend to hide their emotions more than women, and may not even be aware of depression symptoms. They are also less likely to seek treatment due to the stigma attached to it. If you notice your male family member or friend showing these signs, it's important to encourage him to visit his GP for diagnosis and treatment.
While depression can strike at any time for both men and woman however, it is more common in midlife. This could be due to a myriad of factors such as changes in physical or mental ailments. It could be a result of stressors in relationships. Men tend to be more likely to internalize feelings such as sadness, frustration and grief after experiencing disappointment.
They may then drink a lot or abuse drugs, or gamble regularly to cope with their emotions. This can cause physical problems such as headaches, back pain and digestive issues, and emotional ones like irritability or anger. It can also lead to reckless behavior like pursuing dangerous sports or driving recklessly. Men can also be aggressive or abusive to cover or deal with their feelings. This is toxic masculinity, and it could be an indication of depression.
2. Difficulty concentrating
If you notice that someone you know is having difficulty staying focused or is to be easily distracted, it could be a sign of depression. Depression can affect how one interacts with others. They may not be able to listen to their needs or communicate well.
Men are typically more reluctant to seek help for depression than women, and this could be due to a number of reasons. Men can mask their depression symptoms through an aggressive attitude or drinking alcohol and drugs due to the cultural beliefs that men should be able to control their emotions. It's also common for men to feel uneasy discussing their feelings which can lead to the delay in treatment.
Psychologists and other mental health professionals treat both forms of depression equally, despite the fact that men can experience very different symptoms than women. As awareness of the different characteristics of depression symptoms for men increases as psychologists begin to separate treatments and research efforts to account for gender specific symptoms.
For example, men's heightened risk for post-trauma depression (such as injuries, illness, loss of a loved one, or even combat) may require special attention and more intensive treatment than women who have experienced the same kind of trauma. In post natal depression symptoms , since men are more likely to suffer from physical traumas, they are at a higher risk of developing depression due to these events.
If you are concerned that a loved one or them is suffering from depression, should encourage them to seek out professional help. It's also important to note that the longer depression continues untreated, the more serious and damaging it is.
3. Anxiety
People who suffer from depression are also likely to be anxious. They may be unable to control emotions and that something is wrong with them. This is usually an indication that someone is contemplating suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing this, it's important that you seek help immediately. You can reach a crisis counselor by calling 911, or the local emergency number, or texting TALK at 741741.
While everyone experiences anxiety from time to the other, it is essential to seek out help in the event that your symptoms persist and interfere with everyday life. A doctor is able prescribe medications or other treatments to aid in managing your symptoms.
It can be difficult to recognize depression in males, as the signs and symptoms are different from those experienced by women. Men may be angry or angry, while women may feel gloomy and express sadness. Men are also more likely than women to take alcohol and drugs to manage their symptoms. This is due to the fact that they tend to mask their depression and conform to gender norms.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of depression in males so that men can seek assistance. Although recent discussions about mental health have been more open and inclusive but it's still a challenge for many men to discuss their feelings within a society that is based on traditional notions of masculinity. This can make them less likely to seek treatment and is a major reason why primary care physicians miss depression in males about half as often as they do in women.
4. Feelings of despair
Some men feel depressed because they don't have an idea of how to get better, and they often don't seek assistance. This is a common way of coping however it could be damaging in the long run. If a person continues to go without seeking treatment, the symptoms will get more severe. Depression can affect all aspects of a person's life like relationships, work, and health.
Men who feel hopelessness are more prone to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If you have a family member or friend who is having these thoughts, try to talk with him in a judgment-free setting and offer help. You can also suggest to your friend to seek assistance from a mental healthcare professional or another reliable source. You can also try to connect him to men's support groups or call the suicide crisis hotline.
It's generally easier for women than for men to discuss emotional issues, which could be why depression is not being recognized in males. Some men think that seeking out mental health care is not "manly." Others may be worried that they'll be treated differently by their coworkers or family members should they seek help.
Men with depression may also have physical symptoms such as headaches, aches, pains, or digestive problems. These symptoms could be an indication of depression or a symptom of another health issue, such as heart disease or diabetes. Consult your physician if these symptoms persist. He may recommend medications or counseling as well as other treatments to alleviate symptoms and treat depression. These treatments include electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimuli. He might also suggest lifestyle modifications like sleep changes, exercise and healthy eating habits.
5. Anger
A man who gets angry easily, is short-tempered or irritable may be experiencing depression. This can be evident in a variety of ways, from road rage to angry outbursts at work or home. People with depression might struggle to manage anger and agitation. This can lead to substance abuse, family problems, and the inability to complete daily tasks.
While depression can be a problem for anyone, it's more prevalent among men in their mid-life. This is due to a variety of factors including physical and health changes, relationship stress and job-related challenges. Men are also affected by traumatic incidents like combat in the military, childhood trauma or natural disasters.
Men who have depression often have an internalized perspective of the world. This can lead to feelings of ineptitude towards other people and an increase in aggression and irritability. Men who are depressed may also experience a decrease in libido, or a feeling of discontent in their sex life.
Researchers have found that males exhibit a wide range of emotions such as depression and anger. In fact, a study revealed that men were categorized into latent classes based on their levels of externalized depressive symptoms and internalized anger.
People who suffer from depression can benefit from identifying the negative thoughts that fuel their anger and re-examining these thought patterns. By challenging and reexamining these negative beliefs, a person can take responsibility for his actions and behavior, rather than feeling helpless or victimized by the way people treat him. This can also help to reduce the symptoms of depression by allowing the person to have a more balanced view of the world. Talk therapy is a great place to begin this process, with experts suggesting that even the most skeptical men can feel a sense of relief through talking about their feelings to an therapy.
