Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men may suffer physical symptoms such as headaches and aches and pains as well in feelings of despair and a loss of interest. They may not seek help and instead, express their emotions with anger or aggression.
It's normal to be down at times however depression can impact your relationships, work and diet, as well as your enjoyment of life. Here are some of the most frequently reported symptoms of depression for men:
1. Loss of interest in activities
Men suffering from depression may notice a decrease in enthusiasm for activities they typically enjoy. They might feel bored or irritable and could lose interest in the activities they typically enjoy like playing sports or engaging in other activities that are escapist like watching television or playing video games for long periods of time. Most of the time, these symptoms are the first ones to appear and could result in a resistance to seek treatment.
This is in part because of the stigma that surrounds mental health concerns. While there are numerous conversations being held about the importance of mental health, it is still a challenge for some to recognize and discuss these issues. Men may be especially reluctant to seek help when they suffer from depression because of the way in which their health condition affects them.
Additionally, the time of onset of symptoms is usually more gradual in men, which makes them more difficult to recognize. In contrast to women, who usually feel sadness and despair when they are depressed men tend to exhibit more aggressive emotions such as aggression and anger, according to Verywell Health. These changes in behavior are often caused by cultural expectations that expect men to be tough and in control, which can mask the true underlying problem.
This is why so many men aren't diagnosed with depression. It is essential to realize that men experience depression in different ways, and this is normal. This awareness can encourage people struggling with depression to seek treatment. If a man feels in imminent danger, or is experiencing suicidal thoughts, he should call the emergency services.
2. Feelings of hopelessness
Some men feel overwhelmed and hopeless in their current situation when they are dealing with depression. These feelings are a sign that is the time to seek help. It can be hard for men to admit that they're depressed. Family members and friends should encourage the person to seek help.
People with depression are more likely than other people to drink alcohol or engage in risky behaviors. These behaviors could be a means of avoiding their feelings or adhere to "masculine norms" or they may be indicative of depression.
Men may also display symptoms of depression such as being angry and irritable. These feelings are often expressed in an aggressive manner. Road rage, for instance, is common in depression sufferers. Men with depression may also be angry with their loved ones. These angry outbursts can be result of a variety of causes including stress at work, relationships issues and health issues.
Many people are unable identify depression in a loved one because the symptoms vary from person to person. One person may be angry and another may be withdrawing. Additionally, those struggling with depression can sometimes confuse their feelings with other mental health problems, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, or medical conditions like chronic pain or an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder.
It's crucial to recognize the signs of depression in men, and to talk to them openly about their feelings. Men who struggle with depression are more likely to commit suicide than those who do not and it's essential that they reach out for help. If they're hesitant to seek help because they think it's "unmanly," you should remind them that depression is a serious condition that isn't going to go away by itself.
3. Feelings of inadequacy
Men might feel that they don't have anything valuable to give to others, particularly when depression becomes a major issue. They might feel hopeless and lose enthusiasm for activities they normally enjoy, such as work or hobbies. These feelings can cause people to believe that they'll never improve, and that it's pointless to find solutions.
They also can be easily angry and aggressive, which can affect their relationships and ability to work. They are also less likely to seek treatment for their issues. In fact the National Library of Medicine states that primary care physicians don't recognize depression in men more than 50% of the time. This is due to the fact that men concentrate on physical symptoms of the illness and they're often uncomfortable discussing emotional symptoms.
The reluctance of people to admit they're struggling has contributed to the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, specifically depression. It's crucial that people who know those suffering from depression acknowledge the signs and encourage them to seek treatment.
With the right treatment A person suffering from depression can recover. They can get relief using therapies or medications or a combination of both. The first step is to find an experienced therapist who is aware of male mental health issues and can assist them to overcome them. BetterHelp is a convenient service that connects you to licensed and accredited therapists that can provide depression treatment or other mental health support. Begin by taking the no-cost assessment.
Depression is a serious illness that affects millions of people around the world. The good news is that the right treatments can boost people's mood and result in better quality of life and better emotional well-being.
4. Feelings of guilt
Feelings of guilt are a common symptom of depression. People can feel guilty due to a myriad of issues, including loss of interest in pursuits, irritability and anger and risk-taking behaviors like reckless driving. These feelings may be temporary or last for a few months or even weeks. Men tend to be less likely to talk about their feelings, and they may not be aware that these feelings are linked to depression. They might not seek treatment.
Anger is often a symptom of depression, and it can vary from irritability to short temper to abuse or road rage. Anger is often a reaction to a sense of disappointment or failure, especially when a man is approaching middle age. Often, a man suffering from depression will internalize his feelings and blame himself, rather than admit that the emotions are due to depression.
Men can also engage in behavior that is escapist, like drinking too much or playing video games for hours in order to not deal with depression. This can have serious consequences for your health. It's crucial to recognize these signs in the family member or a friend and act.
It's important to recognize that depression is a mental disorder and will not go away by itself. While antidepressant medication can ease some symptoms, it is important to seek out a therapist and follow self-help steps such as exercise, yoga and healthy eating to address the root of the issue. Depressed people may also find relief by talking to an experienced friend or family member, but it can be difficult for men to speak up about their feelings because they are afraid that seeking therapy is "unmanly" or that they will be viewed as a victim.
5. Anxiety
People with depression may also feel anxious or agitated. Often, this is because they are feeling stuck in a situation and feel powerless to change the situation. People who experience this are less likely than women to seek help because they don't recognize that it could be a sign depression and not weakness. They may also be unable to communicating their emotions and often avoid their feelings, making it difficult for others to notice that something is wrong.
Untreated male depression can negatively impact every aspect of life, including relationships, work and your personal security. In reality, men are four times more likely to take their own lives than women. signs and symptoms of postnatal depression 's not clear the reason why men are more likely to commit suicide than women. They might be less likely to ask for help or be more in a state of impulsivity.
Understanding the differentiators between men and women's experiences of depression is crucial. It is crucial to understand the differences between men and women when it comes to identifying signs of depression in someone in the family or a friend. Men are more likely to recognize physical symptoms of depression, such as fatigue and loss of appetite however, they are less in recognizing changes in their emotional state. Consequently, it is important for friends and family to be vigilant and look for any changes in behaviour which could be the result of depression.
Being open with a man about his mental health is a great idea. This will help to relieve the stigma associated with mental health issues generally and encourage the person to seek out the help they require. If you're worried about someone who is at risk of self-harm or suicide Contact the Beyond Blue suicide helpline on 1300 22 4636, or dial 911 in an emergency.