Depression in Men – Men’s gender identity may experience depression at some point in their lives. Depression is a serious illness that affects how people think, feel, and act.
According to the Midpoints for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women are more likely to suffer from depression than men. However, it believes that men may be underrepresented in these figures.
It might remain due to a combination of social and biological factors that make it difficult to identify and diagnose depression in men. They may also feel culturally obligated to act “masculine” by hiding their emotions.
Men are more likely to suffer from depression, which varies and are sometimes more difficult to identify for this motive.
If you think you or someone you dear is suffering from it, read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms men may experience and what you can do ensuing.
Table of Contents
Physical Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men with sadness may first notice its physical effects. While depression is considered a mental health illness, it can also manifest itself in the body.
Many men go to the doctor more often because of physical problems than emotional ones.
Some common physical cyphers of depression in males include:
- Chest Tightness
- Digestive Problems such as Gas, Looseness and Constipation
- Erectile Disfunction and Other Sexual Problems
- Headache
- Hormonal Problems such as Low Testosterone
- Pain
- Palpitations or Palpitations
- Unintentional Weight Loss (and sometimes Weight Gain)
Mental Symptoms of Depression in Men
In men, the psychological symptoms of depression can present differently than in people of the opposite sex, making depression difficult to identify.
These symptoms can affect how people think and process information, influencing behaviour and feelings.
Some of the most mutual mental symptoms of depression in men include:
- Inability to Concentrate
- Memory Problems
- Obsessive-Compulsive Thought Patterns
- Racing Thoughts
- Sleep Problems, Usually Difficulty Falling or Continuing Asleep
- Suicidal Thoughts
Emotional Symptoms of Depression in Men
When most people hear the name depression, they think of someone who looks very sad. However, sadness is only one of many probable reactions that despair can trigger.
In addition to sadness, males may experience the following emotional symptoms of depression:
- Enthusiasm
- Aggression
- Rage
- Emotional withdrawal from Friends, Family and Classmates
- Despair
- Lack of Attention in Family, Society, Hobbies and Work
- Lack of Libido
- Anxiety
Behavioural Signs of Depression in Men.
The psychological, physical, and emotional signs of depression in males can influence behaviour. Because some men are hesitant to talk about their emotions, their behavioural symptoms of depression are often the most obvious to those around them.
In men, behavioural symptoms of depression often include:
- Difficulties with Work, Family and other Personal Responsibilities
- Drugs Abuse
- Alcohol Abuse
- Engage in Risky Activities, such as Reckless Driving or Unprotected Sex
- Social Isolation
- Suicide Attempts
What are the Current Treatment Options?
Depression most often treat with talk therapy, medication, or both. A healthcare expert can help you create a modified treatment plan that works best for you.
Many men instigate treatment for mild cases of depression by making an appointment with a therapist (psychotherapist). From there, the therapist may suggest specific types of attention, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Problem-Solving Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
From there, medications can add if needed.
However, in more severe cases, medications may prescribe to help relieve some of the physical, mental, emotional, and behavioural symptoms of depression. It may be the case for suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide.
Downers such as paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft) commonly treat despair. However, a mental health expert may also suggest other medicines.
Keep in mind that these medicines often take weeks or months or begin to affect the way you feel noticeably. Be patient and strictly follow the treatment plan.
Why can depression go Unnoticed in Men?
While the mental health debate seems to be widening in scope and compassion, depression remains a cultural and social stigma, especially among men.
As a general rule, society teaches men to suppress their emotions, although we know that this is not healthy. Many men may risk their emotional, physical, and mental well-being by upholding these social norms.
Also, many men never learn to recognize the less typical signs of depression that they experience more often than others.
Some men never pursue help for depression because they don’t recognize the signs. On the other hand, some men who identify the signs may find it difficult to talk about their experiences because they fear being judged by others.
As a result, when many men experience signs of it, they end up working long hours or taking their time to stay busy rather than fighting the depression itself.
Diagnosing depression and finding dealing can help save lives. Suicide rates are high amongst men, especially those who have served or are currently serving in the martial. Also, males are three to four times extra likely than women to commit suicide.
We can help men with despair recognize the signs by continuing the conversation. By looking for treatment, men with it can live their lives to the fullest.
