7 Things About Symptoms Of Depression In Men You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men may be afflicted by physical symptoms such as headaches and painful aches and pains as as emotional feelings of hopelessness and lack of interest. Rather than seeking help, they could express their emotions with anger or aggression.
It is normal to be down at times, but depression can affect your relationships, work, and your diet, and your enjoyment of life. Here are a few of the most frequently reported symptoms of depression in men:
1. Loss of interest in the activities
Men suffering from depression can lose interest in activities they normally enjoy. They may feel bored and sluggish, or lose interest in hobbies they usually like, like sports or other escapist activities such as watching TV or playing video games for a long time. These symptoms are often the first signs to manifest and may lead to a reluctance to seek treatment.
This is partly due to the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. Despite the fact that there are more discussions on mental health today, some people are still unable to talk about and acknowledge these issues. Depression sufferers may be more hesitant to seek treatment due the way their condition affects them.
Men also exhibit more subtle symptoms, which makes it difficult to recognize. Contrary to women, who generally experience feelings of sadness and hopelessness when they're depressed, men are more likely to display aggressive emotions such as anger and aggression according to Verywell Health. These changes in behavior may be due to the expectation that men must be strong and confident. This could obscure the root of the issue.
This is why so many men are not diagnosed with depression. It is crucial to be aware of the ways depression symptoms manifest differently in men and to know that it is completely normal for some men to experience these nuances. This awareness can help those struggling with depression to seek help. However, if a man feels that they are in imminent danger or is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it's imperative to call emergency services.
2. Feelings of hopelessness
When men are suffering from depression, they might feel depressed and hopeless. These feelings indicate that it's time to seek out help. It can be difficult for men to admit that they're depressed. Family members and friends should encourage them to seek help.
Men with depression are more likely than other people to drink alcohol or engage in risky behaviors. These behaviors may be the result of a desire to hide their emotions and adhere to "masculine" norms or a symptom of the depression itself.
Men can also show signs of depression by being irritable and angry. These feelings are often expressed in an aggressive way. Road rage, for example is a common occurrence in people who are depressed. People with depression may be also irrational toward their family members. These outbursts of anger can be triggered by a variety of causes, including stress at work, personal relationships problems, and health issues.
Many people are unable recognize depression in their loved ones because the signs vary from person to person. For instance, one person may be withdrawn or angry while another person is always exhausted and anxious. People who suffer from depression may confuse their feelings for other mental health issues such as anxiety, bipolar disorder or medical conditions like chronic pain or undiagnosed autoimmune disorders.
It's crucial to recognize the symptoms of depression in men and to talk to them in a way that they can express their emotions. People who are depressed are more likely to commit suicide than those who don't therefore it's imperative that they reach out for assistance. If they are hesitant to seek treatment because they believe it's not "manly," it's important to remind them that depression is a real issue that won't go away by itself.
3. Feelings of inadequacy
Men might feel as if they don't have anything worth offer others, especially when their depression is severe. They may feel defeated or lose interest in their normal activities, such as hobbies or work. These feelings can make them believe they won't get better and that there's no point in trying to find solutions.
They may also be easily irritable or aggressive, which can affect their relationships and ability to perform their jobs. 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 percent of the time. Men tend to focus on the physical symptoms and not talk about the emotional ones.
This reluctance to admit that they're struggling has led to the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, especially depression. It's crucial for those who know someone with depression to be aware of the signs of the disorder and encourage them to get treatment.
Despite depression symptoms for men , it is possible for someone suffering from depression to recover with help. They can find relief through therapies or medication or an amalgamation of both. The first step is finding a therapist who understands male mental health issues and can help them overcome them. BetterHelp is a service that connects you with licensed and accredited therapists who can provide depression treatment or other mental health services. Take the free assessment to start.
Depression is a serious mental health problem that affects millions of people across the globe. The good news is that the proper treatment can boost a person's mood and lead to a better quality of life.
4. Feelings of guilt
Feelings of guilt are a frequent sign of depression. People can feel guilt for a variety of reasons, such as irritability, anger and reckless driving. These feelings could be temporary or last for a few months or even weeks. Men are less likely to speak about their feelings, so they may not realize that their feelings are connected to depression. They may not seek treatment.
Anger is an indication of depression. It can range from anger to road rage. It is also often due to a feeling of dissatisfaction or failure, particularly when a man reaches mid-life. A lot of times, people who is depressed will dwell on these feelings and blame himself for his mistakes or losses, and not acknowledge that they are linked to depression.
Men can also engage in behavior that is escapist, like drinking excessively or playing video games for hours, to avoid dealing with depression. This could have serious health consequences. It is crucial to identify when these symptoms are present in a family member and to take actions.
It's also important to keep in mind that depression is a mental illness and that it is unlikely to be cured by itself. While antidepressant medications can help alleviate some symptoms, it's essential to consult a therapist and follow self-help steps such as yoga, exercise and healthy eating to address the underlying issue. Men who are depressed may also find relief talking to a trusted family member, but it can be difficult for men to speak up about their emotions because they believe that seeking therapy is "unmanly" or that they will be seen as being a victim.
5. Anxiety
People who suffer from depression may also feel anxious or restless. This is often because they feel stuck in a specific situation and are powerless to make changes. People who feel like this are less likely to seek help because they aren't aware that this is a sign of depression, not weakness. They might be unable to express their feelings and may be unable to ignore their feelings. This makes it difficult for others to see something is wrong.
Men who are depressed and untreated can negatively impact every aspect of life, including work, relationships and your own security. Men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide. The reason behind this isn't entirely certain but it could be due to the fact that men are less likely to seek help, or that they are more impulsive when they do try to get help.
It is crucial to know the differences between how men and women experience depression. This is particularly important when identifying the signs of depression in a friend or family member. Men are better in recognizing physical signs of depression like fatigue and lack of appetite. However, they are less likely to notice emotional changes. It is therefore important that friends and family are vigilant and watch for any changes in behavior that could be caused by depression.
Discussing openly with men about their mental health is a great idea. This will help reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health issues generally and will also inspire the person to seek the support they need. If you are worried about someone who may be at risk of suicide or self-harm, contact the Beyond Blue suicide helpline on 1300 22 4636, or call 911 in the event of an emergency.