Symptoms of Depression in Men

Men may suffer physical symptoms of persistent depressive disorder like headaches or aches and pains as well as emotional feelings like despair and lack of interest. They may not seek out help and instead express their feelings by expressing anger or aggression.

It is normal to be down at times, but depression can affect your relationships, work and diet, as well as your enjoyment of life. Here are a few of men's most common depression symptoms:

1. Loss of interest in activities

Men suffering from depression may feel depressed and lose interest in the activities they normally enjoy. They may feel drained or irritable, and they might even lose interest in hobbies that they typically enjoy, such as playing sports or engaging in other escapist behaviors like watching television or playing video games for long periods of time. These signs can be the first signs to show and make people reluctant to seek treatment.

This is in part because of the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. While there are more discussions on mental health now, some people are still unable to talk about and acknowledge these problems. Depression sufferers may be more hesitant to seek treatment due how their condition affects them.

Men also exhibit more subtle symptoms, making it difficult to recognize. According to Verywell Health, men are more likely to display aggression, anger, and aggression when they're depressed, than women. Women are more likely to experience despair and sadness. These changes in behavior may be a result of the culture-based expectation that men should be strong and in control. This can mask the root of the issue.

This explains why so many men go undiagnosed when they are suffering from depression. It is important to be aware of the ways depression symptoms differ for men and to understand that it is perfectly normal for some men to experience these variations. This awareness can encourage men to seek treatment for their depression so that they can be better. If a man is concerned that they are in imminent danger or has suicidal thoughts, it is essential to call emergency services.

2. Feelings of despair

Some men feel depressed and helpless with their circumstances when struggling with depression. These feelings are a sign that it's time to seek out help. It can be hard for men to admit they are depressed. Family members and friends should encourage them to seek out help.

Men with depression are more likely than the rest of us to drink alcohol or engage in risky behavior. These behaviors could be a way to cover their feelings or comply with "masculine norms" or they may be indicative of depression.

Irritability and anger can also be a sign of depression in men and these feelings are usually expressed in a violent manner. Depression sufferers are more susceptible to road anger. Depression sufferers can also be irrational towards their family members. These angry outbursts can be result of a variety of causes, such as stress at work, problems with relationships, and health issues.

Many people are unable to detect depression in a loved ones because the signs of feeling down differ from person to. For example, one man may be depressed or anxious while another person is always exhausted and edgy. People who suffer from depression may mistake their feelings with other mental health disorders like bipolar disorder or medical issues like chronic pain and undiagnosed autoimmune diseases.

It is crucial to be able to recognize the symptoms of depression in men and talk openly with them about their feelings. Men who suffer from depression are more likely to commit suicide than those who do not therefore it's imperative to seek help. If they're hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe it's "unmanly," you should remind them that depression is an extremely serious illness that isn't going to go away on its' own.

3. Feelings of devalued

Men might feel like they have nothing to offer others, especially if their depression is severe. They may feel depressed and lose enthusiasm for activities they normally enjoy, like work or hobbies. These feelings can cause them to believe that they will never get better, and that it's pointless to look for solutions.

They are also easily angry or aggressive, which can affect their relationships and their ability to work. They're also less likely seek treatment for their symptoms. The National Library of Medicine reports that primary care doctors aren't able to recognize depression in men 50% of the time. Men tend to focus on the physical signs of being depressed symptoms and avoid discussing the emotional aspects.

This unwillingness to admit that they are struggling has contributed to the stigma associated with mental health issues, specifically depression. It's essential that those who know someone suffering from depression are aware of the symptoms and encourage them to seek treatment.

With the right help, a man suffering from depression can heal. There is relief taking medication, therapy or a combination. Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about men's mental health issues is the first step. BetterHelp is a convenient service that connects you with licensed and accredited therapists to offer depression treatment or other mental health support. Begin by taking the free assessment.

Depression is a serious mental health problem that affects many people worldwide. The good news is that the right treatments can help improve a person's mood, which can improve the quality of life and enhanced emotional health.

4. Feelings of guilt

A common symptom of depression is feeling guilty. Men can feel this guilt for a variety of reasons such as a loss of interest in their activities anger, irritability as well as risk-taking behaviours such as reckless driving. These feelings aren't permanent or can last for weeks or months at an time. Men tend to be less likely to talk about their feelings, therefore they may not realize that their feelings are connected to depression. They may not seek treatment.

Anger can be an indication of depression. It can range from irritability to road rage. It can also be due to a feeling of disappointment or failure, particularly when a man is approaching mid-life. Many times, a man suffering from depression will internalize these feelings and blame himself for his failures or losses, instead of acknowledge that they are linked to depression.

Men may also exhibit escapist behaviors, such as drinking excessively or playing video games for hours in order to not deal with their depression. This can have serious consequences for your health. It's important to recognize the presence of these symptoms in a family or friend member and to take actions.

It's important to recognize that depression is a mental disorder, and it isn't going to go away by itself. While antidepressant medications can help ease some behavioral symptoms of depression, it's important to talk to a therapist and pursue self-help measures like exercise, yoga, and a healthy diet to address the root cause. Talking to a trusted family member or friend can be a great help for people who are depressed. However, some men may be shy to discuss their feelings for fear of being perceived as being a "victim".

5. Anxiety

Men who suffer from depression can feel anxious or restless. Often, this is because they are feeling trapped in a situation and feel powerless to change it. Men who feel like this are less likely than women to seek help as they don't recognize that it could be 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 notice the problem.

If not treated, male depression can affect every aspect of life including relationships, work and personal security. In reality, men are four times more likely to take their own lives than women. The reason isn't entirely clear 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.

Understanding the differentiators between the experiences of women and men of depression is crucial. This is particularly important when identifying the signs of depression in a family or friend member. Men are more likely to recognise physical symptoms of depression, like fatigue and loss of appetite however, they are less in recognizing changes in their emotional state. It is therefore important that your family and friends are alert and keep an eye out for any changes in behavior that could be caused by depression.

People who are concerned about the mental health of a man must discuss the issue with them in a candid and in a supportive way. This will help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues in general and inspire the person to seek the help they need. Contact the Beyond Blue suicide hotline at 1300 224636 if you are concerned about someone who is at risk of self-harm or suicide.