Depression Symptoms in Men
Men can have a hard to talk about their feelings. They might try to hide depression-related symptoms. People who do not acknowledge depression are at risk of serious consequences. They are four times more likely to end up taking their own lives.
Although the conversation about mental health is opening up but men still have to deal with the stigma of depression and it can be difficult to identify depression symptoms. Knowing how men experience depression can assist them in receiving the treatment they need.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
Some men aren't aware of the common signs of depression like feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness. This could be due to their culture which encourages them to hide their emotions, even when they are unhealthy. Men also have a tougher time talking about their emotions which makes it difficult for family and friends to know they're not feeling well.
Many people suffering from depression don't realize that they suffer from a mental illness and don't seek assistance. This is particularly the case for males. Men who do not seek treatment may have problems in their relationships, performance at work, or in their health. Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts if men do not seek treatment for too long.
In addition to feeling down in the dumps depression can cause other issues including difficulty getting things done or concentrating. People who are depressed may be more angry or irritable than usual, or they might take risks they wouldn't normally consider like driving recklessly.
Depression is treatable, but can be difficult to recognize. If you have depression or know someone who is depressed, talk with your doctor or counselor. There are many treatment options including psychotherapy and medications.
2. Feelings anger or irritation
Men who experience depression can be more likely to show symptoms of irritability and anger than women. This is because they aren't able to express emotions that make them feel vulnerable, such as sadness. They might also resort to using substances such as alcohol or drugs to mask their feelings, which can cause problems in the future.
Men may suffer physical symptoms, such as headaches or back pain. These symptoms should be discussed with a medical professional to ensure that depression can be treated.
Despite the fact that depression is just as prevalent for men as it is for women, many men have a difficult time getting diagnosed and treated. This could be due to the cultural norms about the way men and women should behave, or simply because many men are reluctant to admit they have depression. Depression is a treatable illness that can be treated by taking medication or therapy. The first step is to recognize the signs of depression in males, which can include feeling depressed, empty, or hopeless for most of the day for a period of more than two weeks. Seek help by a mental health professional.
3. Loss of interest in things that you once enjoyed
Men often find it difficult to express their concerns or seek help, possibly because they believe that depression is a sign of weakness or that they need to "man up." This could cause them to not receive the help they require and can cause problems worse.
A lack of interest in activities used to provide enjoyment is one of the most common signs of depression. This is called anhedonia and can be extremely troubling for those who suffer from. It is more manageable when you have someone to talk to, for example, a friend or family member who understands.
A lack of interest could cause people to avoid social situations and engaging in hobbies or other interests. This can have a huge impact on self-esteem and relationships. It can also impact work performance, and can lead to an increase in unhealthy habits like drinking excessively or gambling regularly.
A GP can diagnose depression and offer the appropriate treatment. This may include medication or psychotherapy. Certain noninvasive methods such as neurofeedback have also been shown to be effective for certain people. This technique can be done at home, and it monitors brainwaves.
4. It is difficult to concentrate or make decisions.
Men with depression have difficulty thinking clearly and making the right decisions. They may also have trouble remembering things. If these symptoms persist over longer than two weeks and do not improve over time it could be a sign of persistent depression.
Men are diagnosed with depression less frequently than women. Both genders can suffer from different symptoms, and a few people do not seek help.
For instance, some men struggle to express their feelings, particularly if they're worried that it will hurt their relationships or careers. They may also be hesitant to seek an assessment for mental health because of the stigma around depression, or because they believe that it's an indication of weakness.
It's important for anyone who suspects a friend or family member is suffering from depression to talk about their concerns with them. Encourage them to see their doctor and be honest about how they're feeling. Start by asking about physical symptoms and then move onto how they feel emotionally. They can then discuss what to do. If they are concerned about the possibility of suicide they can call a suicide hotline for support.
5. Inability to sleep or stay asleep
For men, symptoms of depression can manifest as physical issues such as headaches, aches and pains, digestive problems or fatigue. They may also show up as irritability or a lack of interest in activities or relationships. These problems can lead people to avoidance behavior which includes drinking heavily to calm their emotions or working obsessively with no balance. This can affect the quality of life of those suffering from these issues and increases their risk for depression.
It is crucial for anyone suffering from depression or considering suicide to seek help as soon as they can. If you or someone close to you is in immediate danger, contact Lifeline at 131114 or triple zero (000).
Although the symptoms of depression can be different for men and women, they do have common triggers, like the loss of a loved one and health problems or financial difficulties. Men may experience these symptoms in a different way due to their tendency to conceal the signs or suppress them.
To determine if you have depression, a doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms currently and perform a physical exam. The doctor might also suggest lab tests to check for the root cause of your health problems. The doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria to determine if depression is present.
6. Loss of appetite and weight
People suffering from depression typically aren't given the support they require. This can be because they don't recognize their symptoms, or because they feel it's "unmanly" to talk about their depression. depression and physical symptoms might be tempted to hide their issues by drinking alcohol, using drugs or engaging in risky behaviors.
Men around him might be unable to recognize depression. People who are close to him may be able to assist him by encouraging him to seek help and pointing him to the fact that depression isn't something to be ashamed of.
It is essential for a man to consider all options before making a decision to pursue treatment. Talk therapy (such a cognitive behavioral therapy or support groups) can be beneficial for many, while medication could be beneficial for others. Neurofeedback and other non-invasive treatments have also shown to be effective.
It is also important for anyone who suspects they or someone they know might be suffering from depression to speak with an expert in mental health as soon as possible. If not treated, the condition can be very disruptive to relationships, work and daily life activities. It can even lead people to take their own lives which poses a significant risk for all affected.
7. Feelings of inadequacy and desperation
Men may also experience depression after a traumatic experience, such as being injured, taking part in the war, or being witness to an event that is natural. Depression can be caused by PTSD which is a condition commonly diagnosed among military and veterans. It is normal to experience periods of sadness and feeling "down in dumps", but when these feelings persist for more than two weeks, it could be an indication of depression.
In contrast to women, who tend to use "emotional" coping skills like crying and sadness, many men use a variety of behavioral coping mechanisms. Men are more likely to experience anger, irritability and excessive workaholism. They might also experience suicidal ideas and attempts. It isn't clear why men are more prone to depression. It could be due to genetic, hormonal or biological differences, or the fact the traditional male roles hinder emotions and promote a focus of power, competition and achievement.
Being treated at the first symptoms of depression is important to prevent symptoms from getting worse and causing permanent harm to your life. There are many options for treatment, including medication, talk therapy and non-invasive procedures such as neurofeedback. These are a great way to address the root cause.