Depression Symptoms In Men: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Recognizing Depression Symptoms in Men Many men struggle to express their emotions, even though the conversation about mental health has become more open and compassionate. As a result, they often overlook depression symptoms within themselves or in their loved ones. The good news is that men can combat depression through counseling and medication, or even lifestyle modifications. To aid the sufferer, NYU Langone's experts in psychology give a brief overview of the most frequent depression symptoms for men and tips to seek treatment. 1. Loss of interest in activities Men who experience depression often have difficulty enjoying activities that they normally find enjoyable. They may also experience losing enthusiasm for work as well as social relationships. This is why men who have depression are less likely to seek help for the illness than women. This could be due to a combination of factors, including the belief that men are able to “tough it out,” as well as the belief that depression is a sign of weakness. However, more and more men are beginning to open about their experiences with depression, which is helping to decrease the stigma that is associated with depression and encourage others to seek help. Men are likely to express anger and aggression more frequently than women who feel depressed as feelings of sadness or hopelessness. This is a result of pressures from society to be tough, which leads many men to conceal their feelings or to resort to unhealthy coping methods like alcohol or drugs. People who are depressed may struggle to express their sadness and grief. This is why it can be difficult for family members and friends members to recognize that a man is depressed, especially when the symptoms are different from those of women. Men who are suffering from depression may be anxious or withdrawn, but they also can have changes in appetite or sleeping patterns that indicate the presence of depression. Men who suffer from depression may also feel physical pain or other bodily sensations, which may make it difficult to express their feelings. Men who suffer from depression might also have erectile issues and other sexual problems. It is therefore important that any man who suspects he may be depressed seeks out medical advice immediately. Making the effort to recognize and manage depression can have a huge impact on a man's life. Early treatment can help prevent the symptoms from getting worse and improve communication at work and home. Consulting with an expert in mental health is a great option for managing depression, along with medication. 2. Agression or anger People with depression usually have a hard time expressing their emotions, and the symptoms they experience can be very different from those of women. For example men may be angry and snap at everyone and be constantly agitated or anxious. Men may also have trouble being able to recognize their emotional and behavioral changes, especially when they are in denial about the fact that they're sick. Depression can cause physical problems as well, such as a loss of appetite or sleep disturbances, and discomforts throughout the body. These issues can be an indication of an condition that is underlying, like a chronic headache or back pain that has not been recognized as a sign of a underlying illness. Men can experience anger or aggression as a sign of depression. This may occur when something triggers a negative feeling or memory, for instance an experience of failure at work or a disagreement with someone close to them, or an incident that ended in death. It could be that they feel like they are being targeted or that their life is in danger. Some men miss the depression-related symptoms like a propensity for anger, or may think that expressing their emotions is not considered to be masculine. Some men may try to cover up their depression by engaging in unhealthy habits like drinking excessively or focusing on work. These actions can dull the emotions in the short term however, they ultimately cause them to get worse. Men who are depressed should talk to someone in their family or friends about their feelings. They should also seek help if they think they are showing any of the warning indicators. Depression is a serious disease that can lead to suicide in those who are not receiving treatment. Seven people commit suicide in Australia every day. This is because many people don't receive the medical care they require. It is essential for people to be aware of the signs of depression so that they can detect them in themselves as well as their relatives and friends. Early intervention can stop depression from spiralling out of control. Therapy or antidepressant medications are a way to treat depression. 3. Feelings of despair A person suffering from depression can cause them to feel like they are hopeless, that life isn't worth living. These feelings can become so strong that it leads to thoughts of suicide. Suicide is among the most preventable causes of death for men. Although depression is a serious illness there are ways to make people feel better and live longer. The first step is recognizing the signs of depression in your own body and in others. Many people, including high profile politicians and athletes are now talking openly about their struggles with depression, which has helped to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The more people are aware of the warning symptoms of depression in men and women, the easier it will be to identify them and seek treatment when required. It is important to remember that even though feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts are typically connected with depression, they are not always an indication. It's also possible for a man to be depressed, but not have suicidal thoughts. There are times when men feel a sense of despair because of other medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Men often ignore or deny their depression symptoms despite the fact they are aware that they exist. This is largely because of the cultural expectation that men should be able to manage their emotions and not express their emotions. This can mask the signs of depression in men who may utilize unhealthy coping strategies such as alcohol or drugs. A variety of physical symptoms may be signs of depression, including digestive issues, headaches or chronic pain. Irritability and insomnia are also frequent, as is fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Men with depression may have difficulty focusing on their personal or professional relationships. They may also be less interested in sexual relationships and more likely to experience sexual problems. This is an effect of certain antidepressants. www.iampsychiatry.com who are worried about a loved one should talk to them about their concerns, but in a non-judgmental space. Encourage them to consider therapy which can help improve mood and manage depression. If they're afraid to talk to counsellors you can offer online therapy with BetterHelp that matches them with a licensed therapy therapist in just 48 hours. 4. Physical symptoms When we think about depression, we typically think of people who are very sad. But sadness is just one of the many signs that can come with depression. Other signs include irritability and feelings of despair. Many of these symptoms are also linked to physical problems such as headaches, pains and aches, weight changes, and insomnia. In addition, people suffering from depression may have issues with their sexual drive. It is essential to discuss your emotional and physical symptoms to a doctor to determine if they are depressed. Men are less likely to talk about their emotions than women, making it more difficult for them to receive treatment. As a result, they tend to downplay or ignore their depression symptoms. If you suspect that a male friend or family member is depressed, it is important to offer help and encourage him to seek help. Make sure to remind him that depression is not a normal occurrence and is not going to go away by itself. Men often believe that asking for help is not a good idea and that they should be able to manage their depression on their own. Depression can affect someone's social interactions, work, and family life. It can lead to relationship difficulties and even job loss. In extreme cases, depression can cause thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Depression can be treated by therapy, medication or a combination of both. Inpatient or partial hospital psychiatric treatment For those who are extremely depressed, or are at risk of harming themselves or others, or who cannot care for themselves at home, it might be necessary to seek out inpatient or partial hospital psychiatric care. This kind of treatment provides 24 hour psychiatric services under the supervision of a psychiatrist. This can include individual, group and family counseling, as along with medical services, including blood tests and X-rays. Depression is a serious condition that can have long-lasting, harmful effects if not treated. If you or someone you love is suffering from depression, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible. In seeking help, it doesn't make you weak or unworthy and is the best way to get back to normal living.