Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men may experience physical symptoms like headaches and discomforts and pains as well with feelings of despair and lack of interest. Instead of seeking help, they may express their emotions with anger or aggression.
It is normal to feel down from time to time, but depression changes how you think and affects your relationships and work eating habits, sleep and enjoyment of life. Here are a few of most frequently reported symptoms of depression for men:
1. Loss of interest in activities
Men suffering from depression may notice a decrease in interest in the activities they normally enjoy. They might feel bored or irritable, or lose interest in hobbies that they typically like, such as sports or other escapist activities such as watching TV or playing video games, for hours on end. Most of the time, these symptoms are the first signs to manifest and can cause a reluctance to seek treatment.
This is due in part to the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. Although there are numerous discussions happening now regarding the importance of mental health, it is still a challenge for some to acknowledge and talk about these issues. Men with depression may be more reluctant to seek treatment because of the way their condition affects them.
Additionally the first signs of depression are typically more gradual for males, making them harder to identify. In contrast to women, who usually feel sadness and despair when they are depressed men are more likely to display aggressive emotions, such as aggression and anger, according to Verywell Health. These changes in behavior are usually a result of cultural expectations that expect men to be tough and calm but can obscure the true underlying issue.
This is the reason why a lot of men aren't diagnosed with depression. It is important to understand that men experience depression in different ways and that this is normal. This awareness can motivate men to seek treatment for depression so that they can get better. If a man feels in imminent danger or has suicidal feelings, he should call emergency services.
2. Feelings of hopelessness
When men are suffering from depression, they might be overwhelmed and depressed. These feelings are a sign that it's time to seek help. It can be difficult for men to admit they are depressed. Friends and family members should encourage them to seek out help.
Men who are depressed are more likely alcohol and engage in risky behaviors as compared to those who don't suffer from the condition. These behaviors could be the result of a desire to conceal their feelings and adhere to "masculine" norms or a symptom of the depression itself.
Irritability and anger may be signs of depression in men and these emotions are typically expressed in a violent manner. People who are depressed are more prone to road rage. People with depression may also be irrational with their family members. These angry outbursts can be triggered by a variety of causes, including stress at work, personal relationship problems, and health issues.
Many people are unable to identify depression in a loved ones due to the fact that the symptoms vary from person to person. One man may be irritable and another may be shy. Moreover, men who are struggling with depression can sometimes confuse their feelings with other mental health problems, such as anxiety or bipolar disorder, or medical conditions like chronic pain or undiagnosed autoimmune disease.
It is crucial to be able to recognize the symptoms of depression in men and to talk freely with them about their feelings. Men who are depressed are more likely than those with depression not to commit suicide, which is why it's important that they 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 will not disappear on its' own.
3. Feelings of worthlessness
Men might feel like they are not able to help others, particularly when their depression is severe. They may feel depressed or lose interest in their normal activities, such as hobbies or work. This can cause them to believe that they will never improve, and that it's pointless to find solutions.
They also can be easily angry and aggressive, which could have a significant impact on their relationships as well as their ability to perform. As a result, they're less likely to seek assistance for their problems than women are. The National Library of Medicine reports that primary care physicians fail to diagnose depression in men 50% of the time. This is due to the fact that men concentrate on physical symptoms of depression and they're often uncomfortable discussing emotional ones.
This reluctance to admit they're struggling has resulted in the stigma associated with mental health issues, specifically depression. It's crucial for those who know someone suffering from depression to recognize the signs of the disorder and encourage them to seek treatment.
With the right help, a man suffering from depression can recover. They can seek relief with therapies or medications, or the combination of both. Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about the mental health concerns of men is the first step. BetterHelp offers a convenient online service that connects you with licensed, accredited therapy providers who can provide depression treatment and other mental health services. Start by taking the free assessment.
Depression is an extremely serious mental health issue that affects a lot of people around the world. The good news is that right treatments can improve someone's mood and result in a better quality of life.
4. Feelings of guilt
One of the most common symptoms of depression is feeling guilty. Men can feel guilt for a variety reasons, such as irritability, anger and reckless driving. These feelings could be temporary or last for a few months or weeks. Since men are less likely to talk about their emotions and feelings, they may not be aware the connection to depression, and they may not seek treatment.
Anger can be a sign of depression. It can range from irritability to road anger. It is also often an expression of a sense of failure or disappointment particularly when a man reaches mid-life. A man who is depressed will dwell on his feelings and blame himself instead of acknowledge that the depression is due to depression.
Men can also engage in escapist behavior including drinking too much or playing video games for long hours in order to not deal with their depression. This can result in serious health issues. It's crucial to recognize these symptoms in someone you know and take action.
It is important to keep in mind that depression can be a mental disorder and will not disappear by itself. While antidepressant medications can help ease some symptoms, it's important to consult a therapist and follow self-help steps such as exercise, yoga and a healthy diet to address the root cause. People who suffer from depression may also find relief by talking to an experienced friend or family member, but it can be difficult for some men to open up about their feelings because they feel that seeking therapy is "unmanly" or that they will be seen as an aggressor.
5. Anxiety
Men with depression can also feel anxious or restless. It is often because they are feeling stuck in a situation and feel powerless to change it. People who feel like this are less likely to seek help because they aren't aware that this is an indication of depression, not weakness. They may also be unable or unwilling to express their feelings and may be unable to ignore their feelings. This makes it difficult for others to notice the problem.
If left untreated, male depression can affect every aspect of life including relationships, work and personal security. In symptoms of depression bipolar , men are four times more likely to take their own lives than women. The reason for this isn't entirely evident, but it could be due to the fact that men are less likely to seek help, or that they are more driven when they do attempt to seek help.
Understanding the differentiators between men and women's experiences of depression is crucial. This is particularly important when it comes to identifying signs of depression in a family member. Men are better at recognizing physical symptoms of depression like weight loss and fatigue. However they are less likely to recognize emotional changes. It is therefore crucial that friends and family are attentive and look out for any changes in behavior that may be a result of depression.
Those who are concerned about the mental health of a person should discuss the issue with them in a candid and in a manner that is supportive. This will help to relieve the stigma associated with mental health issues generally and encourage the person to seek out the help they require. If you are worried about someone who may be at risk of self-harm or suicide, contact the Beyond Blue suicide helpline on 1300 22 4636 or dial 911 in an emergency.