Understanding the Signs of Depression in Men

The signs of depression in men and women are different. While sadness is often a common symptom, men are more prone to engaging in substance abuse, aggressive outward demonstrations, and anger.

With these differing symptoms it is no surprise that men are not only not as likely to discuss the fact that they are feeling depressed to others, but they will also hold back from looking for treatment. As a result, many men will have undiagnosed depression.

Signs of depression in men

The American Psychological Association estimates that just below ten percent of American men feel depressive symptoms or anxieties each day, while during their lifetime just more than thirty percent of men will go through a period where they feel depressed.

Essentially depression is a mood disorder that affects our body as well as how we think, feel, and act. Medical professionals categorize depression as major depressive disorder, or clinical depression. While depression is more common in women, four times more men die by committing suicide. Part of the reason for this may be that many men suffering from depression do not know it or do not receive effective treatment. This makes depression a significant risk factor for suicide.

The differences between how men and women experience depression and exhibit symptoms are important to understand so that people are more aware of the possibility of depression within themselves and of those around them. Being able to recognize depressive symptoms is the first step toward getting better.

Depression symptoms in men and women

Men and women share many symptoms of depression, including:

• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Sleeping far more than usual yet still feeling tired, or sleeping too little.
• Not being able to concentrate.
• Being bored by activities and hobbies that used to stimulate.
• Feeling sad and being prone to tears.
• Feeling desperately unfulfilled and low.
• Being physically agitated.

Remember, not each person who suffers from depression will experience each symptom. Some signs of depression are far more likely to affect men than women, possibly due to various genetic, biochemical, hormonal, or social factors.

What depression in men often looks like

When men and women deal with depression, they do so in very distinct ways. Men try to self-medicate using alcohol and substance abuse far more readily, as well as display\ outward aggression and risk-taking behavior.

Look out for these changes in behavior in men; they may be an indication of depression:

• Becoming more fixated on death, and various ways to die.
• Attempting suicide.
• Becoming more controlling or abusive in relationships.
• Being unable to keep up with responsibilities at home or work.
• Increasing the amount of alcohol or drugs used.
• Avoiding social situations such as family gatherings.
• Working obsessively without being able to take proper breaks.
• An increase in risky behavior such as gambling or unsafe sex.

Specialists expect that these behavioral changes happen when men look to hide their feelings of hopelessness and emptiness by increasing the intensity of the masculine norms found in Western society. As men disguise depression, they often slowly lose what self-control remains and lash out or engage in increasingly risky behavior that can harm them and those around them.

Part of this may be a reaction to losing their passions in life, feeling bored in their hobbies and activities that used to interest them, and feeling far less motivated to succeed at work. Depression can often negatively affect a man’s libido. Besides being much less interested in having sex, they may also have trouble with sexual performance.

Emotional signs of depression in men

Those close to men on the verge, or suffering from depression may notice an increase in their irritability and frustration. However, many men will find it easier to notice physical symptoms than changes in their mood and emotions.

This link between our bodies and emotions is natural in each person and doctors are often able to see a link between ailments in men and their emotional state. Therefore, even if these ailments seem trivial it is important to inform your doctor about them when you visit.

While women are more likely to express their low mood and sadness, men are often not as aware of their emotional side, or less willing to reveal it. Looking at other apparent changes in their emotional states is helpful. These can be anger, frustration, aggression (passive aggression as well as over-aggression), and irritability.

Do not treat suicide as taboo

Some men who struggle with depression may experience thoughts of suicide. Should you become aware of someone who is at immediate risk of self-harm or of hurting another person it is important that you ask them whether they are considering suicide.

If they are, it is equally important that you listen to them without judgment. Then call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to get in touch with a trained crisis counselor. Stay with the person until professional help arrives. While you are with them try to remove anything that can be used for self-harm such as weapons and medication.

Suicide prevention hotlines are also available. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available all the time (24 hours a day) by dialing 988.

Physical signs

Our minds, bodies, and emotions all make up who we are as individuals. Men who are experiencing depression may experience physical symptoms in addition to mental and emotional symptoms. These could be:

• Feeling tired.
• Headaches or backaches.
• Tightness in the chest.
• Pains in joints and limbs.
• Having trouble digesting food.
• Feeling restless or physically agitated.
• Unintentional weight loss or weight gain.
• Feeling far hungrier or far less hungry than normal.

Experts expect that some of these are linked because of the changes that depression has on the chemicals in the brain including the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals function as brain messengers that govern pain and mood. Shared brain cell pathways may link depression and pain.

Treatment

Depression is treated in several ways and each person will respond differently to it. Doctors and other trained medical professionals can advise someone on the treatment that will best suit them.

There are various treatment options, and these include:

• Talk therapy, or seeing a professional counselor.
• Antidepressant medication.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Learning coping strategies (this would also include talking to friends and family).

Managing depression can be assisted by changes in lifestyle, these include:

20 minutes of exercise. Keeping your heart rate beating faster than usual for 20 minutes or more each day will produce endorphins that work as a natural antidepressant and lift a person’s mood.

Structure is your friend. Create and stick to a daily routine so that each day feels a little easier to get through, and the important tasks of the day get done.

Separate tasks. If you are intimidated by a large task, break it down into pieces so that you can do each piece separately. This will help it feel more achievable and less overwhelming.

Quiet time. Taking time out to pray and reflect on what you have to be grateful for at least once a day is shown to be exceptionally beneficial to those who suffer from depression.

Ask for help. Being willing and able to be transparent with others about what you are going through will give you perspective on what you are going through and make it feel less overwhelming.

Reach out to a professional in your area. Qualified, certified, and experienced professionals regularly help those who suffer from depression. Reach out to a counselor if you need help yourself, or if you know of someone in need.

Christian counseling if you have or witness signs of depression in men

If you’re looking for additional help for recognizing or assisting signs of depression in men beyond this article, please browse our online counselor directory or contact our office to schedule an appointment. We would be honored to walk with you toward a place of healing and hope.