Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men may experience physical symptoms like headaches, aches and pains as well with feelings of despair and loss of interest. Rather than seeking help, they may be able to express their feelings through anger or aggression.
It is normal to feel down from time time, but depression changes your thinking and impacts your relationships, work, sleep, diet, and overall enjoyment of life. Here are a few of the most common depression symptoms:
1. Loss of interest
Men suffering from depression can lose interest in activities that they normally take pleasure in. They may feel bored or irritable and may lose interest in hobbies that they usually take pleasure in like playing sports or engaging in other activities that are escapist such as watching TV or playing video games for hours at a time. These symptoms are often the first to show up and may lead to a reluctance to seek treatment.
This is due in part to the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. Even though there are more discussions about mental health, a few people still find it difficult to discuss and recognize these issues. Men may be especially reluctant to seek help when they have depression because of the way in which their illness affects them.
Men also exhibit more subtle symptoms, making it harder to diagnose. Contrary to women, who generally suffer from feelings of sadness and hopelessness when they are depressed men are more likely to display aggressive emotions, such as aggression and anger according to Verywell Health. These behaviors shifts are often due to cultural norms that men should be tough and calm and in control, which may obscure the real problem.
This is why so many men aren't diagnosed with depression. It is essential to realize that depression can manifest in different ways and this is normal. This awareness can help men to seek treatment for depression so that they can improve their condition. However, if a person is concerned that they are in imminent danger or is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it's imperative to call emergency services immediately.
2. Feelings of despair
When men are suffering from depression, they can feel depressed and hopeless. These feelings indicate that it's time to seek help. It isn't easy for men to admit they are depressed, which is why it's crucial that family members and friends step into the equation and encourage them to get help.
Men who struggle with depression are more likely to drink alcohol and engage in risky behaviours than those who don't have the disorder. These behaviors may be the result of a desire to hide their feelings and follow "masculine" norms or a symptom of the depression itself.
Men may also exhibit symptoms of depression, such as anger and irritability. These feelings are often expressed in a threatening manner. Road rage, for example is a common occurrence in people who are depressed. People with depression may also be irrational towards their family members. These outbursts of anger can be triggered by a variety of triggers, such as stressors at work, personal relationship problems, and health issues.
Many people are unable to recognize depression in their loved ones since the symptoms can be different between people. One man may be irritable and another may be withdrawing. In addition, people who are experiencing depression may be confused by their symptoms with other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, or medical conditions, like chronic pain or undiagnosed autoimmune disease.
It's crucial to recognize the signs of depression in men, and to talk with them about their feelings. Men who suffer from depression are more likely to take their own lives than those who don't, so it's crucial that they reach out for help. If Iampsychiatry to seek treatment because they believe it's not "manly," it's important to remind that depression is a real illness that can't be cured on its own.
3. Feelings of worthlessness
Men might feel as if they don't have anything to offer to others, especially when their depression is severe. They may feel defeated and lose interest in the activities they typically enjoy, such as work or hobbies. These feelings can make them believe they won't get better and there's no reason to keep trying to find solutions.
They can also become easily angered and aggressive, which could affect their relationships and ability to work. They're also less likely to seek treatment for their symptoms. In fact, the National Library of Medicine states that primary care doctors miss depression in men over 50% of the time. This is because men focus on physical signs of the illness and they're often uncomfortable discussing emotional issues.
This reluctance to admit they're struggling has resulted in the stigma surrounding mental health issues, specifically depression. It's crucial for those who know someone suffering from depression to be aware of the signs of the disorder and encourage them to seek treatment.
With the right treatment, a man suffering from depression can heal. They can seek relief with medications or therapy or a combination of both. The first step is finding the right therapist who understands male mental health issues and can help overcome them. BetterHelp offers a convenient online service that matches you with licensed, accredited therapy providers who can offer depression treatment and other mental health services. Start by taking the free assessment.
Depression is a serious illness that affects millions of people across the world. The good news is that the right treatments can boost a person's mood, which can result in better quality of life and improved emotional well-being.
4. Feelings Of Guilt
Feelings of guilt are a typical indicator of depression. Men may feel guilty for a variety of reasons, like anger, irritability, and reckless driving. These feelings can be temporary or can be present for weeks or months at one time. Since men are less likely to talk about their emotions and feelings, they may not be aware the connection to depression and may not seek treatment.
Anger is a sign of depression. It can range from anger to road rage. Anger is often a reaction to feelings of discontent or failure, especially as men reach middle age. Most often, those suffering from depression will internalize his feelings and blame himself rather than acknowledge that the depression is due to depression.
Men may also exhibit behavior that is escapist, like drinking too much or playing video games for hours on end to avoid dealing with their depression. This could have serious health consequences. It is crucial to identify these symptoms in a family member or friend and act.
It's important to remember that depression can be an illness of the mind and won't disappear by itself. While antidepressant medication can ease certain symptoms, you should seek out a therapist in order to discuss the underlying problem and take self-help measures like yoga and exercise, as well as healthy eating. Talking to an experienced friend or family member can be a great help for men who are depressed. However certain men might be reluctant to talk about their depression for fear of being viewed as being a "victim".
5. Anxiety
People with depression may also feel anxious or agitated. This is usually because they feel stuck in a certain situation and powerless to change. Men who feel this way are less likely to seek help since they don't realize that this is a sign of depression, not a weakness. They may also be unable to communicating their feelings and are more likely to ignore their feelings, which makes it difficult for others to see there is something wrong.
Untreated male depression can have a negative impact on every aspect of life, including work, relationships and personal security. In fact, men are four times more likely to take their own lives than women. The reason behind this is not entirely clear however it could be due to the fact that men are less likely to seek help, or because they are more impulsive when they do try to seek help.
Understanding the differentiators between women and men's experiences of depression is important. It is important to know the differences between men and women when identifying symptoms of depression in someone in the family or a friend. Men are better at recognizing physical signs of depression like hunger and fatigue. However they are less likely to spot emotional changes. Consequently, it is important for friends and family to be vigilant and look for any changes in behaviour which could be the result of depression.
People who are concerned about the mental health of a person should speak to them honestly and in a supportive way. This will help decrease the stigma associated with mental health issues, and also encourage individuals to seek the help they require. If you are concerned about someone who is at risk of suicide or self-harm, contact the Beyond Blue suicide helpline on 1300 22 4636, or dial 911 in an emergency.