Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men can suffer physical symptoms such as headaches and painful aches and pains as as emotional feelings of hopelessness and a loss of interest. They may not seek help and instead express their frustration with anger or aggression.
It is normal to be down at times however depression can impact your relationships, work and eating habits, as well as your enjoyment of life. Here are a few of most common symptoms of depression in men:
1. Loss of interest
Men who suffer from depression might experience a loss of interest in activities that they typically enjoy. They may feel drained or uninterested and could lose interest in activities they typically enjoy like playing sports or engaging in other activities that are escapist like watching TV or playing video games for hours at a time. These symptoms are often the first signs to manifest and may cause a reluctance to seek treatment.
This is due in part to the stigma that surrounds mental health concerns. While there are numerous conversations happening now regarding the importance of mental health, it's still difficult for some people to acknowledge and discuss these issues. Men are more likely to seek help when they have depression due to the way in which their illness affects them.
In addition the time of onset of symptoms is usually more gradual in men, making them harder to detect. According to Verywell Health, men are more likely to display aggressive emotions like anger and aggression when they're depressed than females. Women are more likely to experience despair and sadness. These changes in behavior could be due to the culture-based expectation that men should be strong and confident. This could obscure the real underlying issue.
This is why many men go undiagnosed when they suffer from depression. It is essential to realize that depression can manifest in different ways and that this is normal. This awareness can help those struggling with depression to seek treatment. If a man feels in immediate danger or has suicidal thoughts, he should call the emergency services.
2. Feelings of despair
When men suffer from depression, they may feel depressed and hopeless. These feelings are a sign that is the time to seek help. depression symptoms bipolar isn't easy for men to admit they are depressed, which is why it's essential that family members and friends step in and encourage them to seek help.
Men with depression are more likely than others to drink alcohol or engage in risky behavior. These behaviors may be the result of a desire to hide their emotions and conform to "masculine" norms or a symptom of the depression itself.
Anger and irritability can be indicators of depression in men and these emotions are often displayed in aggressive ways. Road rage, for instance is common among depressed individuals. People suffering from depression can also be angry with their loved ones. These outbursts of anger could be triggered by a range of triggers, such as stress at work, personal relationship problems, and health issues.
Many people fail to detect depression in a loved ones because the signs vary from person to person. For example, one man may be withdrawn or angry while another person is always exhausted and edgy. In addition, people who are experiencing depression may confuse their feelings with other mental health problems, such as anxiety or bipolar disorder, or medical conditions, such as chronic pain or undiagnosed autoimmune disease.
It is crucial to recognize symptoms of depression in men, and to talk to them openly about their emotions. People who are depressed are more likely to take their own lives than those who do not therefore it's imperative that they reach out for assistance. If they're hesitant to seek treatment because they think it's not "manly," it's important to remind that depression is a real illness that will not go away by itself.
3. Feelings of inadequacy
Men might feel as if they don't have anything to offer to others, especially when their depression becomes severe. They might feel hopeless and lose enthusiasm for activities they normally enjoy, like work or hobbies. These feelings can lead them to believe that they'll never improve, and that it's futile to try and find solutions.
They can also be easily angered or agressive, which could affect their relationships and their ability to work. They're also less likely seek treatment for their symptoms. The National Library of Medicine reports that primary care doctors fail to diagnose depression in men 50percent of the time. Men tend to focus on physical symptoms and not talk about the emotional aspects.
The reluctance of people to admit they're struggling has contributed to the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, specifically depression. It's crucial that people who are close to those suffering from depression acknowledge the symptoms and encourage them to seek treatment.
With the right help A person suffering from depression can recover. They can seek relief with therapies or medications or the combination of both. Finding a therapist that understands men's mental health issues is the first step. BetterHelp provides a simple online service that connects you with accredited, licensed therapy providers who can offer depression treatment and other support for mental health. Complete the assessment for free to begin.
Depression is a serious issue that is affecting millions of people around the globe. The good news is that the right treatments can improve people's mood and improve the quality of life and enhanced emotional health.
4. Feelings Of Guilt
One of the most common symptoms of depression is feeling guilty. People can feel guilt for a variety of reasons, including anger, irritability, and reckless driving. These feelings can be temporary or be present for weeks or months at an time. Men tend to be less likely to talk about their feelings, and they may not realize that their feelings are connected to depression. They might not seek treatment.
Anger could be a sign of depression. It can range from anger to road anger. Anger is often a reaction to a sense of disappointment or failure, especially as men reach middle age. Often, a man suffering from depression will internalize his feelings and blame himself, rather than acknowledge that the depression is caused by depression.
Men may also engage in escapist behaviour, such as excessive drinking or playing video games for long hours, to avoid dealing their depression. This could cause serious health problems. It is important to know the signs in a friend or family member and take action.
It's also important to remember that depression is a mental illness and that it is unlikely to be cured on its own. Although antidepressants can ease some symptoms, it's important to talk to a therapist and follow self-help methods like yoga, exercise, and a healthy diet to address the root of the issue. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can be a great help for people who are depressed. However there are some who are reluctant to talk about their feelings due to fear of being perceived as a "victim".
5. Anxiety
Men who suffer from depression can feel anxious or agitated. This is usually because they feel trapped in a certain situation and powerless to change. People who feel like this are less likely to get help because they don't realise that this is a sign of depression, not a weakness. They may be unable to express their emotions and avoid their feelings. This makes it difficult for others to see something is wrong.
Untreated male depression can have a negative impact on every aspect of life, including relationships, work and personal safety. In reality, men are four times more likely to take their own lives than women. The reason isn't completely certain but 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.
It is crucial to know the different ways that women and men experience depression. This is especially crucial when identifying the signs of depression in a family or friend member. Men are more likely to recognize physical symptoms of depression, like hunger and fatigue, but they are less capable of recognizing emotional changes. Therefore, it is essential for family members and friends to be aware and look out for any changes in behaviour that could be a result of depression.
Being open with men about their mental health is a great idea. This will help decrease the stigma associated with mental health issues and help individuals to seek the support they need. If you are concerned 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 the event of an emergency.