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- Depression can affect men and women differently. When depression occurs in men, it may be hidden by unhealthy coping behavior. For several reasons, male depression often is not diagnosed or treated and can lead to serious and sometimes tragic results. But when treated, male depression usually gets better.
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/male-depression/art-20046216
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Sep 12, 2024 · Recognizing the signs of depression in men is an essential step toward getting the person the help they need. Whether it’s subtle shifts in mood or more obvious changes in behavior, understanding these signs can make all the difference.
Feb 13, 2024 · When depression occurs in men, it may be hidden by unhealthy coping behavior. For several reasons, male depression often is not diagnosed or treated and can lead to serious and sometimes tragic results.
I – Isolation. S – Substance abuse. E – Exhaustion. While these symptoms aren’t exhaustive or exclusive to men, we hope this apronym will help open up conversations around men’s mental health and serve as a useful starting point to spot some of the more common male-specific symptoms of depression.
- Overview
- Men and depression
- Symptoms in men and women
- Behavioral signs in men
- Emotional signs in men
- Physical signs in men
- Why is depression in men often undiagnosed?
- When to see a doctor
- Treatment
- Coping strategies
Both males and females can experience depression, but the signs and symptoms can be different. Males my also be less likely to seek a diagnosis for depression.
Although the primary symptom of depression for many is often a feeling of sadness, men may have a higher tendency than women to feel anger, demonstrate aggressive feelings, and engage in substance abuse.
Due to the different symptoms, and because men are typically less likely to talk about and seek treatment for depression than women, many men may have undiagnosed depression.
In this article, we explore the emotional, behavioral, and physical signs of depression in men. We also discuss how to get help. Read on to learn how to recognize and manage depression in men.
Depression is common in men. According to the American Psychological Association, an estimated 9 percent of men in the United States have feelings of depression or anxiety each day, and 30.6 percent of men experience a period of depression during their lifetime.
Depression is a mood disorder that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, body, and behavior. Doctors may refer to depression as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression.
Depression is more common in women, affecting 10.4 percent of women compared with 5.5 percent of men in the U.S. However, the number of men who die by suicide is four times the number of women.
One of the reasons for this could be that men are less likely to get a diagnosis of depression. Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide.
Some symptoms of depression are the same for men and women. These include:
•feeling sad, tearful, low, guilty, or empty
•losing enjoyment in pleasurable activities
•appetite or weight changes
•too little or too much sleep
•feeling agitated or tired
The behavioral signs of depression can manifest differently in men and women. For instance, alcohol and drug use affect men with depression more often than women, and men are more likely than women to display anger attacks and risk-taking behavior.
Men with depression may notice the following behavioral changes:
•drinking more or taking drugs
•avoiding family or social situations
•working obsessively without taking proper breaks
•finding it hard to keep up with work or family responsibilities
Some men may find it easier to discuss physical symptoms than mood changes. However, there is a close link between the mind and body. It is vital to share all symptoms with a doctor, even if they seem insignificant or irrelevant.
Depression affects the emotional state of both men and women, causing low mood.
Women with depression may express this as sadness, but some men may be less comfortable outwardly expressing this emotion. Changes to their emotional state can, therefore, become apparent in other ways.
Early signs of depression in men can include an increase in:
•anger
•frustration
Depression is a mental health condition, but it also has physical symptoms. Men with depression may experience:
•headaches
•tightness in the chest
•joint, limb, or back pain
•digestive problems
•tiredness
According to 2013–2016 figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women are almost twice as likely to experience major depression than men. However, it is likely that more men than women avoid reporting depression, so the figures for men may be higher.
According to some estimates, two-thirds of people with depression in the U.S. have not received a diagnosis.
A doctor may also misdiagnose depression in men. Men may be more likely to report physical symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, than emotional changes. As a result, the doctor might give them the wrong diagnosis.
Furthermore, people may misinterpret common emotional or behavioral signs of depression in men. They may see anger as a personality trait instead of a sign of depression. They may also misunderstand the reasons for a person’s increased risk-taking behavior or substance use.
A 2013 study used criteria to adjust for the different ways in which men and women tend to experience depression. The researchers found that depression was equally prevalent among both genders.
More research into depression and gender is necessary to confirm this.
Anyone who notices the emotional, behavioral, or physical changes that we have discussed in this article may be experiencing depression. If this is the case, it is essential to see a doctor.
The doctor can help diagnose a person’s depression and give them the right treatment to feel better.
There are several ways to treat depression. Everyone responds to treatment differently, but a doctor can advise a person on which treatment may best suit their needs.
Treatment options include:
•medication
•talk therapy
Alongside other treatments, certain lifestyle changes and coping strategies can help a person manage depression. For example:
•Regular exercise: Running or even walking briskly outside can produce endorphins and lift a person’s mood.
•Creating structure: Sticking to a daily routine may help make each day feel a little easier.
•Breaking down tasks: When big tasks feel unmanageable, breaking them down into smaller tasks may help.
•Yoga, mindfulness, or meditation: These practices may reduce stress and support well-being.
•Talking to friends and family: Sharing feelings with others may make them feel less overwhelming.
- Lana Burgess
Oct 25, 2018 · As stated above, depression can manifest differently in men and women. In general, however, the warning signs are as follows: Expressing a negative or a hopeless outlook.
Aug 30, 2022 · Depression symptoms for men differ from women. Men or more likely to feel very tired and irritable, lose interest in work, family, hobbies, and sleeping.
Jun 10, 2024 · Signs of depression in men may include physical symptoms like headaches, aches and pains, or fatigue as well as emotional symptoms like hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, and anger or aggression. Both men and women experience depression, but the symptoms may differ, as well as recognition and the desire to seek help.
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