Recognizing Depression Symptoms in Men
Many men have difficulty to express their feelings despite the fact that conversation about mental health has been more open and tolerant. They can miss depression symptoms, whether they are their own or a friend's.
The good news is that men can treat depression through counseling or medication or lifestyle adjustments. NYU Langone's team of experts in psychology provides an overview of the signs and symptoms of depression men commonly experience and offers tips on how to seek treatment.
1. Loss of interest in activities
Men who experience depression often find themselves unable to enjoy activities that they normally find enjoyable. They might also notice an absence of interest in work and social interactions. People who suffer from depression are less likely than women to seek treatment. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the belief that men are capable of "tough it out," as well as the perception that depression is a sign of weakness. In reality, more men are now opening about their experiences with depression which is helping reduce the stigma associated with the condition and encourage others to seek help.
Contrary to women, who tend to feel depression as feelings of despair or sadness, men may be more likely to express their emotions in anger and aggression. This can be due to the cultural pressures men feel to be tough. They might conceal their emotions or employ harmful methods of coping such as drugs and alcohol. Depressed people may also be unable to express their sadness and grief.
It can be difficult for family members and friends to identify a man's depression particularly if the signs differ from the women. Men who are experiencing depression may be anxious or withdrawing however, they may also notice changes in appetite and sleeping patterns that signal the presence of the disorder. Men who are depressed may also suffer from physical pain and other bodily sensations, which could make it difficult for them to express their emotions.
In addition to the feeling of being bored in everyday activities, men who suffer from depression are at a higher risk of developing problems like sexual dysfunction and other issues. This is why it is important for anyone who suspects that he is depressed to see a medical professional right away.
Taking steps to recognize and treat depression can have a significant impact on the quality of life of a man. Being treated early can stop the symptoms from getting worse and can help improve communication in the workplace and at home. Counseling with a mental health professional can be beneficial in treating depression, as can medications.
2. Anger or aggression
Men who suffer from depression typically struggle to express their feelings, and the symptoms they experience can be very different from women's. One man may be irritable and snap at everyone, while another is agitated or agitated. Men may also have trouble understanding their mood and behavior changes, especially if they deny the fact that they are sick.
In addition to having an impact on the mind, depression can also cause physical problems, like eating disorders, sleep disturbances, and physical pains. In some instances these issues could be a sign of an underlying illness like an undiagnosed chronic back pain or headache.
Men often experience aggression or anger as a sign of depression. It can occur when something triggers a negative feeling or memory, for instance a failure in the workplace or a disagreement with someone close to them, or the death of a loved one. They may also feel like they are being savaged by others or they are in danger.
Men may misinterpret symptoms of depression for example, a tendency to be angry, or think that expressing their emotions is not considered to be masculine. They might also attempt to cover up their depression by engaging in unhealthy behaviors, such as excessive drinking or a focus on work. These actions temporarily ease the pain, but ultimately make it worse.
Men who suffer from depression should talk to someone in their family or friends about their feelings. If they suspect they're displaying any of the symptoms that indicate depression, they should seek help.
Depression is a serious disease that can result in suicide among those not receiving treatment. In Australia seven people commit suicide every day. This is because a lot of people don't receive the treatment they need.
It is important that people understand the signs of depression to be on the lookout for them, both within themselves as well as in their family and friends. Early intervention can help prevent depression from escalating out of control, and a person can seek help through therapy or by taking antidepressant medications.
3. Feelings of hopelessness
Depression can cause someone to feel like they are hopeless, that life isn't worth living. These feelings can be so intense that they trigger thoughts of suicide. depression symptoms men is among the most preventable causes of men's deaths. While depression is a serious condition, there are ways to boost your mood and help you live longer. The first step is to identify the signs of depression yourself and others.
The stigma of mental health has been reduced by many people, including athletes and politicians. The more people are aware of the warning signs that men could be suffering from depression, the less difficult they will find it to seek treatment.
It is important to remember that, while feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide are frequently associated with depression, they are not a sure sign of the disorder. It's also possible for a man to feel depressed, but not have suicidal thoughts. People can also feel despair due to other medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.
Despite this it's still commonplace for men to avoid or deny symptoms of depression because they feel that they aren't "real." This is largely due to the expectation that men should be in control of their emotions and not express them. This can mask the symptoms of depression in men who may use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drug abuse.
A myriad of physical symptoms can also be signs of depression, including headaches, digestive problems or chronic pain. Insomnia and irritability as well as an inability to focus are also typical. Men with depression may have difficulty focusing on their work or personal relationships. They may also show less interest in sexual activity and are more likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction that could be an adverse result of certain antidepressants.
Men who are worried about a loved one should talk to them about their concerns in a non-judgmental setting. Encourage them to think about therapy, which can help reduce depression and improve mood. If they're hesitant about speaking to counsellors or therapist, they can try online therapy with BetterHelp, which matches them with a licensed therapy therapist in just 48 hours.
4. Physical symptoms
When we think about depression, we often picture people who are very sad. Depression can be characterized by a variety of symptoms, including sadness. Other symptoms include irritability and feelings of hopelessness. A lot of these symptoms can be linked to physical issues such as headaches and aches, weight changes and insomnia. People who are depressed may also have problems with their sexual drive. It is essential to discuss all of your physical and emotional symptoms with your doctor to ensure that they can be properly diagnosed.
Men are less likely than women to discuss their feelings, which makes it difficult for them to receive treatment. This is why they tend to minimize or avoid mentioning depression symptoms. If you suspect that a male friend or family member is suffering from depression it is essential to provide support and encourage him to seek help. Remind him that depression is not a normal thing and it will not go away on its own. People often believe that asking for help isn't manly and they are supposed to cope with their depression on their own.
Depression can affect a person's home, work as well as social interactions. It can cause problems with relationships and even job losses. In severe cases, depression can cause thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Depression can be treated with medication, therapy or a combination of both.
Inpatient or partial hospital psychiatric treatment for men who are extremely depressed, are at risk of harming themselves or others, or are unable to take care of themselves at home, it could be necessary to seek out inpatient or partial hospital psychiatric treatment. This type of treatment provides 24-hour psychiatric supervision under the supervision of a clinical therapist. This could include group, individual and family counseling and medical services like blood tests and X-rays.
Depression is a serious illness that can leave lasting negative effects if not treated. It is important to seek immediate help in the event that you or someone you know is suffering from depression symptoms. The act of seeking help doesn't make you weak or a failure and is the best way to get back to normal living.