Symptoms of Depression in Men

Men can suffer physical symptoms like headaches, aches and pains, as well as emotional feelings like despair and lack of enthusiasm. They may not seek assistance and instead, express their emotions by expressing anger or aggression.

It's normal to feel down at times, but depression can affect your relationships, work, and your diet, and your enjoyment of life. Here are a few of most frequent signs of depression in men:

1. Loss of interest

People who suffer from depression may lose interest in activities that they usually enjoy. They may feel drained or irritable, or lose interest in hobbies they normally like, such as sports or other escapist pursuits such as watching TV or playing video games for a long time. Often, these symptoms are the first ones to appear and could result in a resistance to seek treatment.

This is in part because of the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. While there are many conversations happening now about the importance of mental health, it's difficult for some people to acknowledge and discuss these issues. People with depression might be more hesitant to seek treatment because of the way in which their condition affects them.

Additionally, the onset of symptoms is generally more gradual in men, making them harder to detect. According to Verywell Health, men are more likely to display aggressive emotions such as anger and aggression when they're depressed than females. Women tend to feel despair and sadness. These changes in behavior are usually a result of cultural expectations that demand men to be tough and calm and in control, which may obscure the root of the issue.

This is why many men are not diagnosed when they suffer from depression. It is important to understand that depression can manifest in different ways and this is normal. This knowledge can motivate men who are suffering from depression to seek treatment. If a man feels that they are in immediate danger or has suicidal thoughts, then it is essential to call emergency services.

2. Feelings of hopelessness

If a person is suffering from depression, they may be overwhelmed and depressed. These feelings indicate that it's time for help. It can be difficult for men to admit that they are depressed. It's essential that family members and friends step in and help them seek help.

Depression sufferers are more likely than the rest of us to drink alcohol or engage in risky behaviors. These behaviors may be the result of a desire to hide their feelings and conform to "masculine" norms or a symptom of the depression itself.

Men can also show signs of moderate depression of depression by being irritable and angry. These emotions are often expressed in an aggressive way. Depressed people are prone to road anger. Depression sufferers can be also irrational toward their family members. These angry outbursts are result of a variety of causes like stress at work, relationship problems, and health issues.

Many people struggle to recognize depression in their loved ones due to the symptoms can be different from one person to the next. One man may be irritable and another may be shy. Moreover, men who are suffering from depression may mistake their feelings for other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, or medical conditions, like chronic pain or an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder.

It's important to know how to recognize the early warning signs of depression of depression in men and to talk with them openly about their emotions. People who are depressed are more likely to commit suicide than those who don't therefore it's imperative that they reach out for assistance. If they're reluctant to seek help because they think it's not "manly," it's important to remind them that depression is a real issue that won't go away on its own.

3. Feelings of worthlessness

Men might feel that they don't have anything to give to others, particularly when their depression becomes severe. They may feel hopeless or lose interest in their normal activities, such as hobbies or work. These feelings can make them believe that they will never improve and that there's no point in trying to find solutions.

They may also be easily irritable or agressive, which could affect their relationships and their ability to work. They're also less likely to seek treatment for their psychological symptoms of depression. In fact, the National Library of Medicine states that primary care physicians miss depression in men more than 50% of the time. Men tend to focus on the physical symptoms and avoid discussing the emotional ones.

This reluctance to admit they're struggling has led to the stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly depression. It's essential that those who are close to someone suffering from depression are aware of the symptoms and encourage them to seek treatment.

Despite the challenges it is possible for a man with depression to recover with help. You can get relief using therapy, medication or a combination. Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about the mental health concerns of men is the first step. BetterHelp provides a user-friendly online service that connects you with licensed, accredited therapy providers who can provide depression treatment and other mental health support. Take the free assessment to begin.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects many people worldwide. The good news is that the appropriate treatments can boost someone's mood and provide an improved quality of life.

4. Feelings of guilt

Feelings of guilt are a typical sign of depression. People can feel guilty over a variety of things that include a lack of interest in activities such as anger, irritability and rage, and risk-taking behavior like reckless driving. These feelings may be temporary or last for months or weeks. Because men are more hesitant to talk about their feelings they may not even realize that their feelings are linked to depression and may not seek treatment.

Anger is typically a sign of depression, and can vary from irritability to short temper to road rage or abuse. It is also often a response to a feeling of dissatisfaction or failure especially when a man reaches mid-life. Many times, a man who is depressed will dwell on these feelings and blame himself for his mistakes or losses, rather than acknowledge that they are connected to 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 have serious implications for your health. It is crucial to identify these symptoms in a family member or friend and act.

It's also important to keep in mind that depression is a mental illness and it's likely to not improve by itself. While antidepressant medication can ease certain symptoms, you should also seek out a therapist to discuss the root cause and consider self-help measures such as yoga, exercise, and healthy eating. People who suffer from depression may also find relief by talking to an experienced friend or family member, but it may be difficult for some men to talk about their feelings because they believe that seeking therapy is "unmanly" or they fear being viewed as an aggressor.

5. Anxiety

People with depression may also feel nervous or agitated. This is usually because they feel trapped in a certain situation and powerless to change. Men who are feeling this way are less likely than women to seek help as they don't recognize that it could be an indication of depression and not weakness. They may also be unable to express their emotions and ignore their feelings. This makes it difficult for others to recognize that something is wrong.

Men who are depressed and untreated can have a negative impact on all aspects of life including relationships, work and personal safety. Men are four times more likely than women to take their own lives. It's not clear what makes men more likely to commit suicide than women. They may be less likely to ask for help, or be more in a state of impulsivity.

It is crucial to know the different ways that women and men deal with depression. It is essential to be aware of the distinctions between men and women when identifying signs of depression in someone in the family or a friend. Men are more likely to spot physical symptoms of depression, like fatigue and loss of appetite however, they are less in recognizing Signs of Depression changes in their emotional state. Consequently, it is important for friends and family to be aware and look for any changes in behaviour that might be caused by depression.

People who are concerned about the mental health of a man should speak to them honestly and in a manner that is supportive. This will help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues generally, and it will help the person seek out the help they require. Contact the Beyond Blue suicide hotline at 1300 22 4636 if you are worried about someone who is at the risk of self-harming or suicide.