Both men and women can experience depression; however, they may experience it differently. For instance, men may have a more challenging time recognizing their symptoms or discussing their feelings with others. Treatment for depression is available and can help a man suffering from depression to boost his mood over time, and go on to lead a more positive and happy life.
Male Depression: Causes, Types, Symptoms & Treatments
Both men and women can experience depression; however, they may experience it differently. For instance, men may have a more challenging time recognizing their symptoms or discussing their feelings with others. Treatment for depression is available and can help a man suffering from depression to boost his mood over time, and go on to lead a more positive and happy life.
Table of Contents
What Is Depression?
Feelings such as sadness, irritability, and occasional fatigue are normal and usually pass after a couple of days. Depression, also known as major depression or clinical depression, entails much more than these fleeting symptoms and is a serious mood disorder that can cause severe symptoms. People who suffer from depression have issues dealing with how they feel, think, and handle regular activities. Symptoms must last for at least two weeks for someone to be diagnosed with depression.1
Both men and women can suffer from depression, but they are likely to deal with it differently. Some men with depression have difficulty expressing their emotions and instead display anger, irritability, or aggression. Women are more likely to express their sadness. Men often feel very tired and show a lack of interest in work, family, and regular activities when experiencing depression. They usually have more difficulty sleeping than their female counterparts and may also have physical issues such as a racing heart, tightness in their chest, chronic headaches, and digestive problems. They are more likely to see a doctor for these physical issues than any emotional symptoms they may be experiencing.1
Men may also turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their emotional symptoms and are more likely than women to commit suicide. Women are more likely to attempt suicide, but men typically use more lethal methods to attempt suicide.1
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression is characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms. While men and women may exhibit different signs and symptoms, some of them are the same.
Signs and symptoms of depression include: 2
- Feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in regular activities
- Extreme weight loss, weight gain, or changes in appetite
- Inability to concentrate or remember details
- Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
- Physical agitation or lethargy
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
Men are typically less adept than women at recognizing when they are experiencing symptoms of depression. Men are more likely to deny feelings, hide them, or mask them with other behaviors. While men may experience classic symptoms of depression, they are more likely than women to experience “stealth” symptoms. 3
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in work, hobbies, or once pleasurable activities, including sex
- Issues with sleep
- Physical problems like headaches, digestive disorders, or chronic pain
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Behavioral changes, such as becoming abusive, controlling, or violent
- Risky behavior, such as aggressive driving or unsafe sex
The most commonly overlooked signs of depression in men are physical pain, anger, and reckless behavior. 3
Different Types of Depression
Major Depression
Characterized by symptoms that interfere with someone’s ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and engage in once pleasurable activities. Major depression can occur only once in someone’s lifetime, but it is more common for someone to have multiple episodes. Different subtypes of major depression include: 1
Persistent Depressive Disorder: Characterized by depressive symptoms that last two years or longer but are not as severe as those of major depression. 1
Minor Depression: Characterized by depressive symptoms that last two years or longer but are not as severe as those of major depression. 1
Bipolar disorder is not the same as depression; however, someone who suffers from bipolar disorder experiences episodes of depression. These episodes are accompanied by extreme high moods referred to as mania. 1
Causes of Depression in Men
#1: Genetic Factors
#2: Environmental Stress
#3: Illness
Serious medical illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease, can occur alongside depression. These conditions can cause someone’s depression to become worse, and vice versa. Medications for these conditions can cause side effects that can trigger depression or make existing depression worse. 1
How Depression Can Go Unrecognized and Undiagnosed in Men
The main difference between depression in men and women is that it goes unrecognized and undiagnosed in men more often than women. Men are often told that they should be strong, and because of this, they may have a difficult time opening up about problems they are having. American culture also suggests that it is a feminine trait to express emotion outwardly. Men are more likely to talk about their physical symptoms rather than any emotional symptoms. 5
Men experiencing depression may have trouble discussing their feelings with friends, family, doctors, and mental health professionals. Men often learn that it is important to practice self-control when experiencing certain emotions. They may have also learned that it is not “manly” to express the feelings and emotions associated with depression. 6
Suicide Risk
Untreated depression can lead to personal issues, problems with family and finances, and even suicide. Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women in the United States, which may result from the prevalence of untreated depression in men. 7
Even though women attempt suicide more often than men do, men have a higher chance of committing suicide because: 6
- Men use suicide methods that are more likely to result in death, such as guns
- Men might respond more impulsively when they experience suicidal thoughts
- Men are less likely to show warning signs, such as openly discussing thoughts of suicide
Treatment for Depression
For many men, depression can come with feelings of embarrassment and shame, and fear of stigma associated with a diagnosis. However, untreated depression is likely to continue to get worse over time. 8
Once someone overcomes the fear of talking about their depression, treatment is extremely effective for depression. Eight out of ten cases of depression respond well to treatment methods. 7
Some combination of medication and therapy is the general method of treatment for depression. A doctor can prescribe antidepressant medication and refer their patients for therapy. Medication or therapy alone can be effective, but someone with severe depression will likely need to take medication to experience a change. 8
Additionally, good nutrition and healthy sleep can create a better mood for someone who is in the process of treating their depression. Regular exercise is also important and may work just as well as medication for mildly depressed patients. 8
Medication
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Sexual issues
These side effects may become less severe over time, but it is essential to consult a doctor if any of these side effects show up. The dosage of antidepressants can begin low and gradually increase to a full therapeutic dose to minimize side effects.1
It is crucial to understand that antidepressants can cause serious risks for some people, especially children, teens, and young adults. They can cause some young people to have suicidal thoughts and can increase their risk of suicide attempts. Suicidal thoughts and attempts are more likely to occur in someone who becomes agitated when they start taking the medication. Close monitoring by a mental health professional can minimize these risks.1
Someone may also respond better to some antidepressants than others. If someone is experiencing severe side effects from one medication, a doctor may suggest trying a different kind. If a medication is only partially effective, a doctor may prescribe another medication to take alongside it. 1
It is imperative not to stop taking antidepressants without a doctor’s help, even if depression symptoms have gone away. Abruptly stopping the medication can cause depression symptoms to return and can also result in withdrawal symptoms. Under medical supervision, a doctor will help slowly decrease the dose, usually over a 6 to 12 month period, if it is decided that it is time to stop taking the medication. 1
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a short-term therapy used to replace negative thought patterns with more positive and realistic ones. Specific steps can help reduce the severity of symptoms. 9
Interpersonal “talk” therapy is an attachment-focused therapy that revolves around resolving interpersonal issues and recovery from symptoms 9
Problem-solving therapy helps patients learn tools that will help them manage the adverse effects of stressful life events. 9
Psychotherapy is effective in helping people who suffer from depression to: 9
- Cope during a crisis
- Replace negative thought patterns
- Build positive connections with others
- Find new effective ways to solve problems
- Identify the issues that contribute to depression
- Set goals that are realistic
- Tolerate stressful situations
How to Help a Depressed Loved One
If a man you love is struggling with depression, it is crucial to recognize that they cannot turn it off or snap out of it. They may also be unable to understand their symptoms and may not be interested in seeking professional treatment.1
You can best support someone you love by helping them find a doctor or mental health professional and helping them make the initial appointment. Men who have a hard time recognizing their depression may agree to get help for their physical symptoms. Talking with a primary care doctor about these symptoms can be an excellent first step in learning about and getting treatment for depression.1
- Offering support, patience, and encouragement
- Listening to him
- Taking suicide comments seriously
- Inviting him out for physical and social activity
- Encouraging him to talk with his health care provider about any medication concerns
- Reminding him that he is taking the right steps towards a better life
Tips to Boost Your Mood
If you are a man suffering from depression, it is essential not to try and handle it independently. Seeking help from a loved one or a mental health professional is a courageous act. Self-help steps like seeking social support, regularly exercising, and fostering a healthy diet are effective methods for working through depression. 3
These activities will help you begin to feel better with each day but will not necessarily immediately improve your mood, so keep going! Many men who seek treatment for depression will notice better sleep patterns and appetite before shifts in mood occur. 3
There are several steps you can take, in addition to treatment, that can positively affect how you think and feel. These steps can aid in the process of overcoming depression symptoms. These steps include:3
Reaching Out for Social Support
- Actively seek out support
- Make spending time with others a priority
- Keep up with social activities even when you don’t feel like it
- Look for ways to support others
- Take care of a pet
- Join a support group
Engage in Positive Lifestyle Changes
- Try to get eight hours of sleep a night
- Find ways to relieve stress
- Utilize relaxation techniques
- Spend time in the sun
- Find a hobby or activity
- Try something new
Exercise Regularly
- Find a continuous and rhythmic exercise
- Add a mindfulness aspect
- Seek out an exercise partner
- Go on simple hikes
- Take a dog for a walk
Maintaining a Healthy Diet
- Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
- Incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet
- Find foods with mood-enhancing nutrients like bananas and spinach
- Eat more foods with vitamin B
Challenging Negative Thoughts, like:
- All or nothing thinking
- Overgeneralizing
- Focusing on negative thoughts
- Jumping to conclusions
- Labeling
- Emotional reasoning
Utilizing these strategies alongside treatment from a doctor or mental health professional can help boost your mood over time, creating a more positive and enjoyable life for yourself. Remember, it is ok to ask for help. You are not alone.
References
- Men and Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/index.shtml
- Publishing, H. H. (n.d.). Recognizing depression in men. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/recognizing-depression-in-men
- Robinson, L. (n.d.). Depression in Men. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-men.htm
- Depression and men: Royal College of Psychiatrists. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/depression-and-men
- Depression in Men: Symptoms and Physical Effects. (2020, June 04). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-men#1
- Behaviors in men that could be signs of depression. (2019, May 21). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/male-depression/art-20046216
- Men: A Different Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/research/action/men
- Publishing, H. H. (n.d.). Men: Don’t ignore signs of depression. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/men-dont-ignore-signs-of-depression
- Article by: Katie Hurley. (2020, September 25). Depression in Men: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.psycom.net/depression-in-men