Male Depression: What You Need to Know

Depression can affect anyone. For quite some time there was a stigma associated with Mental Health and Depression, though this is now finally being spoken more about in our society. Big names like Winston Churchill, John Lennon, Prince Harry, Eric Clapton and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have spoken about their own experiences with Depression. While Depression is sometimes expressed differently with men it is still prevalent, recent statistics showing that six million men in the United States have Depression.

With such a statistic, you likely know someone who is depressed; that someone could be you or a loved one. Because symptoms of Depression sometimes appear differently in men there are higher rates of those that go undiagnosed and untreated. Improved outcomes can depend on early detection and therapy. This is why it is critical to understand what depression looks like for some men.

Complicating Factors

According to Mental Health First Aid USA, there are four reasons why many men experience lingering depression and why it is often not reported:

  1. “More men experience depression than seek help.” Some men report that they feel being depressed is a “sign of weakness,”. Depression is not always a condition that men talk about. They may keep it a secret and struggle with it in silence. In reality, more men are undiagnosed and untreated than what is reported.
  2. “Spotting the signs can be hard.” The signs and symptoms of depression in men are different from depression in women. Rather than sadness, they may exhibit burnout and/or reckless behavior. They may also engage in escapist behavior, such as substance abuse and working long hours.
  3. “The weight of emotional pain.” The emotional pain in men can be disguised in the forms of impaired physical health. Often, they seek help from their primary care or family doctor rather than from a therapist or counselor. This underscores the importance of “listening” to their body or recognizing the signs and symptoms of Depression like sleeplessness, poor focus and loss of interest in many aspects of life.
  4. “Asking for help isn’t easy.” Asking for help can feel at odds with the roles that many men feel they play. Thus, asking for help can be very difficult. Men may need to build their courage and resilience to be able to ask for help.

The Classic and Unique Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of depression can be different among individuals. They can also be different in men and women. Studies show that there is societal pressure on men to act strong and “manly”, and not exhibit any weakness or feelings of helplessness. Thus, men may disguise their intense emotional distress as exhaustion, irritability or anger. It can also be expressed in terms of physical concerns such as headaches, stomach problems, and chronic pain – says the National Institute of Mental Health.

To better appreciate the difference in the signs and symptoms of depression in men and women, check out the results of the analysis made by the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D). The most common symptoms of Depression include;

  • Depressed mood, feeling sad or empty
  • Less interest in or pleasure in daily activities
  • Significant weight loss or gain, or appetite changes
  • Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
  • Physical agitation or lethargy
  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
  • Inability to think or concentrate

Despite the similarity, “the overall pattern of symptoms varied by gender.” According to Harvard Medical School/Harvard Health Publishing, the symptoms men are more likely to experience than women are:

  • Irritability
  • Loss of interest in work or hobbies
  • Sleep problems
  • Physical problems such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
  • Alcohol or substance abuse to self-medicate for depression
  • Changes in behavior, such as becoming abusive, controlling, or violent
  • Taking physical risks, such as aggressive driving

Men may also hide symptoms because they do not want other people outside the family to know about their struggle. Hiding can mean working longer hours and/or turning to alcohol or drugs. It can also mean not talking about their difficulties and not seeking help from a professional because it can mean accepting what they have been denying all along.

Gender “Inequality” in Depression

Males generally fare worse than their female counterparts in health issues like cancer and heart attacks. Insofar as depression is concerned, the number of women diagnosed is higher. Experts surmise that the combined effects of genetics and environmental stress probably have something to do with the gender difference. It is also believed that men have certain protective factors against depression.

What are the factors that buffer men against depression? These are their higher testosterone levels and brain chemistry. Studies show that depression and testosterone levels are linked. Men who have higher levels of testosterone are less likely to develop the Depression. Engaging in more intense activity has a positive effect on emotional health. Also, since some men can be more physical, they may benefit from this increased physical activity. Men are also less likely to reflect excessively on their sad or painful experiences, being less introspective than women.

Depression is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease causing men can become more prone to develop these medical conditions. In addition, the effect of this condition is more lethal in men, with suicide being a major risk factor. In fact, “four times as many men compared with women die from suicide,” says Harvard Medical School/Harvard Health Publishing. “One reason may be men’s reluctance to convey their feelings and seek help when they are in despair.”

Counseling and Depression

Knowledge of the nature of depression is empowering, as it tells you what signs and symptoms to watch out for and your options. Yet, the “buck doesn’t stop here.” To feel better, you must talk to a behavioral health professional. Depression cannot go away on its own. It is a condition that needs to be treated to alleviate the symptoms. An experienced counselor/ therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC can assist you with the diagnosis and treatment of your depressive symptoms.

The most critical step in your recovery may be seeking professional help. It takes courage to talk about your concerns with a therapist and begin moving toward recovery. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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