How to Recognize Male Depression Symptoms A lot of men don't seek treatment for depression, believing it's not a manly thing. But depression is a serious mental health condition and requires treatment just like a broken leg or a cold. Men may experience depression in a variety of ways. They may feel irritable and angry or lose interest in things that once brought them pleasure. These are indicators that you should consult a doctor about seeking help. 1. Feelings of hopelessness Many men struggle to accept that they're depressed and do not seek treatment. They may also believe that depression is an indication of weakness, so they try to conceal or cover up their feelings. If not treated but, male depression could have serious consequences. These include loss of family or job sexual dysfunction, as well as thoughts of suicide. If you spot signs of depression in a friend or loved one, talk about the subject with care and compassion. Depression can lead to feelings of despair, and the feeling that nothing can change. These feelings can make it difficult to take action and get through the day. An absence of motivation could result in a lack of energy, which affects performance at work and home. It can also result in a change of eating habits and some people might start drinking alcohol or taking substances to cope. Depression is a prolonged period of despair and sadness. These feelings can affect eating habits, sleep patterns and the overall enjoyment of a person's life. People suffering from depression may find it difficult to keep relationships going or spend time with friends. But, it's essential to seek help from friends and family when you feel down. Depression can be triggered by stress, death of a loved-one, trauma from childhood or war, poor health, or dysfunctional attachment styles. It can also be triggered by the social stigma that is associated with mental health issues, as well as the public perceptions of what depression means to a man. These factors can make it harder for men to talk about their feelings and seek assistance and can lead to depression becoming worse. 2. Feelings of devalued It can be difficult for men to admit that they're suffering from depression-related symptoms, especially those relating to feelings of worthlessness. This is partly because of the belief that men must be strong and independent, which can mask signs of depression. Men are also hesitant to openly express their feelings. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-symptoms are therefore less likely to seek treatment for depression than women. This could cause the disorder to go undiagnosed or untreated. It is also normal for men to resort to unproductive coping strategies when they are trying to cope with depression. They might, for instance, drink excessively or be enticed by illicit substances to alleviate their feelings. This kind of behavior can result in serious and often tragic consequences. It is not always evident why women and men suffer from depression in different ways. It could be due to brain chemistry or hormones. It could also be a combination of factors. It could be due to a social expectation for men to suppress their emotions and not show sadness or anger. This can cause men to act aggressively or threaten others to cover up their sadness. It is essential to let a person you know who is suffering from depression know that you are concerned. You can do this without blaming them or making them feel guilty. You can say something like, "I've noticed that you are acting differently lately. I'm wondering if perhaps you're suffering from depression. You can then offer help in whatever way is most suitable. For instance, you might suggest seeing a therapist together. It is also an excellent idea to inform your doctor about any changes that you've noticed in the person you're concerned about. 3. Trouble concentrating In addition to leading to feelings of despair and sadness Depression can also cause difficulty thinking clearly. This is especially apparent if the person is struggling at school or at work. It is often an indication that the signs of depression are getting worse. Many men are unable recognize depression, because they have been socialized to believe that it's not acceptable to cry. As a result they can ignore their own symptoms, or attempt to manage these issues by drinking excessively or yelling in anger, a behaviour that can damage relationships and could result in addiction. The mind and body are connected, so it's not unusual for men to suffer physical symptoms like pain or fatigue in addition to mental ones such as irritation. Men who suffer from depression may report vague somatic symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, back or abdomen pain, aches, pains, and digestive problems, but they may not realize that they are connected to their emotional turmoil. These problems can become more severe if they are not treated. The difficulty in concentrating could be an indication of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other medical conditions like an underactive thyroid or PTSD. It can also be a sign of certain medications, like steroids or sedatives. If you suspect that a friend or loved one is suffering from depression, it's crucial to talk to them about it in a safe, non-judgmental setting and offer them support. If they refuse to discuss it or seem to be hesitant, you can help to find a doctor that is an expert in mental health. You could offer to make the appointment for them so they aren't afraid. 4. Irritability Men are often unaware of the symptoms of depression, particularly those that are more subtle, like anger. This is because men have been taught to repress emotions and may not be able to recognize or understand their feelings of sadness and lack of interest in certain activities. In some instances, these feelings can result in self-destructive behavior like drinking excessive alcohol or engaging in risky behavior. Irritability is common in men who suffer from depression, and is usually a result of being overwhelmed by negative emotions. Men may find it difficult to express their emotions and could be prone to lash out in anger as a way to deal with their feelings. This could be a sign that depression is the cause and should be taken seriously. It is also possible that a man's anger could be the result of unresolved sadness or disappointments. This can be especially the case if a man has suffered a significant trauma, like an injury to the body or loss of an individual close to him. It is crucial to seek out help when they are suffering from this type of depression or anger because it can cause permanent damage. Men should be aware of any changes that occur in their bodies, for example headaches or digestive problems. This is because these can be indicators of depression, and if untreated, can cause more serious health issues, including suicide. Unfortunately, many sufferers of depression fail to seek the help they require because they feel ashamed or believe that their symptoms are a sign of weakness. This is due to social norms and messages about what it means to be a man. 5. Loss of interest for things you used to enjoy Men are often reluctant to seek help for depression due to the stigma surrounding mental health and the belief that they are able to "man up" and manage things on their own. This can result in symptoms of depression going undiagnosed. Men are often able to notice sleep issues or physical pain as the first indication of depression. Other signs include a decrease in interest in activities that they usually enjoy, feelings of despair, anger or aggression. Men might also experience a change of appetite that can lead to weight increase or loss. Sometimes, the symptoms of depression are so subtle that they go unnoticed. Men are less likely than women to express their emotions, and they might not always be able describe the feelings clearly. Men tend to hide their emotions by doing work or engaging in escapist pursuits such as watching video games or sports. The National Library of Medicine states that men can also struggle to identify their emotions and misunderstand the happenings in their lives. Depressed men often don't get the support they require and their symptoms can worsen with time. It is important that friends, family, and coworkers are aware of depression in men. If you're concerned about the man you know, try engaging in a honest conversation with them while they're in a safe and judgment-free environment. Giving them compassion and understanding can be an effective way to convince them to seek treatment. In some instances, men who are suffering from depression may be at risk of harming themselves or others. If this is the case it is essential to seek professional assistance as soon as possible.