Depression effects men differently from that of women in numerous ways. You might be thinking how so?! Men are less likely to admit they are suffering mentally, emotionally, and physically. Very often and throughout history, men have been conditioned to be STRONG, COURAGEOUS, FEARLESS, and EMOTIONLESS. This is not a realistic depiction because at the end of the day, whether you’re a man or woman, we all emote. More attention should be paid more to how men feel about their job/careers, family life (chores, yard work, child rearing), relationships, friendships, finances, decision making, and other expectations. Whether men are in homogenous or heterogenous relationships, it’s important to explore how many things they endure daily can sometime lead to depression. Here are some telltale signs that men experience depression: withdrawing from significant other, withdrawing from family & friends, missing work, working more that what is needed, preference to isolate self, marked sadness, eating less/eating more, substance use (increased alcohol consumption or using illicit drugs), significant changes in sleep, changes in weight, change in concentration or being forgetful about important things, low energy levels, statements/comments about suicide, moodiness, lack of any emotions (flat affect), lack of sexual desire/intimacy, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, gambling, feeling anxious, and engaging in risky activities (often leading to legal issues).
Other telltale signs that most people aren’t aware that men are experiencing depression is increased ANGER, IRRITABILITY, or AGRESSIVENESS. Some may be stumped on this fact because often we associate depression with sadness. Instead, some men may present as angry or irritable because they are in fact experiencing an episode of depression. Men who are frustrated or angry are less likely to seek professional help. If you know someone who presents with any number of these symptoms for more than two weeks at a time, you may want to refer they seek help of a mental health professional. Ongoing depression over time can lead to mental anguish, issues with others, and can even lead to chronic health issues if left untreated over time.
Different Types of Depression:
Major Depression Disorder – Can occur once or several times throughout a person’s lifetime (multiple episodes).
Psychotic Depression – Severe depression involving delusions (false/fixed belief systems) or hallucinations (auditory, tactile, visual, gustatory, and olfactory).
Seasonal Depression – Depression occurring during Winter months of each year when there is less natural light.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (aka Dysthymia) – Depressive symptoms that can last 2 years or much longer (usually less severe than major depression).
Bipolar Disorder – A depressive episode can occur during this disorder marked by a period of low extreme moods. During other time periods of this disorder, the individual can experience extreme high moods (mania episode).
Depression in men is contributed to societal, environmental, genetic, and illness factors (e.g., finances, difficult relationships, major life changes, work issues, family history of depression, trauma(s), heart disease, cancer, diabetes, medications, and multiple triggers). Depression can be treated by men expressing their feelings with people who are supportive & caring. Other forms of treatment include visiting a physician, taking psychotropic medications, or working with a mental health professional via psychotherapy treatment.
You can help a loved one affected by depression by offering them support, understanding, PATIENCE, listening to them unconditionally without judgment, not ignoring their suicidal comments, help them become more physically active & social by inviting them to family or friend engagements, and encouraging the person to report any concerns about medications/go to physician appointments. If you know a man affected by depression, please don’t be a bystander. Have an honest conversation with them & suggest help right away. Here at Mentally Fit, LLC I am always advocating and working to help clients alleviate depression in their lives. So, let me help you become more Mentally Fit!
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