Both males and females can experience depression, but the signs and symptoms can be different. Males my also be less likely to seek a diagnosis for depression.
Although the primary symptom of depression for many is often a feeling of sadness, men
Due to the different symptoms, and because men are typically less likely to talk about and seek treatment for depression than women, many men may have undiagnosed depression.
In this article, we explore the emotional, behavioral, and physical signs of depression in men. We also discuss how to get help. Read on to learn how to recognize and manage depression in men.
Depression is common in men. According to the American Psychological Association, an estimated 9 percent of men in the United States have feelings of depression or anxiety each day, and 30.6 percent of men experience a period of depression during their lifetime.
Depression is a
Depression is
One of the reasons for this could be that men are less likely to get a diagnosis of depression. Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide.
Understanding how depression symptoms might differ between men and women is important. It can help make people aware of depression in themselves and their loved ones. Recognizing depression is the first step toward recovery.
Men’s health resources
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Some symptoms of depression are the same for men and women. These include:
- feeling sad, tearful, low, guilty, or empty
- losing enjoyment in pleasurable activities
- appetite or weight changes
- too little or too much sleep
- feeling agitated or tired
- having trouble concentrating
Not everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms.
Some symptoms of depression are more likely to affect men than women, which could be due to genetic, hormonal, biochemical, or social factors. We look at depression in men in more detail below.
The behavioral signs of depression can manifest differently in men and women. For instance, alcohol and drug use affect men with depression
Men with depression may notice the following behavioral changes:
- drinking more or taking drugs
- avoiding family or social situations
- working obsessively without taking proper breaks
- finding it hard to keep up with work or family responsibilities
- becoming more controlling or abusive in relationships
- engaging in risk-taking behavior, such as gambling or unsafe sex
- attempting suicide
Men with depression may also lose interest in their hobbies and passions or feel less motivated to succeed at work.
Depression may affect a man’s sex drive too. Men with depression may have less interest in having sex and might have trouble with sexual performance.
Help is out there
According to 2013–2016 figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , women are almost twice as likely to experience major depression than men. However, it is likely that more men than women avoid reporting depression, so the figures for men may be higher.
According to some estimates, two-thirds of people with depression in the U.S. have not received a diagnosis.
A doctor may also misdiagnose depression in men. Men may be more likely to report physical symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, than emotional changes. As a result, the doctor might give them the wrong diagnosis.
Furthermore, people may misinterpret common emotional or behavioral signs of depression in men. They may see anger as a personality trait instead of a sign of depression. They may also misunderstand the reasons for a person’s increased risk-taking behavior or substance use.
A 2013 study used criteria to adjust for the different ways in which men and women tend to experience depression. The researchers found that depression was equally prevalent among both genders.
More research into depression and gender is necessary to confirm this.
According to 2013–2016 figures from the
According to some estimates,
A doctor may also misdiagnose depression in men. Men may be more likely to report physical symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, than emotional changes. As a result, the doctor might give them the wrong diagnosis.
Furthermore, people may misinterpret common emotional or behavioral signs of depression in men. They may see anger as a personality trait instead of a sign of depression. They may also misunderstand the reasons for a person’s increased risk-taking behavior or substance use.
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More research into depression and gender is necessary to confirm this.
Signs of depression in men may differ from signs of depression in women. Men are more likely to feel anger and aggressive feelings and to engage in substance abuse or risky behaviors.
Increased awareness of the signs of depression in men can empower those with this condition to get help.
Seeking help for depression is essential. Suicide is a leading preventable cause of death among men. Treatment can significantly improve a man’s mental health and emotional well-being.
Major depression, also called clinical depression, is a serious but manageable mental health condition. With treatment, a person with depression can manage their condition and stay well. People with depression can go on to make a full recovery.
Source - Medical News Today
Signs of depression in men may differ from signs of depression in women. Men are more likely to feel anger and aggressive feelings and to engage in substance abuse or risky behaviors.
Increased awareness of the signs of depression in men can empower those with this condition to get help.
Seeking help for depression is essential. Suicide is a leading preventable cause of death among men. Treatment can significantly improve a man’s mental health and emotional well-being.
Major depression, also called clinical depression, is a serious but manageable mental health condition. With treatment, a person with depression can manage their condition and stay well. People with depression can go on to make a full recovery.
Source - Medical News Today
