15 Reasons You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Symptoms Of Depression In Men

Symptoms of Depression in Men Men may experience physical symptoms like headaches, aches and pains as well as emotional feelings of hopelessness and lack of interest. They may not seek out help and instead express their feelings by expressing anger or aggression. It is normal to be down at times However, depression can have a negative impact on your relationships, work and diet, as well as your enjoyment of life. Here are a few of most common symptoms of depression for men: 1. Loss of interest in the activities Men who are suffering from depression may notice a decrease in interest in activities that they normally enjoy. They may feel bored or irritable, or lose interest in the activities that they typically enjoy, such as sports or other escapist pursuits like watching TV, or playing video games for a long time. These signs can be the first to appear and can make people reluctant to seek treatment. This is partly due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues. While there are many conversations happening now about the importance of mental health, it's still difficult for some people to acknowledge and discuss these issues. Men may be especially reluctant to seek help if they suffer from depression because of the way their illness affects them. Additionally, the onset of symptoms is generally more gradual in men, which makes them more difficult to recognize. Contrary to women, who generally suffer from feelings of sadness and despair when they're depressed, men tend to exhibit more aggressive emotions such as anger and aggression, according to Verywell Health. These behaviors shifts are often due to cultural norms that demand men to be tough and in control but can obscure the real issue. This is why many men go undiagnosed when they are suffering from depression. It is important to be aware of how depression symptoms manifest differently in men, and to recognize that it is perfectly normal for some men to experience these nuances. This awareness can encourage those suffering from depression to seek treatment. However, if a man is concerned that they are in imminent danger or is having suicidal thoughts, it is imperative to call emergency services immediately. 2. Feelings of hopelessness When men suffer from depression, they might feel hopeless and overwhelmed. These emotions are a sign that it's time to seek out help. It can be difficult for men to admit they are depressed, which is why it's crucial that family members and friends step in and encourage them to get help. People who suffer from depression are more likely to consume alcohol and engage in risky behaviours than those who do not suffer from the condition. These behaviors could be the result of a desire to hide their emotions and conform to “masculine” norms, or they can be an indication of depression itself. Anger and irritability can be indicators of depression in men, and these emotions are typically manifested in violent ways. Depressed people are prone to road anger. People suffering from depression can even lash out at their loved family members. These outbursts of anger are result of a variety of causes including stress at work, relationship problems and health issues. Many people are unable identify depression in a loved one because the symptoms differ from person to. One person may be angry, while another is shy. Moreover, men who are experiencing depression may mistake their feelings for other mental health problems, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, or medical conditions, such as chronic pain or autoimmune diseases that are not diagnosed. It's crucial to learn to recognize the symptoms of depression in men and to talk with them openly about their emotions. Men who suffer from depression are more likely to commit suicide than those who do not and it's essential that they reach out for assistance. If they're hesitant to seek treatment because they believe it's not “manly,” it's important to remind that depression is a real issue that can't be cured on its own. 3. Feelings of inadequacy Men might feel as if they don't have anything worth offer others, especially when depression becomes a major issue. They may feel defeated and experience a loss of interest in the activities they typically enjoy, such as work or hobbies. This can cause them to believe that they'll never improve, and that it's pointless to try and find solutions. They can also be easily irritable or agressive, which could affect their relationships and their ability to work. As a result, they are less likely to seek treatment for their issues than women are. The National Library of Medicine reports that primary care physicians fail to diagnose depression in men for 50% of the time. Men tend to focus on the physical symptoms and avoid discussing the emotional aspects. This unwillingness to admit that they're struggling has contributed to the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, especially depression. It's important for people who know someone with depression to be aware of the signs of the illness and encourage them to get treatment. With the right support A person suffering from depression can recover. They can find relief through therapies or medications or an amalgamation of both. The first step is to find the right therapist who understands male mental health issues and can assist them to overcome these issues. BetterHelp offers a convenient online service that connects you with licensed, accredited therapy providers who can offer depression treatment and other support for mental health. Start by taking the free assessment. Depression is an extremely serious mental health issue that affects a lot of people around the world. The good part is that the proper treatments can improve the mood of a person, which can result in better quality of life and better mental health. 4. Feelings Of Guilt Feelings of guilt are a typical sign of depression. Men may feel guilty for a variety of reasons, including anger, irritability and reckless driving. These feelings may be temporary or last for weeks or months at an time. Because men are more hesitant to talk about their feelings they may not even realize that these feelings are related to depression and may not seek treatment. Anger is often a symptom of depression, and can be anything from irritability and short temper to abuse or road rage. It is also often a response to a feeling of failure or disappointment particularly as a man approaches mid-life. Most of the time, men suffering from depression will internalize these feelings and blame himself for his failures or losses, instead of recognize that they are related to depression. Men may also exhibit behavior that is escapist, like drinking too much or playing video games for hours on end to avoid dealing with depression. This can cause serious health problems. It's important to recognize the signs in a friend or family member and take actions. It's important to recognize that depression can be an illness of the mind and isn't going to disappear by itself. While antidepressant medication can ease some symptoms, it is important to seek out a therapist and pursue self-help measures like yoga, exercise, and healthy eating to address the underlying issue. Men who are depressed may also find relief by talking to a trusted family member, but it can be difficult for men to speak up about their emotions because they feel that seeking therapy is “unmanly” or they fear being viewed as an aggressor. 5. Anxiety Men with depression can also feel anxious or restless. This is usually because they feel stuck in a specific situation and powerless to change. People who feel this way are less likely to get help since they don't realize that this is a sign of depression, not a sign of weakness. They may be unable to express their emotions and ignore their feelings. This makes it difficult for others to notice that something is wrong. If not treated If left untreated, depression in men can impact every aspect of life, including work, relationships, and personal safety. Men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide. depression symptoms and anxiety for this isn't entirely clear however it could be because men are less likely to seek help, or because they are more than impulsive when they try to get help. Understanding the differences between women and men's experiences of depression is important. This is particularly important when it comes to identifying signs of depression in a family member. Men are better in recognizing physical signs of depression like weight loss and fatigue. However they are less likely to spot emotional changes. Therefore, it is essential for family and friends to be on guard and watch out for any changes in behaviour which could be the result of depression. Discussing openly with men about their mental health is a great idea. This will help to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health issues and help individuals to seek the help they need. Contact the Beyond Blue suicide hotline at 1300 22 4636 if are concerned about someone you think may be at risk of suicide or self-harm.