What are the Signs & Symptoms of Depression in Men?

Though almost every data shows that women experience depression more than men, it does not mean depression does not exist among men or affect them any less. Depression is a state of mental illness that can affect any gender and their feelings, thoughts, behaviour and body. Men are culturally pressured to maintain their composure in a manly way and hide their feelings which can sometimes lead to a mental disorder such as depression. This piece talks about symptoms of depression in men. So start reading!

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What Are the Physical Symptoms of Depression in Men?

Men suffering from depression can initially notice physical signs. Following is a list of physical signs of depression in men:

Tightness in the chest
Joint, limb, or back pain
Digestive issues
Headaches
Fatigue
Changes in appetite/urge to eat too much or too little
Insomnia or oversleeping too much or too little
Restlessness or agitated
Unusual weight loss or weight gain
Erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems
Hormonal issues like low testosterone
Heart palpitation

What Are the Mental Symptoms of Severe Depression in Males?

Here is a list of depression symptoms in males related to mental health

Trouble in concentrating
Racing thoughts
Difficulty in remembering
Obsessive-compulsive thought patterns
Troubled sleep, specifically difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Suicidal thoughts

What Are the Emotional Symptoms of Severe Depression in Men?

Feeling of sadness is primarily associated with depression. However, there are numerous emotional symptoms of depression in men. These are as follows,

Feeling of hopelessness
Aggression
Anger
Emotional withdrawal from friends, family, and colleagues
Agitation
Loss of interest in hobbies, work
Lack of sexual desire
Restlessness

What Are the Behavioural Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men?

The three types of depression symptoms mentioned above can massively affect the behaviour of men.

Note: Behavioral symptoms can overpower emotional symptoms and can be more noticeable to others.

Difficulty in completing personal or professional responsibilities
Engaging in reckless activities
Social isolation
Addiction to alcohol
Drug misuse
Suicide attempts

What Are the Treatment Options for Depression in Men?

The popular treatment options of depression available for men include,

Medication
Talk therapy (or combinations of both)

Apart from these, depending on the severity of depression, doctors can prescribe other treatment options such as,

Cognitive-behavioural therapy
Interpersonal therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Problem-solving therapy

How to Tackle Depression in Men?

Apart from taking certain medication or therapy, men suffering from depression can ring some changes in lifestyle such as, they can

Exercise
Maintain routine
Manage bigger tasks by breaking them into small, easily manageable tasks
Indulge in meditation, yoga
Avoid alcohol
Talk and share feelings with friends or close ones

From the above discussion, the symptoms of depression in men are clearly understandable. Be attentive to these symptoms and seek professional help immediately if you experience some or see any close person to you suffering from the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the different types of depression in men?

In men, the different types of depression include major depression (psychotic depression, minor depression, seasonal affective disorder, persistent depressive disorder); bipolar disorder.

Can genetic factors be a cause of depression in men?

Yes, a genetic factor can be a cause of depression in men. If a man has a family history of depression, he can develop this mental disorder.

What steps should be taken if someone suspects they have depression?

Suppose anyone around you or your family is experiencing depression. In that case, you must suggest they consult a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. The treatment plan may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.

You can also suggest they have an affordable health insurance plan with mental health coverage, including consultations and treatments, making it more accessible for individuals to seek the help they need.