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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.