It’s a mental illness, and it doesn’t discriminate by sex. But how depression shows up in men can look a lot different than how it does in women. Recognizing the symptoms of depression in men is helpful since it will assist in identifying the problem and assist in receiving the appropriate help.
Signs of Depression in Men
- Change in mood and behavior
- May seem mad or aggressive
- Withdrawal from society or isolating oneself
- Bad habits (drinking, drugs, reckless driving)
Loss of Productivity‘
- Decreased motivation and concentration
- Trouble focusing on work or tasks
- Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
- Enhanced feeling of disconnect and detachment
Physical Signs of Depression in Men
- Depression can sometimes be expressed through physical symptoms including aches, pains, headaches or muscle tension.
- Sleep pattern disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping) may also be indicative of depression
It’s worth noting that the symptoms of depression in men may vary and not every man will experience the same signs.
The description of depression has been mainly formed by gender stereotypes, often from a woman-centered perspective. But the last few years have seen an acknowledgement that men do face struggles of their own when it comes to mental health. Mental health advocates and researchers, have tried to bring about more awareness and open the discussion on going beyond masculine stereotypes when it comes to treating depression in men.
Depression affects men due to social standards that encourage them to hide feelings, making it hard for them to express vulnerability and seek help for fear of appearing weak. Traditional masculinity as a provider is also a factor. Recently, there has been increased focus on men’s mental health, promoting inclusive practices and challenging stigma.
All in all, symptoms of depression in men can be wide-ranging and subtle – and it’s critical for people, doctors, and all of us to talk about it. By acknowledging the special needs of men with depression and giving them the support and tools they need, we can strive for a more holistic, genderless approach to mental health.
If any men in your family are experiencing depression, Arbor Wellness is always ready to provide the support they need. Our professionally trained staff are ready to offer them a safe and confidential place to discuss their feelings and begin the healing process.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3038800/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/male-depression/art-20046216
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/depression/depression-in-men
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/depression-his-versus-hers
https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/depressions-problem-men/2021-07
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-and-anger
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9809215/
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