Depression In Men: Understanding the Issues and Signs

Depression In Men

It is normal for men to feel unhappy or disappointed about things that are occurring in their daily lives. Occasionally, depression in men is a temporary affliction that occurs because of a traumatic event in their lives, such as the death of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, or the loss of a job. However, if such depression lasts longer than several weeks, it should be treated immediately. Left untreated, it could cause serious turmoil for men suffering from this incapacitating medical illness. Depression in men can cause havoc on personal relationships, careers, and hobbies.

Unlike women, men rarely seek treatment for their depression. Although, depression is a serious mental condition, it can be successfully treated. Men have a tendency to suffer in silence, because they think that admitting any type of vulnerability makes them appear weak.

Men, especially in families, are regarded as “the head of the household.” In traditional marriages and relationships, men are supposed to be strong and dependable. To give into the crippling grip of depression makes them unmanly and weak. Men are reluctant to discuss their emotional feelings about their self-doubts and hopeless despondency with family and friends. 

Therefore, depression in men often goes undetected by the medical profession, and the statistics for depression in men remains much lower than depression in women.

10 Facts about Depression in Men

Men are very prevalent to depression in ways that are not always apparent. Here are 10 common facts and signs of depression in men. You might not have been aware of these signs until now and this is an opportunity for you to wake up to the responsibility of caring for your loved ones.

1. Failure causes men to go into a deep state of depression, making them feel worthless and without value. If they do not exceed the expectations that they had for themselves then they will begin to feel anxious and as if they are doing something wrong with their lives and the decisions they are making.

2. Men who feel that they are not up to par when it comes to their sexual ability suffer from a low self-esteem, in turn causing depression.

3. The use of drugs and alcohol will take a toll on the male hormones and will cause them to fluctuate. This will set men off balance when it comes to their job and their relationships. As they begin to experience a hormonal falling out they may not realize the effects of the chemicals in drugs and alcohol and their effect on the male body.

4. Working too much and feeling obligated to make enough money for their marriage or family may cause a great deal of stress and lead to male depression.

5.Depression will show up in the male body physically more so then emotionally. Repetitive headaches and stomach aches are a symptom of stress.

6. Men will take risks when they feel that they are lacking fulfillment in a certain area of their lives. Compulsive behavior and casual sex is a common symptom.

7. A short temper is a common sign when men are experiencing depression and they may take it out on a close friend, family member or spouse.

8. Both men and women suffer from insomnia throughout depression by either sleeping too much or not getting enough sleep. A lack of sleep will then result in fatigue and increase the other signs of depression, such as a bad temper.

9. A lack of an appetite is common within the male body if they are experiencing anxiety and stress.

10. Men experience depression as they endure a mid-life crisis in which they feel the need to revisit an adolescent stage of life. They may experience confusion along with a feeling of urgency which may cause them to act sporadically or spend money on things they usually wouldn’t consider buying. Throughout their midlife crisis they begin to believe that they have failed in the life that they have been living and they wish to start over.

In many homes, men are the breadwinner. Therefore, you should be ready to offer support to your loved ones who are passing through this condition.

Depression in Men Symptoms

Depression in men is sometimes hard to diagnose, because men tend to focus on their physical ailments instead of their emotional feelings. Symptoms of depression include:

• feeling unhappiness or emptiness;
• frustration and irritability;
• inability to focus and concentrate;
• insomnia;
• fatigue;
• an increase or decrease in appetite;
• aggressive and violent behavior;
• feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness;
• loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed...

Help & Treatment of Depression in Men

Men have a hard time admitting they are depressed. They find it even more difficult to ask for help. Men have a tendency to self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, and other risky behaviors. Using alcohol and drugs to treat depression is like putting a bandage on a serious wound. Substance abuse can only make matters worse by causing problems in relationships and at work.

Feelings of depression are more likely to cause men to attempt suicide and they are more successful at committing suicide than women. The most successful treatment for depression in men is a combination of anti-depressant medications and psychotherapy. (See: Most Common Treatments for Depression)