Mental health conditions are subject to a lot of stigma in our society, and one of the most problematic contenders is depression in men. Men tend to expect themselves and other men to be able to simply "deal" with difficult emotions, and often have difficulty asking for emotional help. Clinical depression may be viewed as a sign of weakness.
Depression in men is not uncommon, and it is treatable. The challenge for many can be recognizing it, talking about it, and asking for help. In this article we'll share symptoms of major depressive disorder in men, and how men can protect and improve their mental health.
Male depression is a common mental health condition that affects men of all ages and backgrounds. It’s not a sign of emotional weakness or a failing of masculinity.
Depression in men often gets overlooked, and underlying depression can go untreated, leading to serious consequences.
You may be able to see signs of depression in men through both mental or physical symptoms. Depression symptoms in men can be different from those in women, making it harder to spot. Men may experience depression after the loss of a job or loneliness, unlike women who may experience it after the loss of a loved one.
Men with depression may exhibit behaviors such as:
Depression symptoms in men can be related to medical conditions, a mood disorder, or other mental health issues. A doctor or mental health specialist can help determine what is causing the symptoms and how to best treat them.
Men with depression may experience physical signs such as:
As with most mental illness, scientists have been unable to determine a single cause. rather, biological, psychological, and social factors all play a part, as do lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills.
Depression in men can be triggered by stressful life events, trauma, occupational stress, loneliness, PTSD, or many other things.
For many, the workplace can be a source of psychological stress that can negatively affect employee mental health, especially if the individual gets no sense of personal fulfillment or positive socialization from their job.
Also, men in general tend to neglect building and maintaining strong social connections with other people, a strong protective factor in mental health.
Certain health conditions, such as erectile dysfunction, can increase the risk of depression in men. Clinical depression is also related to a number of chronic illnesses that impact physical function and overall health and wellness.
Finally, men with a family history of depression or other mental health conditions are more likely to experience depression.
Major depression, especially treatment resistant depression, can lead to negative consequences if not addressed.
Depression increases the risk of suicide, and men die 3.88x more than women, accounting for 69.68% of suicide deaths. Women attempt suicide more often than men, but men are more likely to complete suicide due to societal and cultural factors.
If you think you may hurt yourself or are thinking about suicide and are at immediate risk, contact a suicide prevention hotline. If you have access to guns, unload them and lock them in a safe place.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, but you aren’t thinking of hurting yourself right away, seek help from a mental health professional.
You can treat depression. Medical and mental healthcare professionals continue to refine and improve treatment options, including talk therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Treatment options for major depression include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. A healthcare professional will be able to determine what treatment plan is right for you.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to be effective for the treatment of depression symptoms.
For more severe cases, medications such as antidepressants can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common type of antidepressant medication.
Positive lifestyle changes can help lift depression and keep it from coming back. Lifestyle changes are an important piece of any treatment plan, because proper self-care can be a strong protective factor when it comes to mental health.
Aim for eight hours of sleep, practice relaxation techniques and stress management, and spend time in sunlight. Studies have shown that getting regular exercise can be as effective as medication for relieving depression symptoms. Eating a healthy, nutrient-dense diet can also be beneficial.
One of the most difficult things about managing depression in men is that many don't ask for help because of stigma. It is a serious medical condition that can be dangerous if not treated.
Don’t try to tough out depression on your own. It takes courage to seek help—from a loved one or a professional. It is incredibly difficult and often impossible to manage depression on your own.
Untreated depression can cause problems in every part of your life, including your health, career, and personal relationships.
Look for support from people who make you feel safe and cared for. The person you talk to doesn’t have to be able to fix you; they just need to be a good listener. There are many resources available to help men with depression, including online support groups and mental health professionals.
If a man you love has unexplained mental or physical symptoms that seem to point to depression, here are some ways you can support them in getting the help they need.
Many men who are experiencing depression don’t exhibit typical depressive symptoms such as a despondent mood, so you may want to avoid using the word “depression” and try describing his behavior as “stressed” or “overly tired.” Engage him in conversation and listen without judgment.
Take any remarks about suicide seriously and encourage him to participate in activities that once gave him pleasure.
Encourage him to seek professional help from a mental health professional. Offer to help him find resources and support groups. Be patient and understanding, and remind him that depression is a treatable condition.
Depression in men very often goes untreated either because the signs of depression are atypical, or because many men experience difficulty asking for help, even from a family member. But there is help available through therapy.
At Williamsburg Therapy Group our team of doctoral-level psychotherapists offer a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to talk therapy that offer the tools necessary for learning self-compassion, managing stress, and learning healthy coping skills and habits that can treat male depression.
If you or someone you love is showing signs of depression that are impacting their mental or physical health, call our service coordinator to be matched with a therapist that can help you work through the scenarios that trigger depression, support you when you're feeling sad, and offer healthy coping skills and strategies to reduce symptoms and help you live a fulfilling life.