Why Are Signs Of Depression In Men Different From Women's Symptoms?
Men and boys may face particular mental health stigmas that can make seeking care for a mental illness feel especially challenging or even shameful. Depression is a common mental health condition that anyone of any gender can experience. Signs of depression, however, may vary between people of different genders due to how different genders are socialized. For example, men may be more likely to experience anger and aggression rather than sadness, and they may not realize that this can be a symptom of some types of depression, including major depressive disorder.
There are five significant depression symptoms commonly seen in men, including overindulging in escapism, medical symptoms, substance use disorder, irritability, and risky behaviors. Although anyone may experience these symptoms, they may be more common in men.
How does depression in men differ?
Even though the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders do not distinguish between depression in people of various genders, depression in men can manifest differently than it can in women and people of other genders. These signs and symptoms often appear alongside various coping mechanisms and depression-influenced behaviors.
In some cases, depression in men may go undiagnosed because their symptoms aren’t recognized as depression. It's also possible for some men to be reluctant to talk about depression symptoms, to downplay them, or to resist reaching out for support. Depending on what signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder a person is experiencing, it's also possible for depression to be misdiagnosed as a different mood disorder.
Common symptoms of depression in general
Extreme fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Changes in eating habits
Difficulty enjoying previously enjoyed activities
Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Men with depression may also show symptoms that might not be initially recognized as clinical depression by healthcare providers or others in their life, including:
Overindulging in escapism
Medical issues
Substance misuse or substance use disorder (sometimes incorrectly referred to as “substance abuse”)
Irritability
Risky behaviors
It's also possible for a person to have thoughts of suicide while experiencing depression. Suicide prevention is of vital importance.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.
Men with depression and other health conditions might struggle without support due to stereotypes about what "masculinity" means to them. These stereotypes might condition men to limit their expression of emotions linked to depression or even refuse emotional support or health services in order to avoid being perceived as "sensitive."
Because men are less likely to reach out for support with various health topics, they may be at a greater risk of their depression symptoms going undiagnosed or untreated, according to the National Institute of Health. It's also possible that certain physical symptoms can be directly tied up in stereotypes of male masculinity, like those that affect sexual desire. More than half of people with untreated depression experience sexual problems, which may further contribute to the lack of motivation to seek support.
Unpacking common symptoms and signs of depression in men
People with depression might show many possible signs and symptoms, some of which are found in people of all genders. However, the following symptoms may be common in men diagnosed with depression.
Escapism
Overindulging in escapist behaviors could signal a desire to escape from reality or the symptoms of depression. These behaviors might vary but could involve an unhealthy or unsustainable amount of time and money spent on something. Some common escapist behaviors common among men with depression may include things like:
Watching and/or paying for pornography
Playing video games
Working out
Gambling and sports betting
Watching sports
Binge-watching shows or films
Using and/or misusing substances
Engaging in sexual activity
If you find yourself utilizing the above coping mechanisms or other distracting strategies to escape from difficult symptoms or emotions, you might be experiencing escapism related to depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or another mental health condition or challenge.
Medical problems
Severe stress can be related to depression and might have an impact on mental health and physical health as well. For example, people experiencing signs of high stress and depression might experience headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and other ailments. Other physical manifestations of male depression may include sudden or significant weight loss or gain, fatigue, and a racing heartbeat. Physical signs of depression may be more likely or more severe when related emotions are suppressed or ignored, which may be more common in those socialized as men.
Substance use disorder
Some people may turn to alcohol or substances to cope with their depressive symptoms. Substance use disorder (sometimes incorrectly referred to as “substance abuse disorder”) may also trigger depression on its own. However, the conditions are often connected. Substance use can also be a method of escapism used to cope with depression.
Irritability
While men with severe depression may open up and discuss their depressive symptoms, they might be at greater risk of expressing these symptoms through anger or in feelings of irritability. Testosterone tends to occur in higher levels in those assigned male at birth or those taking testosterone as hormone treatment. This hormone has been associated with higher rates of aggression, irritability, and hostility, which may contribute to irritability for cisgender men and trans-masculine individuals taking hormones.
Risky behaviors in mental health
Along with substance use disorder, men who are experiencing depression may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including dangerous driving, binge drinking, unsafe sex, and excessive gambling or overspending. People may use these behaviors as a shield to mask or distract from their depression. These symptoms might be mistaken by the person or a friend or family member for another condition, such as bipolar disorder, or even a stereotype about how men “should” act.
Reducing the "male experience" to risky behaviors may also feel invalidating for men. If doctors, friends, family, and others perpetuate the idea that men must partake in frequent sex, drink alcohol socially, or spend lots of money, men may grow up believing that these behaviors are normal and not part of an underlying concern. They might also sense that they are not being taken seriously if they try to reach out for depression support or talk to peers.
Addressing depressive disorder and depression in men
The first-line treatment for depression is usually talk therapy. In some cases, joining support groups, making changes to your lifestyle, and taking antidepressant medications may also be recommended. Be sure to consult with a doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. There are alternative options for depression treatment as well, which may be used in cases of treatment-resistant depression, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation—which research suggests may be effective in reducing depressive symptoms.
Often, men feel the pressure to be strong or stoic for their partners, families, or friends and feel unable to voice their needs as a result. Although it can feel scary to consider seeking the support of a health professional for signs of clinical depression, meeting with a therapist or counselor can be a brave first step to finding support. Such professionals are also trained in creating a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere in which you can be honest about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns so you can get support for depression or treatment-resistant depression.
Men and women and people of other genders who may be nervous about seeking in-person talk therapy for depression symptoms or other emotional challenges might consider online therapy instead. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist and meet with them via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from anywhere you have an internet connection.
This flexibility makes many individuals feel more comfortable seeking care. Plus, research suggests that online therapy may be especially effective for men, since this type of treatment often allows for reduced gender-based stereotypes and feelings of judgment.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Below are a few frequently asked questions regarding depression and mental health in men and boys.
Why do guys get depressed?
Men may experience symptoms of depression for several reasons, including genetic history of mental health conditions, health issues, medication, stress, trauma, significant changes, grief, relationship problems, work, financial difficulties, dissatisfaction with their physique, and more. Talk to a counselor if you're unsure of the cause of your depression symptoms.
Is depression more common in men or women?
Depression is listed as more common in women, but this may be because women may be more likely to seek help for symptoms of depression. Men and women may experience different symptoms of depression, but there are treatments available for people of all genders.
How can I test my mental health for symptoms of depression?
There are resources online that may allow you to test your mental health. For example, you can take a mental health test from Mental Health America. An online test is not a substitute for professional and personalized care from a doctor but could be a learning tool when deciding whether you want to reach out for support or treatment.
How can I improve myself mentally?
There are many ways to improve your mental health. Consider the following methods:
- Give yourself time for your favorite hobbies and projects
- Try exercising, hydrating, eating well, and getting adequate sleep
- Consider journaling or recording what you feel grateful for
- Keep strong connections with friendly, supportive people, including people with depression
- Volunteer for a cause you care about to meet new people and feel supportive
- Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, playing or listening to music, or laughing
- Go for a new route on your walk or bike ride, try seeing a film by yourself, or go for a day trip independently
- Avoid substances or reach out for support if you struggle to do so
- Spend some time in nature each week
- Take a break from social media, the news, and negative influences
- Reach out for support from a licensed therapist to discuss any emotional symptoms of depression or any other condition you may be facing
How does a man act when he is depressed?
Men tend to be less likely to acknowledge their feelings than women. When they experience depression, they may complain about feeling fatigued or having sleep problems. Men with depression may be irritable or lose interest in their hobbies, and they are more likely to get angry, reckless, aggressive, or abusive behavior than women.
Men with depression also have a higher risk of suicide. Data shows that women attempt suicide much less often than men. In 2022, the suicide rate among males was four times higher than among females. If you are in crisis and at immediate risk of self-harm or are contemplating suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline right away.
What are 5 signs of major depression?
There are a variety of signs of major depression, and everyone experiences this condition in their own way. Some signs can include feeling sad or empty, losing interest in activities, experiencing a significant change in appetite, sleeping too little or too much, feeling tired or fatigued, and having difficulty concentrating or making decisions. People with major depression may also experience suicidal ideation and have an increased risk of suicide.
What age is depression most common in men?
Depression is most common in males and females between ages 18 and 25, but it can occur at any age.
How long does male depression last?
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can last weeks, months, or even years. If untreated, depression can become chronic, but treatment can shorten the length of a depressive episode and lessen symptom severity.
What can stress do to a man's body?
Stress can cause numerous health problems, including headaches, rapid breathing, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. Stress also causes the body to release cortisol, which can affect the male reproductive system, potentially leading to decreased libido and infections. It can also affect sperm production, maturation, and motility.
How do people treat depression?
According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, antidepressants and psychotherapy are effective, research-backed treatments for depression.
How to help a man with anxiety?
Part of knowing what to do to help someone with anxiety is knowing what not to do. You may try to go out of your way to help them manage whatever is causing their anxiety or change your behaviors to accommodate their stress. While this may seem beneficial, it may have the opposite effect, as helping them avoid the situation may make their anxiety worse.
That said, it may not be helpful to force them to confront their anxiety head-on. Taking on this role can damage your relationship, and helping someone overcome their fears in this way can be better accomplished by working with a mental health professional.
Men may have a more difficult time opening up than women, and they may react to their emotions with anger or aggression. To support someone with anxiety, it can be beneficial to provide validation, refrain from judgment, express concern, and ask them what you can do to help.
If you notice that their anxiety is starting to interfere with their ability to enjoy life or function at work or school, encourage them to seek support from a mental health care professional who has experience with men's mental health.
Do men get depressed at 40?
Men and women can get depressed at any age, though it is most common between ages 18 and 25. That said, some men may develop depression around age 40. Sometimes referred to as male menopause, men at this age may develop depression, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. Stressful life events, like family changes, work concerns, and general changes associated with aging, can also play a role in depression at this age.
How can you tell if a man is stressed?
Everyone displays stress in different ways. Some people may hide it well and have minimal outward emotional signs, while others may feel sad or respond with anger or aggression. That said, some research has shown that men and women tend to handle stress differently. For example, chronic stress is more likely to lead to depression in women and substance use problems in men. Researchers also determined that men are more likely to experience cognitive symptoms like memory problems than women.
What is the best way for men to relieve stress?
Men can attempt to relieve stress in multiple ways, including getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, staying socially connected, and eating nutrient-dense foods. You can try relaxation exercises, taking a mindful walk, watching something that makes you laugh, playing soothing music, and using positive self-talk.
Some stress is a normal part of life, but if you are having difficulty managing it, consider seeking treatment with a qualified mental health professional.
Why do men stress so much?
Some research proposes that traditional masculine norms may contribute to male anxiety. Men may feel pressure to exhibit toughness, self-reliance, and stoicism and restrict their emotions, which can lead to increased stress. Because of this, men may be less likely to seek mental health support and more likely to attempt to solve their own problems, sometimes using drugs or alcohol to cope. Research shows that depression rates are generally higher in women, but this may be because men are less likely to report feeling depressed.
One study on men treated for depression found that interventions to reduce the stigma of depression being unmanly and peer-led men-only groups were effective at increasing their self-esteem and managing the impact of these masculine norms.
What are the most serious signs of depression?
There are many signs of depression, including the symptoms listed below:
- Mood swings
- Persistent feelings of sadness,
- Loss of interest in hobbies, and
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
Some people may also experience physical symptoms, like feeling tired, having headaches, or experiencing digestive issues.
Some symptoms that may be considered more serious or indicate that someone needs immediate help can include substance abuse, reckless driving or other dangerous behavior, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
Is depression curable or just treatable?
Depression is a lifelong mental health condition, but it is one of the most treatable. Between 70% and 90% of people with depression respond to treatment.
Effective treatments generally consist of antidepressant medication and talk therapy. There are a number of psychological treatments that may be effective, like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Working with trained healthcare professionals can ensure people get the treatment plan they need.
There are multiple types of depression as well, including seasonal affective disorder and bipolar depression. Some of these conditions may be more difficult to treat than others and may require extended therapy sessions or different treatment options. Treatment can also be more challenging for people who have other affective disorders or mental health conditions.
When does the depression start?
Depression most commonly starts between ages 18 and 25, but it can affect anyone of any age. According to the Mental Health Foundation, some risk factors for depression include having a close family member with depression. Life stressors, like a serious medical condition, a broken arm or leg that causes pain and prevents you from working, or the end of a relationship, can also contribute to depression.
Can lack of money cause depression?
A lack of money can contribute to depression if it leads to increased stress. Research has determined that there is a link between money and mental health.
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