No matter how “macho” the man, bravado and swagger are not effective preventative measures for depression.
Depression is a mood disorder that can cause persistent changes in mood, interest, motivation, sleep, and daily functioning. While sadness and loss of interest are common, depression does not look the same for everyone.
Depression does not always feel like sadness. In men, depression may be more noticeable as irritability, anger, withdrawal, loss of motivation, substance use, sleep problems, or physical complaints.
Mood disorders are not limited to one gender. It’s important for everyone, especially men, to recognize that it’s okay to ask for help.
What Does Depression Look Like in Men?
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic did a deep dive into this topic, studying men and depression. They found that depression can look different in men and women.
Common signs of depression in men include persistent changes in mood, loss of interest, irritability, anger, social withdrawal, sleep changes, increased substance use, risky behavior, and unexplained physical symptoms. Men may also experience additional symptoms as part of their depression:
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
- Irritability or anger
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or coworkers
- Difficulty getting along with others
- Loss of interest or motivation
- Spending excessive time working or engaging in activities to avoid difficult feelings
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Reckless or risky behavior
- Controlling or abusive behavior
Physical Symptoms
- Sleep changes
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Other unexplained physical symptoms
If you are having thoughts of suicide or feel you may be in immediate danger, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The service is available 24/7. If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Why Is Depression in Men Sometimes Missed?
Depression can be difficult to recognize when it shows up primarily through changes in behavior rather than sadness.
Irritability, anger, withdrawing from others, increased substance use, or throwing yourself into work can sometimes be ways depression presents in men.
Why Might Men Be Less Likely to Seek Help?
There are a range of reasons why men avoid getting a diagnosis for their mental health issues:
- Stigma. Often, men don’t want to talk about their feelings with friends, family, or healthcare professionals because there’s a perception that getting help isn’t masculine.
- They worry admitting experiencing depression and getting help could harm their career or cause their family and friends to lose respect for them.
- They may not realize that physical symptoms, such as headaches or gut aches are being caused by depression.
Depression can persist without treatment, and untreated depression can affect relationships, work, physical health, and daily functioning.
When Should a Man Seek Help for Depression?
Consider talking with a healthcare or mental health professional if symptoms persist, interfere with work or relationships, affect sleep or appetite, lead to increased substance use, or make it difficult to manage everyday activities.
You don’t have to wait until depression becomes overwhelming to seek help. If changes in mood, sleep, motivation, relationships, substance use, or daily functioning are lasting or interfering with your life, it may be time to talk with a mental health professional.
Depression is treatable, and treatment may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. A mental health professional can help determine what approach is right for you.
A mental health professional can evaluate your symptoms, discuss possible diagnoses, and help you choose an appropriate treatment plan.
Because we provide services through telehealth, our providers can see new patients for a first appointment in a matter of days, not weeks or months. Call us today at (855) 905-7875 or fill out this form to request an appointment.