What are the signs and symptoms of Depression in Men?

Men, women and people of other genders stand an equal chance of developing depression in some stage of their life. However, this aspect of men’s health often goes undiagnosed. There are several reasons why women with depression are more easily diagnosed compared to men. Here we have shared some of the prime reasons:

• Men are conditioned to behave in an emotionally strong manner by concealing their emotions.
• Some men may not observe the symptoms of depression because they appear differently in men as compared to other genders.
• Some men may observe the symptoms but hesitate to disclose the same because of societal pressures of being manly.
• The taboo related to depression may force men to choose denial and deal with depression in a different way.

There could be adverse effects on health as well as lifestyle if issues of depression go unaddressed. This aspect of men’s health should be tackled in a wise manner. Sharing knowledge through different channels to make men aware of the symptoms and adverse effects is one way. Read along and be better informed about depression in men.

What are the Possible Physical Symptoms That Indicate Depression in Men?

A host of physical symptoms occurring together could hint towards depression. These symptoms include:

• Erectile dysfunction or lowered libido.
• Acidity, constipation or other digestive health issues.
• An unusual sense of chest tightness.
• Unusual pain at any part in the body.
• Headaches and sleep related issues.
• Hormonal fluctuations.
• Palpitations and increased heart rate.

What are the Mental Symptoms Visible for Depression in Men?

The mental symptoms of depression in men can be significantly different from those in women or other genders. Here are some of the symptoms to note:

• The inability to concentrate or focus on one thing.
• Racing thoughts without any conscious control.
• Suicidal thoughts due to increased levels of anxiety.
• Some men experience obsessive compulsive thought patterns that are not part of their personality.
• Men may experience issues related to memory.

What are the Emotional Symptoms You See in Depressed Men?

Men also show some emotional symptoms that are clear indicators of depression. However, these symptoms could be significantly different from those seen in women and other genders. Here are some of these symptoms:

• Men may show a complete lack of interest in family, society, friends or community.
• Men may have difficulty giving time to their loved ones and to their routine responsibilities.
• They may be highly restless and show a remarkable drop in their libido.
• They may lose interest in their hobbies and daily activities.
• They may become highly angry and aggressive in their conduct.
• Another sign to look for is complete emotional withdrawal from friends, family and close circles.

What are the Behaviour and Lifestyle Changes Visible in Depressed Men?

Some other hints to depression in men could be witnessed in their behaviour and lifestyle. Here are some common symptoms:

• Unusual use of alcohol to escape the reality of life.
• Excess weight gain or weight loss without any particular reason.
• Men may exhibit an inability to cope with their routine responsibilities at work, home or other fronts.
• They may misuse drugs to tackle their emotional instability.
• They may isolate themselves on purpose.
• There could be multiple suicide attempts.

What Measures Can Be Taken to Help Men with Depression?

Depression as a men’s health issue needs to be identified. Apt measures need to be taken to tackle the issue at the right time. If the issue isn’t addressed at the right time, it could result in the following:

• The depressed men may commit suicide.
• They may get addicted to alcohol and drugs.
• They may lose their jobs and lead a wayward life.
• They may suffer from other mental health issues as the depression progresses.

If depression as a men’s health issue is diagnosed and tackled at the right time, all these consequences can be prevented. Here are different ways to tackle men’s health issue of depression:

• Counsel men to identify the different symptoms of depression.
• Counsel men to develop their interpersonal skills to prevent such mental health issues.
• Subject men to cognitive behavioral therapy to counter depression.
• They may be subject to psychodynamic therapy.
• They may also be subject to problem solving therapy to help them deal with situations rather than run away from them.

How to Prevent the Possibility of Depression in Men?

There could be some measures you may take to prevent the occurrence of depression in men. Here we have shared a list:

• Tackle all the emotional issues right at the start.
• Help to make men aware of unhealthy behavioral patterns that may eventually lead to depression.
• Encourage men to communicate their emotional and other problems.
• Counsel men to get over mental conditioning to be strong. Help them understand that the true strength lies in accepting and dealing with emotional issues.