Depression is a serious medical illness that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. There are many signs and symptoms of depression, and they vary from person to person, so depression won’t look exactly the same from one person to the next. Although the general symptoms of depression are the same on the inside, age, gender, and other factors can affect the ways depression manifests on the outside. Men, for example, are less likely to cry or express sadness the way women or children might. But this doesn’t mean they’re not depressed. It’s important that we all know what signs to look for in our loved ones so we can help guide them toward depression treatment if they need it.
Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms of depression in men.
Symptoms of male depression
Consider these statistics: Depression increases the risk of suicide. Women are twice as likely to develop depression than men. Men, however, are four times more likely to die from suicide than women. There may be several reasons for these devastating statistics. Research shows that men have a harder time admitting they need help when they do. Men are also more likely to suppress their feelings or to experience shame over their inability to control their feelings. This, combined with certain cultural pressures to “man up” or behave in ways that are considered “masculine,” may also result in some of the following symptoms of male depression.
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Anger
- Controlling or abusive behaviors
- Loss of interest in activities
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Engaging in risky behaviors such as reckless driving
- Overeating or not wanting to eat at all
- Sleeping too much, not sleeping at all, or being excessively tired
- Escapist behavior, like working too much
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Physical aches, pains, headaches, digestive problems
- Problems with sexual desire and performance
Of course, not every man who suffers from depression will have the same symptoms. And many will have symptoms more recognizable as depression, such as low mood or feelings of guilt and sadness. But it’s important to understand the variety of ways that depression can manifest in different people. Undiagnosed and untreated depression can have devastating effects on the individual and their family, and it will only get worse over time.
Tips for getting help for depression in men
Seeking help may not be easy for anyone, but this is especially true for men. Social standards of masculinity often mean toughing it out, and many men don’t even know where to go or how to ask for help. These 4 tips are a good starting point.
- Enjoy the company of a compassionate friend. This could be a brother, a best friend, or a buddy from work. It doesn’t matter who, as long as you are comfortable with them and you trust that they genuinely care about how you’re feeling.
- Seek help from a mental health professional. Talk therapy, with or without medication, often provides a sense of relief, aids with symptom management, and improves quality of life.
- Join a depression support group. Support groups can be effective and powerful tools for healing. By reducing isolation, sharing experiences, and offering support to one another, members of the group are able to contribute to the greater good and receive from it as well, all of which can greatly improve each individual’s quality of life.
- Participate in a depression clinical study. When you participate in a depression study at Synergy Research Centers, you will learn more about the disease and yourself. The team at Synergy is well-versed in the science behind depression, and can answer any and all questions about treatment, symptoms, and more. Participation will also give you access to cutting edge treatments for depression not yet available to the general public.
Today, the stigma against depression is fading. More and more people are opening up about their challenges with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and more. At Synergy Research Centers in San Diego, we invite you to stand up to depression by participating in a clinical research study today.
Depression clinical research study in San Diego
Synergy Research Centers is currently enrolling participants in depression clinical research studies in San Diego. Qualified candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 65. Studies range 10 to 12 weeks and require 9 to 11 visits to our research facility. We offer compensation for time and travel. If you or someone you know suffers from depression and is seeking treatment, contact Synergy Research Centers at (888) 539-0282 today.