Depression has become a huge topic since the Covid-19 pandemic started. Often, depression in men is categorized as aggressive behavior because it presents much differently than it does in women.
Depression is a mood disorder, present in both men and women, however, it manifests differently in both genders.
We have all heard the toxic terminology from “man up” to “men don’t cry”. When it comes to depression, as a society, we do not give men room to become vulnerable or to appear weak. In general, it appears that males are much less likely to seek help during periods of depression.
So in this article, we’re going to spread awareness and share with you the most common facts about depression in men, along with symptoms and possible strategies for coping with symptoms.
Whether you are a male suffering from depression, or you have a male relative that has it, this is a great article for you to read.
When it comes to depression in men, certain symptoms are more common in males, additionally, the reaction manifests differently in both genders. Studies show women are more likely to blame themselves for their problems, while men are more likely to blame other people, and try to cause conflict. All of us at one point have felt sad and that is completely normal, as we are supposed to experience the whole spectrum of human emotions, in order to be socially adequate.
In most cases, such periods of sadness are short-lived and have a specific cause, which in time we accept our circumstances and move on. Sometimes however, that sadness and sorrow lasts for months and years on end and becomes the predominant mental state.
This generally leads to a point in which one feels that their situation is hopeless and they are beyond any help or hope. Since emotional states of this kind affect every other aspect of our lives, this would be the pivoting point, where you should seek professional advice.
And though that may sound bad to some of you, think of it this way – Depression doesn’t mean weakness and you should not be afraid to speak up and reach out for help. In fact, depression is a common disorder that affects otherwise healthy, happy and successful individuals.
Depression and its symptoms manifest on many levels, ranging from mental, to physical and emotional.
If you’re depressed, you will more than likely notice the following symptoms:
Mental Symptoms
● Chronic sadness that doesn’t go away and progressively becomes more intrusive and torturing
● Everything seems pointless, even your favorite activities
● You become more antisocial, losing interest in any human interactions
● Focusing on the task at hand for more than 5 minutes becomes unbearable
● You experience guilt for things that have nothing to do with you
● You lose emotional stability and have frequent mood swings
● Your overall mindset becomes more negative (or you call yourself ‘realistic’ which is basically the socially accepted form of negativity)
● Hopelessness and suicidal thoughts start surfacing more frequently
Physical Symptoms
● Chronic exhaustion, sleep doesn’t make you feel refreshed
● You find it hard to fall asleep
● You wake up from your sleep, often anxious
● Your libido decreases, sex becomes uninteresting
● You lose weight and/or appetite frequently
Social Symptoms
● You just can’t feel relaxed and be okay in a social environment
● You make mistakes during work or just find it hard to concentrate in general
● You are unusually quiet, closed up, and zoned out
● You become easily triggered by small things
● You stop communicating with your family and other relatives
Behavioral Patterns Of Male Depression
More often than not, men do not like to talk about their depression, perhaps because they feel like people will perceive them as weak. In most cases, during periods of depression, men resort to alcohol and other drugs, to make them feel better.
This however may temporarily make the person feel better, but isn’t a sustainable solution, due to the fact that alcohol is a depressant. Considering this fact, we can conclude that alcohol can actually worsen the symptoms of depression.
Sometimes, when depressed, men tend to focus more on their work and they deprive themselves of social life and self-care – two very important aspects of a healthy mind.
Recognizing Depression In Men.
Since most depression-induced behavioral and emotional patterns lead to worsening of the disorder, it becomes hard for a foggy mind to deal with depression. However, men can receive the help they need if someone in their everyday surroundings and close relationships recognizes specific behavioral patterns and reactions.
For instance, men tend to talk more about their physical symptoms, rather than their emotional ones, which is one of the main reasons why male depression is frequently misdiagnosed. If you suspect a relative of yours has depression symptoms, stay alert and aware of their behavior – They might need your help without you even realizing it!
Self-Help – Is Such A Thing Even Possible?
Given that you have the power of free will, there are things you can do, in order to make depression manifest less frequently. Here’s our best advice for self-help during depressive episodes:
Talk to a Mental Health Professional and Start Attending Therapy
Depending on what generation you grew up in, there is a stigma around mental health and wellness, especially when it comes to seeking out therapy.
However, younger generations, especially the September 11, 2001 generation, greatly understand the value of therapy as they have seen repeated tragedies in the United States and have grown up during some of the most turbulent times that the nation has faced.
Therapy is no longer a stigma for these generations, it is necessary.
Talk to People You Trust and Know Have Your Best Interest in Mind
If you are going through a rough patch try and share your feelings, thoughts, and emotions with someone close.
However, if talking in person is uncomfortable, try writing your thoughts and emotions down on paper, what you are going through, and give your letter to someone you know cares deeply about you. Be honest, let them know you are uncomfortable.
Eat Well
Though depression decreases appetite, you should still try and eat plenty of nutritious foods. In doing so, you will favor your biochemistry and tip the scales in favor of balanced inner processes, which will reduce the risk of depression.
Resist the urge to binge on comfort foods that often only give you a temporary sense of relief. Think about the long-term benefits or consequences of the food that you eat.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
As we mentioned, alcohol and drugs can numb the sorrow for a couple of hours but in the long-term, these things will undoubtedly worsen the symptoms of depression and negatively impact your overall health.
Stay healthy and active and your body and mind will be thankful! Using exercise to vent out stress, worry, and depression is a positive way to use your body to help relieve your symptoms.
Conclusion
The symptoms of depression manifest differently in men and women, which is exactly why you should pay attention to your own behavior and that of your surroundings and close ones.
More often than not, people who suffer from depression are closed up and never talk about it (especially men). If you or someone you know has depression, stay faithful and try to tip the scales in favor of health-nourishing activities and habits.
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