Depression in Men and Women: 7 Key Differences

Amy Taylor September 07, 2015

While most symptoms of depression are the same in both men and women, they could experience it in different manners. Understanding those differences may help those suffering from depression better cope with this debilitating mental disorder.

Below are some of the major differences between male and female depression.

Depression is more common among women. Women are twice as likely to develop depression as men. Between 10 and 25 per cent of women will suffer from major depression at one point in their life. It may also occur earlier, last longer, and reoccur in women than men.

Depression often goes undiagnosed in men. In men, depression is oftentimes unrecognised as the symptoms they experience are more like physical symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and digestive problems, unlike in women whose symptoms are more ‘emotional’ in nature. However, men with depression may have trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. They are also more likely be angry and irritable than report feeling down or sad.

Men are less likely to seek medical help. Because of the social pressures - men are expected to be tough, in control, and unemotional - most men who have depression hesitate to seek medical help and keep it on their own. But if left untreated, depression can have devastating results, and could lead to suicidal tendencies.

Men are more likely to commit suicide. Since depression in men can go longer without being diagnosed, and since men are less likely to seek help, suicide is more common among them. Also, men who attempt suicide are more likely to become successful in taking away their lives than women who attempt.

Men with depression are more likely to engage in substance abuse. Depressed men may also try to mask their feelings by engaging in risky behaviours such as gambling, reckless driving and unsafe sex. They also get more angry and irritable.

Women respond to stressful events differently. Women are more likely to suffer from depression when faced with stressful events, such as losing a job, experiencing relationship issues, or bereavement. Compared to men, women tend to respond in a way that prolongs their feelings of agony, resulting to depression in most cases.

Depressed women are more likely to have a co-existing eating disorder. Depression and eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa, often go hand in hand. Depression is also more likely to develop in women who also suffer from anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and those who have obsessive-compulsive behaviour.

Regardless of these differences, one thing’s going to be the same. Both men and women with depression should take it seriously, seek help, and strive to improve their condition. Depression is a debilitating mental disorder that can take a huge toll on a person’s life and lead to devastating consequences.