Understanding Depression in Men

Amy Taylor April 04, 2016

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When it comes to being overly emotional, women often take the league. Even so, this doesn’t mean that they are the only ones prone to depression. Even men are. But the symptoms can vary significantly and they may not be noticeable. 

Depression in Men 

Clinical depression comes in various types. There are major and minor depression, and dysthymia. Major depression has the worse symptoms which affect a person’s day-to-day life. It is more than feeling sad or ‘empty’. It also carries with it a deep sense of helplessness. And even though women with depression are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to commit and die of it. 

It has long been held that women suffer more of the stresses of life which makes them more susceptible to developing depression. But new research from the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that men are 50 per cent more vulnerable to the effects of stress. While data would show that more women are diagnosed with depression than men, it isn’t enough to conclude that the latter has higher chances of having the said illness. Researchers note that majority of men simply talk less about the stressors and emotions they encounter.   

While the methods for diagnosing depression is just the same among men and women, the symptoms and complaints can greatly vary. So what are the most common symptoms of depression in men? 

Fatigue 

Men diagnosed with depression are more likely to report fatigue and other physical symptoms as their primary complaints than women. Fatigue is that feeling of extreme tiredness. It makes working and doing everyday tasks less bearable for a person.  

Sleep Problems 

Like fatigue, sleep problems are among the major complaints of men diagnosed with depression. Insomnia is too often associated with depression. But it isn’t always the case. Some people with depression have 12 hours of sleep but would still feel exhausted when they wake up. 

Aches and Pains 

Since many men choose to ignore their emotions, those with depression are more likely to experience the physical symptoms of the illness. They include stomach aches and back pain. And because most people don’t recognise that digestive problems and back pain often go hand in hand with depression, they don’t entertain the idea of seeking a mental health professional to help them.  

Anger and Irritability 

Instead of showing signs of helplessness, men with depression tend to have a fiercer personality. They would get angry and irritable easily. They get hostile and aggressive at times and may have troubles controlling these emotions. Negative thoughts are a common factor among men and women with depression. And since their minds are plagued with negative things, men with depression often have problems concentrating. Their interest in work, family and hobbies is also likely to go down as well.  

Substance Abuse 

Substance abuse often accompanies depression. It can happen for both men and women, but men are more likely to resort to drug abuse as a means to cope with depression and seeking healthcare.  

Therapy 

Seeking professional help is essential to treating depression and recovering from it. There are several forms of therapy available for men with depression, some of which are as effective as medication but have fewer if no side effects at all. Therapy helps by teaching the patient with new ways of thinking and behaving, and coping with negative emotions. It can also help a person understand more the causes of their depression and address them to the core.