Blog entry by Violet Cobbett

Anyone in the world

coe-2022.pngHow to Recognize Male Depression Symptoms

A lot of men don't seek treatment for depression, believing it's not appropriate for men. Depression is a serious mental illness that requires treatment as does a cold or a broken bone.

Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.pngThe most common signs of depression in men include irritability, anger, or a loss of interest in activities that used to bring you pleasure. These are indications that you should speak to a doctor or counselor about getting help.

1. Feelings of despair

Many men are hesitant to acknowledge that they're depressed and do not seek treatment. They may also think that depression is an indication of weakness, so they attempt to conceal or cover up their feelings. If untreated however, depression in men could have serious consequences. These include losing family or employment sexual dysfunction, as well as thoughts of suicide. If you observe signs of depression in a loved one, talk about the subject with care and sensitivity.

Depression can trigger feelings of hopelessness, and the feeling that nothing will change. These feelings can make taking action and getting through the day difficult. Lack of motivation can cause an energy deficit that can affect performance at home and work. In addition, it may lead to a change in eating habits, and some may start drinking alcohol or using drugs as a way to deal with.

While it is normal to experience occasional mood swings, prolonged periods of despair and sadness are signs of depression. These feelings can also influence a person's sleeping patterns, appetite and overall satisfaction with life. Men with depression may have difficulty to maintain relationships or spend time with their friends. But, it's important to seek out support from others when you are feeling down.

Depression can be triggered by stress, loss of a loved one trauma from childhood, health issues, war, or dysfunctional attachment styles. It can also be a result of the social stigma attached to mental health issues, as well as social messages about what is considered to be male. These factors can make men more reluctant to seek help or discuss their feelings, which could lead to depression.

2. Feelings of inadequacy

Some men find it difficult to acknowledge they are having depression symptoms, especially those relating to feelings of being unworthy. This is partly due to the society's message that men should be independent and strong, which can conceal depression-related symptoms. Men can also be reluctant to openly express their feelings. This means that they are less likely to seek help for depression symptoms in males than women. This can lead to the condition not being recognized and untreated.

It is also normal for men to employ unhealthy coping strategies when confronting depression. For instance, they could consume alcohol in excess or be tempted to use illicit drugs to alleviate their emotions. This kind of behavior could lead to serious and sometimes tragic consequences.

It's not always evident why women and men experience depression differently. It could be due to the brain's chemical or hormones. It could also be a combination of factors. It could also be due to a cultural expectation that men must control their emotions and avoid expressing emotions like anger or sadness. This could cause a man to be aggressive or even intimidate others to mask their depression.

If you know someone who is suffering from the signs of depression, it's crucial to let them know that you are there for them. You can do this without out accusing the man or making him feel guilty. You can say something like, "I've noticed that you have been acting differently recently. I'm wondering if perhaps you're struggling with depression." You can then offer help in whatever way is the most suitable. You might suggest that you both visit a psychotherapist. It's also a good idea to tell your doctor about any changes you've seen in the person you are concerned about.

3. Difficulty concentrating

In addition to causing feelings of despair and sadness Depression can also cause difficulty thinking clearly. This can be particularly evident if the person has trouble working or school. This can be a sign of depression symptoms getting more severe.

Many men are unable to recognize depression because they have been socialized to believe it's not manly to cry. They might not acknowledge their feelings or try coping with them by drinking excessively or yelling at people with anger. This could lead to relationships being damaged, and may even lead to addiction.

It's not uncommon for males to experience both physical signs of depression and mental early symptoms of depression like irritability or discomfort. People who are depressed might report vague somatic symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, back or abdomen pain, aches and digestive issues without realizing that they are a result of their emotional distress. These issues can become more serious when left untreated.

The difficulty in concentrating could be an indication of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other medical conditions such as an underactive thyroid or PTSD. It can also be caused by medications like tranquilizers or steroids.

If you suspect a relative or friend is suffering from depression, speak to them in a non-judgmental environment and offer your assistance. If they're not willing to discuss it or seem hesitant to talk about it, you can help in locating a physician who specializes in mental health. You could even offer to make an appointment on their behalf to ensure they are less scared.

4. Irritability

Men are often unaware that they have depression, especially the subtler symptoms such as irritability. This is because males are taught to suppress emotions and are not aware of or comprehend their feelings of sadness and lack of interest in activities. In some cases these feelings can lead to self-destructive behaviours such as drinking too much alcohol or engaging in risky behaviour.

Irritability, which is a typical manifestation of depression in males is usually caused by negative emotions. Men may be unable to express their emotions, and could be prone to lash out in anger to address their emotions. However, this can be a sign of depression, and should not be ignored.

It is also possible that a man's anger could be a result of unresolved sadness or disappointments. This is especially true if a man has been through a major trauma, such as an injury to the body or loss of loved ones. It is important to seek assistance if they are experiencing this kind of depression or anger since it can cause permanent damage.

Alongside feeling sad and depressed, it is important for men to watch for any changes in their body such as digestive issues, headaches or discomforts and aches. These can be indicators of depression, and if untreated can result in more serious health issues, including suicide. Many people who suffer from depression don't get the help they require because they are embarrassed or believe that their signs are an indication of weakness. This is due to societal expectations and messages about what it means to be a man.

5. Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

Men often don't seek help for depression because of the stigma surrounding mental health and a belief that they should be able to "man up" and manage things on their own. This can lead to the symptoms of depression going undiagnosed.

Most often, the first sign of depression that men notice is physical pain or problems with sleeping. Other symptoms include a loss of enthusiasm for activities they normally enjoy, feelings of despair, and anger or aggression. Men might also experience a change of appetite, which can result in weight growth or loss.

Sometimes, the signs of depression are so subtle that they go unnoticed. This is due to the fact that men are less likely to talk about their feelings and don't always describe their feelings clearly. Additionally, it's not common signs of depression for men to hide their emotions by doing work or engaging in other activities such as watching video games or sports.

The National Library of Medicine states that men also may struggle to recognize their emotions and may be unable to comprehend the events in their lives. As a result, many men who are depressed don't receive the treatment they require, and their symptoms may worsen over time.

It is crucial for friends, family members as well as coworkers to be able to recognize the common symptoms of depression of depression in men. If you're concerned about the man you know, try having an honest discussion with them when they're in a safe and judgment-free environment. Providing them with compassion and understanding could be an effective way to convince them to seek treatment. In certain instances, people who suffer from depression may be at risk of harming themselves or others. If this is the case, it's essential to get professional help immediately.