ABOUT ONE IN 10 men experience depression or anxiety. But only about half ever receive treatment, often because men can feel a stigma related to having a mental health condition.
“We’ve all been trained to believe that we have to be strong and that depression is not part of our experience,” says Dan Iosifescu, M.D., a psychiatrist at NYU Langone Health. “That if we had been tough, this is not something we would experience.”
But this is completely untrue, he emphasises. “The fact that someone experiences depression has nothing to do with their psychological strength.”
Men also often experience depression differently from women, says Victor Armstrong, M.S.W., vice president for health equity and engagement at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
While men and women might have similar symptoms, such as fatigue and no longer enjoying their favourite activities, men are usually more likely to display aggression and anger. Armstrong says they’re also more at risk for substance abuse and suicide or suicide attempts.
More than four times more men than women die by suicide every year, according to Mental Health America.
So it’s crucial for men to recognise the symptoms of depression and get the help that they need, Armstrong says.
“We all have mental health just like we have physical health,” he says. “Men shouldn’t ignore their mental health or be scared to seek support for it. It’s important to encourage ourselves and all of the men in our lives to talk about mental health. It’s not weak to speak.”
Common symptoms of depression for men
Everyone experiences depression differently. But some common signs include:
- Irritability and anger
- Impulsiveness
- Restlessness
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Not getting pleasure from activities once enjoyed
- Relationship problems
- Lack of sexual desire
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Becoming withdrawn from others
- Physical symptoms, like headaches, pain, and digestive problems
- Escapism—such as spending extra time at work
- Risky behavior, such as behaving recklessly
- Excess alcohol or drug use
- Difficulty remembering or making decisions
- Changes in appetite
- Lack of energy
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms. They can also overlap with other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, which is why it’s important to seek treatment, Dr. Iosifescu says.
“The common denominator for both men and women is that when depressed, people have a lower tolerance for additional stress,” he says. “It’s as if your glass – your ability to tolerate stress – is already full. And any additional droplet would make the glass spill over.”
Men are more at risk for suicide, and Armstrong says experts aren’t exactly sure why. It could be that depression often goes unreported by men and then untreated, so they may be less likely to reach out for help when they’re having suicidal thoughts.
Why men are diagnosed at lower rates
Men are diagnosed with depression at half the rate of women, according to the AMA Journal of Ethics. There could be several reasons why.
One is that men and women get socialised into different “gender definition roles,” and men may be more likely to discuss physical symptoms, like fatigue or pain, Dr. Iosifescu says. So the condition might get misdiagnosed.
Men might also internalize and discount their mental pain or symptoms like sadness or irritability, Armstrong says.
“Men still face the social stigma that expressing their emotions is a sign of weakness,” he says. So, they may be less likely to seek treatment for depression.
When (and how) to get help for depression
People with depression know something is wrong and that they’re not themselves. Dr. Iosifescu says it’s crucial not to ignore these feelings and to seek help – especially when symptoms linger longer than a month or so. Also, seek help when depression symptoms are interfering with your daily life.
“Something to look out for when someone may be depressed is changes in their behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviours,” Armstrong says.
This might include an “unrelenting down mood,” feeling worthlessness, irritability, and thoughts of suicide, he says. Also, pay attention to changes in diet, sleep, and energy levels, and whether you’re still interested in activities that bring you joy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Lifeline on 13 11 14. Armstrong says the line offers support even if you’re not facing a serious or suicidal crisis.
Seeking out a therapist is an essential first step for treating depression, Dr. Iosifescu says. They’ll discuss your symptoms and why you might be experiencing them, such as if they’re connected to a traumatic event or to another mental health disorder, such as bipolar.
A therapist will also discuss your coping strategies, relationships, life stressors, and life goals, Armstrong says.
“Talking through these things is important because it can help improve symptoms, work through specific problems, build stronger and healthier relationships with others, and help you see your future more clearly,” he explains.
Then, they’ll recommend the best treatment, which may include psychotherapy – such as cognitive behavioural therapy – and it may include medications, .
The bottom line: it’s vital to get help when you’re dealing with depression, Dr. Iosifescu emphasises.
“Don’t ignore it,” he says. “It’s a condition like any other medical condition. Nobody likes being sick or wants to be sick. But once you’re sick, you have to recognize that this is going on and do something about it. It’s just as simple as that.”
This article originally appeared on Men’s Health US.
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