Symptoms of Depression for Men
People suffering from depression show many symptoms. These include a lack in motivation to engage in activities, aggression and anger and escapism through alcohol or drugs.
Unfortunately, these coping mechanisms could have grave consequences. It's important for men to seek treatment for depression that could include therapy or medication.
1. Loss of interest for things you used to enjoy
Men can lose interest, for example in sports, hobbies, or their jobs. Changes in sleep patterns, appetite and weight loss could also occur. Most of the time, these changes are a sign of depression. They may also be a sign of other medical conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Many people struggle to recognize the signs of depression in themselves, or in their relatives and friends. The reason is that symptoms can vary from person to. For instance, one man may not get enough sleep or be stressed and angry while another might have trouble getting out of bed frequently, suffer from headaches and lose appetite. Some men are ashamed of their feelings of sadness, believing it's not appropriate to display them. Some men resort to self-destructive behaviors such as drinking or using drugs to avoid talking about their feelings.
It is essential that a person who is suffering from depression seeks help as soon as he is able to. The longer he puts off seeking help and get treatment, the more intense and destructive his symptoms will become. Unfortunately men are more likely to seek out mental health treatment than women, mainly because they believe it's not "manly" to admit their mental health issues.
Men are often reluctant to seek help due to the fact that they associate depression with other illnesses such as back pain or heart disease. In addition, some people believe that depression is a sign of weakness and are afraid to talk about it with their family or friends. People who care for a person who is depressed should encourage him to get help by providing honest and compassionate assistance. They should remind him that his condition is treatable and the longer he delays in seeking assistance the more serious his symptoms will be.
2. Changes in mood
Men with depression are more likely to have mood fluctuation. This is especially true when they are under significant stress or life changes. They may feel depressed or sad without any apparent reason. Additionally, they may experience difficulty sleeping or eating normally.
Anyone who is experiencing an euphoria or mood swing must make sure to see a doctor. He might be prescribed medication or referred to a therapist who will help him deal with his emotions. You could also encourage him to explore relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
It's equally important for males to seek help if experiencing suicidal thoughts. They're more likely to use suicide methods that are lethal than women, and usually show less warning indicators. Men should seek help from family and friends. If they have no one to call they can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline in the U.S. can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.
Despite recent discussions on mental health that have seemed more open and understanding, there is still stigma associated with it that could lead men to avoid seeking treatment. In some cases they are worried that if they confess to having depression, they'll be viewed as weak or less masculine. In other instances, they fear that their depression might impact their career or relationships.
Regardless of the cause, it's important for people to realize that depression in men can appear quite different from depression seen in women. It's easy for people to think that sadness is the only indication of depression in men. However, other symptoms like digestive issues, headaches and irritability can be present.
3. Anxiety
Men with depression may be afflicted by anxiety. These symptoms can be associated with other symptoms of depression. Anxiety can cause people to feel anxious, uneasy or experience sleeplessness. It can also cause sweating, tense muscles, and headaches. It is important to seek treatment for depression if you experience these symptoms.
Depression and anxiety are often associated, but men can also have depressive symptoms even if they don't feel anxious. signs and symptoms of postnatal depression in men can trigger feelings of helplessness or hopelessness that can cause anxiety or stress.
Men are less likely than women to seek treatment for mental health problems and to openly discuss them. They also tend to avoid or ignore symptoms of depression. For example, some men may try to hide their symptoms by working for long hours or avoiding social interaction. Others might become angry or aggressive because they are struggling with feelings of sadness and guilt. Some may resort to drugs or alcohol to mask their feelings.
Men suffering from depression can benefit from other treatments besides talking therapy. For example, neurofeedback is an easy-to-use instrument that can help boost mood and relieve other symptoms of depression through monitoring brainwaves. Visit our section on neurofeedback to learn more about this noninvasive and safe method. Other effective treatments include medication. A psychiatrist can prescribe antidepressants that will begin to work within a few weeks and that can be taken in combination with therapy.
4. Anger
People with depression are often unable to express their emotions, which can include anger. This could be due the fact that they've been taught that it's not "manly" to express emotions or feelings, or it could be a symptom of their depression. Men who suffer from depression may also feel like they aren't able to discuss their emotions with family or friends and therefore, they hide their feelings and resort to unhealthy ways to cover up their negative feelings.
Whatever the reason, it is important for anyone who notices the behavior to seek out assistance. Anger is a damaging and dangerous emotion. Anger can trigger physical health issues like heart disease, and it can also damage relationships. It can also trigger self-destructive behaviors, such as addictions or risky lifestyle choices.
Anger is a very common symptom in men with depression. This is because a lot of men with depression are unable to process their feelings of sadness and loss, so they replace these feelings with anger. They might also be inclined to blame others for their troubles or focusing on the minor things that occur in their lives and get angry over them.
Anger could be a sign that depression is present. It is important to seek out help. Some men who are struggling with depression may find that they're unable to go to therapy because they may think that it is 'unmanly' or that therapy would make them a victim. However, they should remember that just as an injured leg, depression will not be healed without assistance. They should consider talking to a therapist online or in person, as they may find that their negative thoughts can be re-examined and reframed for a more balanced perspective.
5. Instability in the emotional department
Men who suffer from depression usually have a feeling of emotional instability. This can manifest as irritability or a short temper or road rage as well as other signs of anger. They might also take unnecessary risks, engage in risky behavior such as gambling or drug abuse or drink excessively. Some have even had suicidal thoughts and even attempted suicide. Depression sufferers might not be able to identify these warning signs within themselves, and could be unwilling to discuss their issues with family members or friends. This could result in their symptoms being untreated.
In certain instances, men with depression will rely on self-help methods to manage their symptoms. Yoga, meditation exercising, journaling, and exercise can all aid in reducing stress and improve mood. Some people who suffer from depression discover that discussing their feelings can help them. Some people take self-medicating to manage their symptoms. They may eat healthy, have a balanced diet, take medications, or rest on a regular schedule.
People suffering from depression can benefit from counseling or therapy in order to learn how to manage depression. Alternative therapies such as massage or acupuncture may be beneficial to others. There are even brain stimulation therapies like ECT and TMS which can offer relief to patients suffering from severe depression.
Depression can have a profound effect on the quality of life of those affected. It can impact work, relationships as well as sleep, eating habits and overall enjoyment. Untreated, it can cause a range of serious medical conditions and even cause death. If you observe a friend or family member who is showing signs of depression Don't be afraid to speak up and encourage them to seek help. It can be difficult for men to seek help, especially in the context of being taught to be self-contained and not to admit that they are suffering from a mental illness. In reality, if men do not seek help, their depression could worsen.