Depression is a mood disorder, present in both men and women, however, it manifests differently in both genders. Male depression is unique for a few reasons.
Male depression is not as visible because men are more unlikely to seek help or report depression.
We’re going to spread awareness and share with you the most common facts about male depression. We’ll also talk about symptoms and possible ways to work on it.
Read this article! It can help a male suffering from depression, or a male relative!
How Is Male Depression Different?
When it comes to depression in men, certain symptoms are more common in males . The reaction manifests differently in both genders.
Statisically, women are more likely to blame themselves for their problems. Men report blame onto others and try to cause conflict.
Why Is This Important?
Depression can be tough and it can lead to extremes, such as suicidal thoughts.
Depression awareness should be spread and you should consider it an important matter, whether you have depression or not.
No matter how tough depressive episodes are, there are ways to work with it so that it manifests less frequently.
Sadness VS. Depression
All of us at one point have felt sad and that’s completely normal. We are supposed to experience the whole spectrum of human emotions, in order to be socially adequate.
Periods of sadness are short-lived and have a specific cause, which in time we accept and move on.
Sometimes however, that sadness and sorrow goes on for months and years on end and becomes the predominant mental state.
At one point, that state becomes uncontrollable and leads to certain behaviors, thoughts and actions.
Since emotional states of this kind affect every other aspect of our lives, this would be the pivoting point, where you should seek professional advice.
And though that may sound bad to some of you, think of it this way – Depression doesn’t mean weakness. You should not be afraid to speak out and reach for help. Depression is a common disorder that affects otherwise healthy, happy and successful individuals.
The Symptoms
Depression and its symptoms manifest on many levels, ranging from mental, to physical and emotional.
If you’re depressed, you will more than likely notice the following symptoms:
Mental Symptoms
- Chronic sadness that doesn’t go away and progressively becomes more intrusive and torturing
- Everything seems pointless, even your favorite activities
- You become more antisocial, losing interest in any human interactions
- Focusing on the task at hand for more than 5 minutes becomes unbearable
- You experience guilt for things that have nothing to do with you
- You lose emotional stability and have frequent mood swings
- Your overall mindset becomes more negative (or you call yourself ‘realistic’ which is basically the socially accepted form of negativity)
- Hopelessness and suicidal thoughts start surfacing in your thoughts more frequently
Physical Symptoms
- Chronic exhaustion, sleep doesn’t really make you feel fresh
- You find it hard to fall asleep
- You wake up during your sleep, often anxious
- Your libido decreases, sex means nothing to you
- You lose weight and/or appetite frequently
Social Symptoms
- You just can’t feel relaxed and okay in a social environment
- Finding it hard to concentrate at work and in generaL
- You are unusually quiet, closed up and zoned out
- You become easily triggered by small things
- Communication breakdown with your family and other relatives
Behavioral Patterns Of Male Depression
Men do not like to talk about their depression, perhaps because they feel like people will perceive them as weak.
In most cases, during periods of depression, men resort to alcohol and other drugs, to make them feel better.
This isn’t a sustainable solution, due to the fact that alcohol is a depressant.
Considering this fact, we can conclude that alcohol can actually worsen the symptoms of depression.
Sometimes, when depressed, men tend to focus more on their work and they deprive themselves of social life and self-care. Another self-defeating strategy.
Recognizing Male Depression
Since most depression-induced behavioral and emotional patterns lead to worsening of the disorder, it becomes hard for a fogged mind to deal with depression on its own.
However, men can get help much easier if someone in their surroundings or close ones recognize specific behavioral patterns and reactions.
For example, men tend to talk about their physical symptoms, rather than their emotional ones,. Male depression is frequently misdiagnosed due to this.
If you suspect a relative of yours to have depression– stay alert and aware of their behavior. They might need your help without you even realizing it!
Self-Help – Is Such A Thing Even Possible?
Being in the void is without a doubt one of the most hopeless states you can be in, where nothing has meaning and everything is futile.
However, given that you have the power of free will, there are things you can do, in order to make depression manifest less frequently.
Here’s our best advice for self-help during depressive episodes:
Talk!
If you are going through a rough patch just try and share your feelings, thoughts and emotions with someone close.
However, in case talking to someone feels off, just try and write your thoughts and emotions down on paper and try to objectively analyze.
Eat Well
Though depression decreases appetite, you should still try and eat plenty of nutritious foods, such as animal products, fruits, vegetables and other plant foods.
In doing so, you will favor your biochemistry and tip the scales in favor of balanced inner processes, which will in turn reduce the risk of depression
Avoid Alcohol & Drugs
As we mentioned, alcohol and drugs can numb the sorrow for a couple of hours but in the long-term, those things will undoubtedly worsen the symptoms of depression.
Stay healthy and active and your body and mind will be thankful!
Conclusion
The symptoms of depression manifest differently in men and women, which is exactly why you should pay attention to your own behavior and that of your surroundings and close ones.
More often than not, people who suffer from depression are closed up and never talk about it (especially men).
If you or someone you know has depression, stay faithful and try to tip the scales in favor of health-nourishing activities and habits.