Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Men and women both experience depression. Still, their symptoms differ.
Men who are depressed may be angry, irritable or aggressive, not sad. Which often means families, friends and even doctors may not realize that these men are experiencing depression. Plus, men are less likely than women to talk, recognize they are struggling and seek treatment. That means their depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Depression is a serious mood disorder that may cause severe symptoms. It impacts the ability to handle daily activities. A man must have these symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with depression. “Men have always been taught by society to tough it out and not talk about their emotions. They’re told to be stoic,” says Andrew Rosen, board-certified psychologist and founder and clinical director of The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders in Delray Beach. “It’s seen as a sign of weakness.”
Rosen says that loss of interest is a main symptom of depression in men. “They’re apathetic,” he says. “Nothing interests them — work or family.” Men may experience insomnia or sleep excessively, which causes tiredness. They may have a loss of appetite, too. Physical effects include headaches. “When men get depressed, they stop being active,” says Rosen. “The body shows the effects of not exercising.”
Depression can be effectively treated with medications, therapy or a combination of the two. Without treatment, though, depression is unlikely to go away and will impact every aspect of one’s life. “Therapies have never been more accessible,” says Rosen, referring to the rise of telehealth services, which he says are here to stay. “More people are getting help since it’s so easy to do.”
With the right treatment, most men with depression can return to their previous selves. Now isn’t a time for a man to tough it out. That can prove devastating.
If you or a man in your life has had thoughts of harming themselves, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).