What Are Symptoms Of Depression That Men Commonly Feel?
Depression doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t necessarily “target” one gender over another, and the symptoms people commonly feel are usually fairly similar.
However, one of the big differences between men and women is how they handle depression.
Men are often reluctant to talk about mental health struggles. There’s an underlying stigma that, unfortunately, keeps so many men from getting the help they need. You might try to “ignore” your symptoms or convince yourself they don’t mean anything.
However, depression is nearly impossible to ignore for long. The sooner you recognize and accept your symptoms for what they are, the sooner you can reach out for help.
With that in mind, let’s look at some of the symptoms of depression that men commonly feel.
Common Symptoms of Depression in Men
Keep in mind that everyone experiences depression differently. Some men can be highly-functioning with depression, while others might find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. No matter the severity level of your symptoms, it’s important to know that you don’t have to live with them forever. Some of the most common signs of depression in men include:
Difficulty concentrating
Racing thoughts
Memory issues
Sleep problems
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
It’s also not uncommon for men to experience physical symptoms of depression, including digestive issues, chest tightness, and headaches. Depression can even lead to hormonal problems and contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Emotional symptoms include agitation, anger, and hopelessness. You might find that you feel withdrawn and want to be alone, rather than spend your time with friends and family. Your work life might start to suffer, romantic relationships can start to crumble, and those closest to you might start to worry about your well-being.
Why Is Depression Different for Men?
One of the biggest areas of concern is that depression can often be harder to detect and diagnose in men. A lot of that is due to men trying to “hide” their symptoms or make them seem less severe than they really are. Men often feel like they have to fit into social norms and not show any signs of weakness, so they fight back against their feelings.
Additionally, because of those social norms, many men aren’t ever taught what the common symptoms of depression are. They don’t know what to look for, so it’s easier for them to try to ignore those feelings or distract themselves with other things.
Unfortunately, the longer symptoms of depression go ignored and unresolved, the worse they’re likely to become.
What Can You Do?
If you’re a man and these signs and symptoms sound familiar, admitting there’s something wrong is the first step in the right direction. If you’re willing to open up about how you’re feeling to someone else, you can start to lean on your support system for help and guidance.
You might be surprised by how much the people in your life can help you manage your symptoms once they know what you need.
However, the best thing you can do is to seek out professional help. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world, but it’s highly manageable and treatable with the right help. By working with a therapist, you can get to the root cause of your depression. While that can sometimes be difficult, it’s what’s necessary to eventually overcome your struggles.
Don’t let social norms or pride keep you from getting the help and peace you deserve. Admitting you’re struggling doesn’t make you weak. In fact, getting help to overcome those issues shows incredible strength. If you think you might be struggling with depression, feel free to contact us today to set up an appointment for depression treatment.