Depression can lead to grief and loss of interest in activities although that are fun. In men and women, depression sometimes manifests itself in different ways even though the women are generally more often hidden. But at least there are 12 typical signs of depression in men.
“The symptoms used to diagnose depression is the same regardless of different sexes. However, often the chief complaint may be different in male and female patients,” said Ian A. Cook, MD, professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles as quoted from the Health, Sunday (11/13/2011).
The hallmark signs depression in men are:
1. Irritable
Men who are depressed often show signs of anger, it is not showing any signs of excitement. “If they talk about the emotional component, can be easily sad and irritable,” said Dr. Cook.
“In addition, negative thoughts is a common aspect of depression. Men will often feel angry because they have negative thoughts constantly,” said Klapow.
2. Concentration difficulties
Psychomotor retardation may slow down the man’s ability to process information, thus disturbing the concentration on work or other tasks. “Depression causes negative thinking,” said Klapow. I describe depression as a form of reversible brain failure, “said Dr.. Sussman.
3. Fatigue
People who are depressed will undergo a series of physical and emotional changes. The men can experience fatigue, as well as the physical movement or psychomotor slowing, speech, and thought processes.
“Men are more likely than women to report physical symptoms of fatigue and other symptoms of depression as their main complaint,” said Josh Klapow, PhD, a clinical psychologist from the University of Alabama.
4. Sleeping too much or too little
Sleep problems like insomnia, waking up very early in the morning, or oversleeping are common symptoms of depression. “Some people sleep 12 hours a day and still feel tired or still want to go back to sleep and woke up every two hours,” said Dr.. Cook.
Fatigue and difficulty sleeping is one of the main symptoms of men who are depressed, they can discuss or consult with a physician.
5. Abdominal pain or backache
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, health problems such as constipation or diarrhea, and headache, and backache, commonly experienced by people suffering from depression.
But men often do not realize that chronic pain and digestive disorders go hand in hand with depression. “People who are depressed actually feel bad physically,” said Norman Sussman, MD, a professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center.
6. Anger or hostility
“Some men manifest depression by becoming hostile, angry, or aggressive. Men hostile as a result of depression and felt under pressure by friends or family,” says Dr. Sussman.
Anger and hostility differ with irritability. “Anger tends to be a powerful emotion,” said Klapow.
7. Stress
“Men are more likely to report symptoms of depression such as stress. Stress is more socially acceptable to be expressed,” said Klapow. Research has shown that, exposure to stress can cause changes in both the body and brain, which in turn can lead to depression.
Stress and depression also can travel in both directions. “Feeling stressed can be an indicator of a clinical depression, but also become part of the cause,” said Dr. Cook.
8. Sexual Dysfunction
Depression is a common reason for loss of desire and sexual dysfunction, and it’s one of the symptoms that men tend not to report such symptoms.
“Problems can come from depression, and make depression worse,” said Dr.. Cook.
However, sexual dysfunction may be a result of medical conditions or other medications, including antidepressants. “Depression is not shown with only one symptom only, but a group of symptoms,” said Klapow.
9. Doubt
Some people naturally have a difficult time to make decisions. Thus the inability to make a choice is usually concerned only if it is a new behavior.
“This is a problem of information processing and the depression slows the ability of someone to decide something,” said Klapow.
10. Anxiety
Research has demonstrated a strong association between anxiety disorders and depression. Men may be more likely than women to experience anxiety.
“Anxiety disorders were about twice as common in women. But it is often easier for men to talk about feelings of anxiety rather than sad,” said Dr.. Cook.
11. Abuse drugs or alcohol
Substance abuse often accompany depression. Research has shown that alcoholics almost twice as likely to suffer from severe depression.
“It can occur in men and women. But using drugs or alcohol to mask feelings of discomfort is a strategy that is mostly done by men,” said Dr. Cook.
12. Thoughts of suicide
Women are more likely to attempt suicide, but men were more than 4 times more likely to die if they tried to commit suicide. One reason is that men tend to choose more lethal methods.
“Men more often use firearms to kill themselves,” said Dr. Cook. Older men are at highest risk for suicide, and doctors may miss depressive symptoms in this group.
In fact, more than 70 percent of suicide victims older check-up on doctors and undergoing primary care within one month prior to death. Depression is not a normal part of aging process in men or women.
Fortunately, there are ways to overcome depression in men.
- Get some Workout
- exercise will help you feel good because this will release body chemicals called endorphins. It is a pain killers and will make you feel good about yourself. Go to gym, sport venues or just jogging around your home would be good.
- Talk to friends. Often talking through what you’re going through will work as a natural release.
- Learn to relax. The stresses built in to our modern lives mean we often forget to relax, which just winds us up further.
- Re-visit a hobby or take up a new one.
- Consider meditation or pray.
- Eat properly. Cut down on the junk food and manage your diet.
- If your depression is interfering with your sleep patterns then a good sleep program will help.
- Cut the negatives out of your life as much as possible. Do something productive with that time instead!
