Here Are Some Possible Symptoms of Depression in Men That You Should Know About

Since women are more active and expressive than men, it is easier to spot the state of depression. Men, on the other hand, usually live a reserved life hiding their emotional side which makes it difficult to identify depression in them. It is found that most of the men deal with undiagnosed depression as they don’t wish to either disclose their condition or receive treatment for the same. In this article, we will talk about all the signs and symptoms of depression in men, including physical, emotional and behavioral.

Men and Depression

According to the American Psychological Association, depression is quite common in men. About 30% of men suffer from depression once in their lifetime. This mood disorder disrupts the mental health of a person affecting his emotions, thoughts, behavior, etc. The other names of depression are depressive disorder and clinical depression which doctors generally use to refer to depression. Women suffering from depression often commit suicide while this number is less in male cases. The probable reason for this difference is that most men have undiagnosed depression.

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Symptoms of Depression in Men

Identification of the symptoms of depression is the first step towards the treatment of depression. Also, the signs of depression are slightly different in men and women which makes it easier to watch out for them. 

Behavioral Symptoms of Depression in Men

While women go on a silent mode during the depression, men often display their extreme angry side. Here are some behavioral changes of depression:

• Increased alcohol consumption
• Taking drugs
• Avoiding family and social get-togethers
• Working tirelessly with no break
• Abusive and controlling behavior with a partner
• Taking us risky tasks
• Unable to fulfill personal & professional responsibilities
• Suicide attempt

Emotional Signs of Depression in Men

Both mind and body are closely related. A depressed man displays both physical and psychological symptoms however, he is likely to share only physical issues. Depression strongly impacts the emotional well-being causing various mood changes however, unlike women, they prefer hiding their sorrows and not express. Here are some initial signs:

• Irritability
• Anger
• Aggressive behavior
• Frustration
• Fearing to get judged, men often do not showcase their sadness and keep things with them only. 

Physical Signs of Depression in Men

Even though depression is a mental health-related condition, some physical symptoms indicate the state of depression in men. These are:

• Chronic headaches
• Fatigue
• Sleep disorders or irregular sleep
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Tightness in the chest
• Restlessness
• Abruptly increased or decreased appetite
• Digestive issues
• Unintentional weight loss

These changes are caused due to alterations in norepinephrine and serotonin levels. Depression affects these brain chemicals to cause pain and mood disorders.

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Some Tips To Prevent Depression At An Early Stage

Certain strategies and lifestyle changes can help in managing depression at the initial stage. Some of them are:

• Meditating and practicing mindfulness regularly can help in warding off depressive thoughts.
• Go for brisk walks in the parks as greenery has a positive impact on mental health.
• Do social outing and talk with friends and family. This builds a support system that helps in coping with stress and depression.
• Reduce or cut down alcohol consumption.
• Unlike women, men keep things to themselves which puts them to a risk of depression. Here are some symptoms of male depression.

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