Depression in Men: 5 Common Signs

Everyone’s experience with depression is unique, but certain symptoms are quite common. For instance, many people with depression suffer from a lack of energy, negative thought patterns, an absence of motivation, and emotional numbness. But men and women often experience different symptoms of depression.

Men are generally discouraged from opening up about their mental health, and this can change their experiences with depression. Therefore, some men do not even recognize that they are suffering from depression until they have been dealing with symptoms for quite some time.

Here are a few symptoms of depression that men can look out for.

1. Anger Management Struggles

It can be difficult for men to tell a close friend or partner when they are feeling depressed. But a person can only try to hide their emotions for so long before they have to express themselves somehow. Eventually, this might manifest in angry outbursts.

Men with depression might have trouble keeping their anger under control, and a heated discussion with a partner or friend might turn into a full-blown fight. They may feel guilty and remorseful after these episodes, but without support, it can be hard to alleviate this symptom.

2. Substance Abuse

Men might turn to substance abuse when they are dealing with depression. Their loved ones might notice that their habits have become destructive, but it can be hard to get through to them and offer them help. They may end up missing work, skipping out on other commitments, and spending money that they can’t afford to lose because of their addiction.

Substance abuse provides temporary relief from the pain of depression, but in the long run, these habits can only make this condition worse.

3. Risky Behavior

A man with depression might be tempted to chase an adrenaline rush. This might mean trying extreme sports or engaging in other risky behaviors. They may suddenly seem more careless than usual. Someone who does not have much hope for the future may not care much about their own safety. This can often make their loved ones worry.

However, many people do not realize that this can be a red flag for depression, and therefore, it can be hard to reach out to a man who is living with this particular symptom.

4. Working Long Hours

Men often feel pressure to provide for their entire households. They may feel like they have to work very hard to be successful and live up to these standards. For a man with depression, this pressure can feel downright suffocating. In order to compensate for his feelings of inadequacy, he might start spending longer hours at the office.

This can lead to exhaustion, chronic stress, and burnout. He may even feel ashamed of his symptoms and want to hide his struggles from others, prompting him to spend more time at the office so that his loved ones do not approach him with their concerns.

5. Isolation

Depression can make people feel disconnected from their friends and relatives. Men in particular might be hesitant to tell their close friends about what they’re going through. Because of the belief that men should not be emotional, they can be prone to creating distance between themselves and their friends if they feel depressed.

Eventually, they may isolate themselves on purpose. This can make it even more difficult to eventually get help. Isolation worsens the cycle of depression - but for a man who is suffering, the idea of asking for help can feel unthinkable. Even when their friends reach out, they may be hesitant to answer.

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Do you suspect that you’re struggling with symptoms of depression? Therapy can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.