Depression is a common mental disorder. The American Psychiatric Association defines depression or major depressive disorder as a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think and act. It causes a feeling of sadness or loss of interest in things that you once enjoyed. It can decrease the mental and physical ability to function as usual.
Signs And Symptoms Of Depression In Men
Contents
Feeling sad, loss of interest, change in appetite, trouble sleeping, loss of energy, difficulty to think, and thoughts of death are the common symptoms. Symptoms can be mild as well as severe lasting at least two weeks resulting in the change of previous mental and physical condition. Medical conditions like thyroid problems, brain tumors, or vitamin deficiency can also mimic the symptoms. Studies show that depression affects one in every 15 adults and one in every 6 people will experience depression at any given point in their life. Symptoms You Should Care
Men are less susceptible to depression than women. There is indeed a masculine form of depression that is often unrecognized and untreated. Even though both men and women experience the common symptoms of depression, there are some symptoms unique to each gender. Unlike women, men often feel aggressive while depressed, and men are less likely to seek treatment for depression.
This can cause a loss of energy and interest in their families and daily activities. Men with depression struggle more to get sleep than depressed women. Men tend to mask their symptoms and only when physical issues kick in, do men tend to consult a doctor. Depressed men are more likely to find drugs and alcohol as a solution for their mental issues. There are more cases of suicides by depressed men than women as men try to use more lethal methods.
So what is the reason for men to cover up their symptoms of depression? Men are so focused on the idea of masculinity that they have to appear in front of others. Men feel it wrong to cry, be emotional, show vulnerability, and show pain. The common signs and symptoms of depression are listed below
- Anger and aggressiveness
- Problems with sexual desire and performance. Depression has been shown to cause erectile dysfunction
- Insomnia
- Engaging in high-risk activities
- Alcohol and drug addiction
- Withdrawing from family and friends and becoming isolated.
- Aches or pains
- Overeating or not wanting to eat at all
- Feeling “on the edge”
- Suicide attempts
- Reckless behavior
What causes depression in men?
- Men with a family history of depression are more susceptible to developing depression than other men
- Financial problems are one of the main causes of depression in men. As financial issues are common nowadays, the number of depressed men also tends to increase. Issues at work can also trigger depression in men
- Loss of loved ones or a difficult relationship.
- Loneliness, aging in isolation, or lack of social support
- Major life changes or stressful situations.
- Early childhood traumas or abuses.
- History of alcohol and drug abuse.
- Inability to deal with stress
- Illness: depression can be caused along with other serious diseases like cancer, heart attack, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease. The feeling of living a hopeless life can trigger depression. Moreover, depression can worsen the condition of the diseases. Another reason is the medications taken for the diseases can cause depression.
Treatments
- The very first step is to decide that you want to get over this illness. Willpower is the key.
- Seek social support: Go to your primary health specialist. Talking to friends and family members you can trust can help you to know what to do next. Making a social commitment is the most difficult thing to do in this stage of your life. It is not something to hide about and is courageous to open up.
- The main treatment for depression in men is psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy is important as just going and talking to someone and getting everything outside the head can be helpful. Someone who encourages you, someone who can give you a perspective on your problems and give you advice on how to manage your feelings. Medications like antidepressants can help to take the edge off that demoralized feeling.
- Focusing on diet and exercise can be helpful as these kinds of lifestyle changes can be good for your physical and mental health. Daily exercise can help to release those feel-good hormones. Moreover, having to focus on something can slowly bring back the lost interest and motivation in life.
- Spend time with nature. Move out, instead of staying indoors. This solely can bring about a big change.
- Get enough sunlight: our mood has its direct relation with the sun. Research has confirmed that our brain produces more mood-lifting chemicals on a sunny day than during darker days. Take a sunbath for 20 minutes every day early in the morning to lift the moods.
- Practice meditation and breathing exercises. Doing meditation in the morning can calm your mind and add internal happiness.
- Stay away from negative things as much as possible. Social media is packed with many negative ingredients that you should avoid during this stage of your life.
- If you are religious, it would be nice to visit a place of worship. The positive vibration that it gives us can truly calm your mind.
- Spending more time reading books and listening to speeches by inspiring personalities can be helpful to make us realize the larger purpose of life
Conclusion
Depression is the feeling of emptiness. The bottom line is to find the right person to talk to. Men need to talk about this and be honest about this. It is time for you to realize that the brain like every other organ can have problems and men like everyone else can have problems.
Depression is a disorder that affects the brain and could be treated. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Many celebrities like Brad Pitt, Jim Carry, and Michael Phelps have also dealt with depression at some point in their life. They have overcome this with their willpower and so can you.
Lacey Arlo is a wellness expert and a nutritionist who aims to help members with health and diet queries. Lacey Arlo has worked with junior, national, and Olympic-level athletes by providing them with customizing programmers, supplement strategies, and support during their travel and competition. From weight management, PCOD, thyroid-related weight loss, and nutrition for children to diets for pregnant and diets for senior citizens, She offers nutrition-aided solutions for different age groups with consideration for each person’s unique health demands.