Male Depression Unveiled: Symptoms and Solutions

Depression is a prominent psychological wellness issue that affects around 280 million individuals globally. Luckily, treatment is usually highly effective. However, men are less likely than women to be diagnosed with and cured of depression. Continue reading to see why this is happening, what the signs of male grief look like, as well as what you can do to assist.

Why are males less likely than women to inquire about therapy for depression or other mental disorders?

In the United States, masculinity or “manliness” has long been associated with being powerful, psychologically repressed, and self-sufficient. This is where phrases like “boys don’t cry” and “man up” arise. We already know that this concept of masculinity is harmful and unreal, leading men to regard their own feelings and the act of requesting help as indicators of personal weakness rather than natural components of being human.

However, if you have come to cherish this point of opinion, whether deliberately or unknowingly, it might have an impact on your state of mind. This could look like this:

Masking symptoms – Symptom concealment – It can be difficult to share our true feelings, even with ourselves. Furthermore, frequent misconceptions and stigmas concerning mental illnesses make it even more difficult to be upfront with relatives and close friends. Men with depression tend to concentrate on or describe signs that coincide with those of other illnesses, such as headaches, stomach disorders, sleep problems, and restlessness. Alternatively, you may discover that you use escapism or dangerous behaviors to ignore your emotions.
Avoiding the subject – Even when we sense something is incorrect, it might be challenging to discuss. This could be due to shame or apprehension about how others would perceive us.
Resisting treatment – Some men feel that it is their obligation to deal with their own problems, even if those problems are indicators of having a mental illness. You can also think that your sadness will pass. However, without effective therapy, depression often persists or increases.

Men’s Depression Symptoms

Being a male doesn’t prevent you from feeling depression in the same way that everyone else does. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has discovered, however, that depressed males are more prone to battle with poor energy, anger, and a loss of interest in customary hobbies.

Other typical depression symptoms experienced by men include:

Feeling sorrow, empty, and forlorn

Weight changes that are unexpected
Insomnia or hypersomnia (extreme drowsiness)
Emotions of worthlessness or excessive guilt

Difficulties focusing or making decisions
Isolation or social withdrawal
Suicidal ideation, recurrent thoughts of death, and suicide attempts

Male depression treatment

In general, the most efficient treatment for depression is a mixture of therapy, medication, and changes in behavior. The exact combination varies Because psychological specialists create treatment regimens depending on the needs of specific patients.

Other therapies

Additional therapies may be suggested if standard treatments are unsuccessful. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is one example. Magnetic pulses are used in TMS to excite nerve cells in the area of the mind that regulates mood, which is frequently underdeveloped in persons who suffer from depression. Many individuals experience it as “tapping” in their heads, and it has been shown to have an antidepressant impact on people suffering from depression.

If your depression is sufficiently serious to interfere with your everyday activities, additional outpatient and inpatient treatments are available to help. The perfect combination can provide you with the security and encouragement you need to develop.

How can you assist a man suffering from depression?

The initial step in assisting males with depression is to make it acceptable to discuss male sadness. When talking with a man who is depressed, highlight that depression is not an individual’s attribute or flaw. Depression is not a characteristic of a person. It’s a medical issue, like cancer or diabetes, and seeking medical care is not something to be embarrassed by – it’s simply what you do.

Also, offer support as you would to anyone other suffering from depression. It is critical to pay attention to and respect what they have learned. Even if you don’t understand what someone is saying or experiencing, you may indicate that you hear them and appreciate what they’re saying or experiencing. Instead of offering unwanted advice, try to assist them in obtaining treatment.

Accepting mental health may start early for parents. Teach children how to care for their psychological wellness and allow them to express their feelings openly. Have discussions with boys about what it’s like to be a man. Demonstrate to them that you love and accept them just as they are. This is useful for a number of reasons.

For one thing, it encourages children to get confidence from within themselves rather than from social conventions. It also fosters self-assurance and adaptability, which will aid children in navigating the hurdles that life throws at them. Furthermore, showing this to children teaches them to appreciate others for who they are rather than how they match society’s standards.

Finally, don’t dismiss remarks concerning suicide and self-harm. If somebody is sufficiently courageous to discuss this with you, it is their way of requesting help. You can dial various numbers in different counties for psychological crisis services. Many counties have mobile crisis response units.

Don’t wait to get help

People suffering from psychological disorders have access to an extensive number of resources. Also, if you or somebody you care about displays symptoms of depression or other psychological problems, schedule a meeting with your primary care physician. Your primary care physician may respond to your queries, suggest an initial treatment plan, and, if necessary, recommend you to a psychological wellness professional.