Men, like women, can experience depression at some point in their lives. It is considered a serious condition that greatly affects lifestyle. According to the CDC, women are more likely to suffer from depression compared to men, though this may be due to the fact that men often do not express such issues openly. Therefore, the numbers might not be accurate in this regard, as published in Healthline. Consequently, there may be a lack of diagnosis of depression among men.
What symptoms might appear in a man suffering from depression? The symptoms a man experiences may differ from those seen in women, complicating the identification and diagnosis of the condition. Men with depression may first notice physical symptoms, even though depression is classified as a mental disorder. Many men seek medical help due to physical symptoms such as:
- Chest tightness
- Gastrointestinal issues like gas, diarrhea, or constipation
- Sexual dysfunction and other sexual disorders
- Headaches
- Hormonal issues such as low testosterone levels
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Unexplained weight loss or, at times, weight gain
The psychological symptoms that may appear in men and vary include:
- Inability to concentrate
- Memory issues
- Sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep or resuming sleep
- Suicidal thoughts
- Aggressiveness
- Excessive anger
- Withdrawal from friends and family and loss of interest in them
- General confusion
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Decreased sex drive
- Feelings of fatigue
Behavioral symptoms can also be observed, particularly since men often avoid discussing their psychological issues, affecting their behavior. This often leads to delayed diagnosis of depression in men. A large percentage of men may not seek help, despite the challenges they face, and attempt to fill the void in their lives instead of addressing and treating the root of the problem. Therefore, statistics show that men are three to four times more likely to commit suicide than women.
Other behavioral signs may include:
- Difficulties in handling responsibilities at work and with family and friends
- Substance abuse
- Alcohol addiction
- Engaging in risky activities
- Social isolation
- Suicidal thoughts.
