Depression in Men: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Depression in Men vs. Women

Men and women not only experience different depression symptoms, but their willingness to discuss how they’re feeling can be vastly different as well. There are some similarities in terms of causes of depression between men and women. For example, family history for either gender can result in a higher risk. Likewise, stress can be a trigger for both genders. That said, there are some significant differences between the two.

How it differs

One major difference between depression symptoms in men and women is that with men, outward symptoms are more likely to show. Women with depression tend to have increased appetite, weight gain, and anxiety, and they also may excessively sleep.

Hormones play a big role in the variation of symptoms of depression in men compared to women. A lot of times agitation, aggression and hostility is reflective of the mood struggle men are going through. Sleep disturbances and appetite changes also present differently among men than women.

Men, on the other hand, are much more likely to hide their symptoms. They typically don’t let themselves cry as much or express outward sadness. They’re more prone to abuse substances as a coping mechanism. Perhaps most concerning is the likelihood that men will be more inclined to try and ride out their depression rather than seek help.

Unfortunately, clinical depression is like many other mental health conditions in that the longer you wait to seek effective treatment, the more severe and damaging depressive symptoms can become.

How common is depression in men?

The APA notes that more than 30% of men have reported experiencing a long period of depression at some point in their life. Some research shows that depression is more common in women than men, but there’s a caveat to this assumption. Since symptoms show differently in men, depression can often be misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed for a longer timeframe. Underdiagnosis may contribute to the statistics that show more women than men are depressed.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men?

The signs and symptoms of depression in men can differ for every man. They won’t all experience every symptom. Some have just a few, and others can have multiple or all of them. The following are common symptoms for men with depression.

• Restlessness or feeling anxious
• Anger or irritability, not to be confused with manic depression or bipolar disorder
• Aggressive behavior
• Risky behavior
• Escapist behavior
• Controlling, abusive, or violent behavior
• Problems with sexual desire
• Loss of interest in work
• Lots of interest in things that were once interesting
• Feeling sad or empty
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling tired but not being able to sleep
• Feelings of excessive guilt
• Sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering details
• Changes in eating habits — either eating too much or not enough
• Physical pains — cramps, headaches, digestive problems
• Partaking in high-risk behavior
• Inability to meet work, life, or other important responsibilities
• Substance abuse
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Suicidal thoughts
• Suicide attempts

Common Causes of Depression in Men

There are a few risk factors that make some men more susceptible to depression at some point in their life. Often, a combination of the following risk factors can contribute:

• Environmental stress: Environmental stressors like financial problems, a complicated relationship, grief or loss, work problems, major life changes, or virtually any abundantly stressful situation can trigger depression in men.
• Genetic factors: Many people wonder is depression genetic? In fact, family history can play an important role in depression. Men who have other family members who’ve been diagnosed with depression may be more likely to develop it themselves.
• Illness: Serious illness can also play a role in depression in men. Certain ailments like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and others can result in worsening depression. Additionally, a medication that’s often prescribed to treat a medical condition might actually trigger or worsen symptoms of depression.

Although the root causes of depression are quite commonly experienced across men, it can sometimes be difficult to identify it.

Why Depression in Men Often Goes Undiagnosed

Unfortunately, many of the signs of depression in men are missed, in part due to symptoms presenting differently in men than women. There are several other reasons why depression tends to go undiagnosed for some men.

• Reluctance to admit or discuss signs and symptoms: Men might be more reluctant to talk about their symptoms of depression. This can be due to the societal norms placed on men, including an emphasis on self-control or the masculinity that’s associated with not expressing feelings or emotions. Ultimately, this can result in men trying to suppress their feelings when they’re depressed.
• Downplaying signs and symptoms: Some men may be hesitant to admit when they’re feeling depressed or experiencing negative thoughts, but it’s just as likely they may not recognize how much depression is affecting their daily life. Unfortunately, by suppressing or masking their depression, their symptoms will often worsen.
• Resisting treatment: Circling back to the cultural norms in our society, some men might resist mental health treatment in general if they’re worried about the stigma of depression. The fear of professional or personal consequences might get in the way of their willingness to seek depression treatment.
• Failure to recognize signs and symptoms: Since men can have different depressive symptoms, it can be easy to miss. It’s easy to only think of the emotional responses related to depression, but in reality physical symptoms can be just as common. Digestive problems, headaches, irritability, even long-term pain can be an indication of depression in men.

Male depression & suicide

Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior, and despite the fact that women actually attempt suicide more often than men, the reality is that men are more likely to be successful with their suicide attempts. There are a few reasons why this is the case:

• Men tend to use more severe methods when attempting suicide, such as guns.
• Men may be more impulsive when they have suicidal thoughts.
• Men tend to show fewer warning signs — they’re less likely to talk about suicide before attempting it.

Note: If you’re in crisis and having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please get help immediately. Dial 911 or reach out via text or call to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

How to Cope with Male Depression

Coping with male depression can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. The simple act of asking for help can be challenging for many men, but understanding that depression is likely to become more severe and intense when you don’t seek treatment can be a motivator.

Untreated depression can cause conflict in literally every aspect of life. From your professional world, to interpersonal relationships, to personal safety, treating your depression through therapy, medication, or a combination of the two can be the first step you take toward a healthier, happier version of yourself.

Finding Treatment for Male Depression

If you think you’re depressed and you’re ready to get help for your depression, you can start with your family doctor or healthcare provider. Online resources can be a valuable place to go as well. The National Institute of Mental Health has a great list of resources. Support groups, individual therapy, and self-help techniques can all be important aspects of your healing.

Therapy

Certain types of evidence-based talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy) are better for depression treatment than others. Some therapy techniques include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
• Problem solving therapy

Medication

There are several antidepressant medications that can treat depression in men. It’s important to note that antidepressant medication can take several weeks before it begins working. Some have side effects such as difficulty sleeping, headache or nausea, nervousness, sexual problems, and agitation. It’s important to note that antidepressants aren’t the only medication to treat depression. There are different types that you can talk to a doctor about.

The older medications that a lot of men avoided due to sexual side effects was an imitation. Availability of a new generation of medications can safely address the depression symptoms experienced by men without those concerns.

Brain stimulation therapy

Brain stimulation therapies are still sometimes used today. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used in severe depression where other forms of treatment have not provided relief. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is another form of brain stimulation that’s approved to treat depression.

Self-help techniques

Wondering how to manage depression on your own? Self-help techniques like mindfulness, meditation, exercise, yoga, and journaling have all been known to reduce symptoms of depression in men.

When you decide to treat your depression, you’re showing a sign of incredible strength. You’re making an investment in your own mental health, and that’s something you should be proud of.

Get Professional Help for Male Depression with Talkspace

With an online therapy platform like Talkspace, getting therapy for depression has never been easier. Online therapy is often less expensive than traditional, in-person therapy and allows you to communicate with a licensed therapist without leaving the comfort of your home or office.

If you think you or someone you know has depression, take the first step by using our depression test to learn more.