Depression affects many Americans at some point in their lives. It shows up as more than just feeling sad and crying occasionally. Depression is a serious mental illness that can affect every part of your life. It can have different symptoms in men and women, and men can sometimes have different coping mechanisms for dealing with their depressed mood.

Untreated depression can result in self-harm and suicide, so it’s important to be aware of the causes of male depression and what its symptoms look like.

What is male depression?

Clinical depression is a mental illness characterized by a persistent low mood, low energy, a negative self-image, and loss of pleasure in daily life. It can affect your work or school performance, interpersonal relationships, and everyday activities. Depression can alter your thoughts, feelings, and ability to function.

Easily recognizable symptoms of depression that occur in all population groups include:

• extreme fatigue

• feeling hopeless or empty

• not finding joy in usual activities

• wanting to withdraw

• avoiding family and friends

• sleep issues

• changes in eating habits

• increased alcohol or drug use

• self-harm

• thoughts of suicide

Men sometimes exhibit particular symptoms that are less recognizable as depression. These include:

• spending a lot of time at work, or playing video games or sports

• problems with erectile dysfunction, sexual performance, or desire

• physical symptoms such as headaches, increased heart rate, chest tightness, or digestive issues

• irritability and anger

• high-risk behavior, such as reckless driving or excessive gambling

• controlling, aggressive, or violent behavior

Men tend to seek medical help for physical symptoms rather than mental or emotional ones. Some men will experience many of these effects, while others might only feel one or two. It’s important not to overlook these symptoms and learn to recognize them for what they are indicating under the surface. So what are some reasons behind male depression?

Environmental stress

Sometimes, the pressure to perform in a high-stress job or provide for their family can leave men more prone to developing depression. Other situations that might trigger depression are relationship problems, the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, or a major life change, like a cross-country move or switching careers. Without the proper, healthy coping mechanisms to deal with these stressors in life, men are at risk.

Genetics

If you have immediate family with a history of depression, such as parents or siblings, you’re more likely to develop it at some point. While it’s not a guarantee, you’re much more susceptible to depression if anyone in your family also struggles with it.

Loneliness

Feeling isolated can lead to a variety of mental health problems. Men have traditionally been discouraged from forming deep emotional bonds with anyone but a romantic partner.

Even then, it can be hard for men to access and show their emotions in a world where masculine strength is tied to stoicism. If you feel like you have no one to really connect with, masking these emotions can lead to developing depression.

Should you get help?

If you feel you might be experiencing some of these symptoms and they’re affecting your daily life, you should consider seeking medical help. Don’t be reluctant to open up about these problems, as ignoring them won’t make them disappear.

Depression is typically treated by both medication and talk therapy. A psychotherapy approach, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy, can help you reframe your thinking and address the root causes of your depression. A licensed therapist will guide you to healthy coping mechanisms to treat your symptoms and get your mood back on track.

To find out more about how depression treatment or men’s counseling can help you, please reach out.