Depression affects millions of people regardless of how physically healthy they are. Although it is unknown whether men get depressed less than women, recognizing depression in healthy young men can be difficult. Men also experience and deal with depression differently than women, and their symptoms vary with age.
Young men can face challenges that more mature men may not have, or have already learned to deal with, through years of experience. Men are often trained from childhood to be competitive and to repress strong emotions, especially those that might make them appear weak, vulnerable or unable to remain in control, and this can be stressful and sometimes, overwhelming.
The symptoms of depression that healthy young men experience are often the same as the ones their less healthy counterparts might have. It is important to note that good physical health is not always an indicator of good psychological health. Thus, learning to recognize the signs, and how a young man copes with depression, is important.
Aggression and Violence
Young men with depression might express themselves more aggressively than usual, as a way of dealing with their negative feelings. This can result in violent behavior, being abusive, or expressing inappropriate or exaggerated anger.
Psychological Symptoms
Depression in young men can affect how they think, process information and feel emotionally. They can have difficulty concentrating, remembering things, making decisions, and can be irritable. Being depressed for some young men can also includes feelings of guilt, inadequacy or worthlessness, hopelessness, and being overly pessimistic. For others, they might feel empty or devoid of emotions, numb, or be apathetic. However, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, men are more reluctant to talk as openly about their emotional symptoms as those experienced physically.
Physical Symptoms
Depression in young men can manifest as physical symptoms similar to those experienced under stress. Besides restlessness and fatigue, some experience stomachaches and digestive problems, recurring headaches, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, changes in appetite and weight, and sleep problems such as insomnia or oversleeping. When caused by depression, these symptoms most often continue even when treated.
Avoidance and Substance Abuse
Rather than talking about their feelings or seeking treatment, young men often deal with depression by avoiding things. This can include withdrawal from others or self-isolation, and an increased desire for, or talking about, separation or divorce. A loss of interest or pleasure in work, hobbies, and even sex, is also common, although some might throw themselves compulsively into work as a way of trying to hide their depression. Another symptom includes using or increased use of drugs or alcohol as a way of escaping or self-medicating.
Risk-Taking and Suicidal Thoughts
Depression can lead to disregard for personal safety or success. For this reason, many young men suffering from depression will engage in risky behaviors such as reckless driving, risky sex and extra-marital affairs, gambling and other high-stakes thrills. Thoughts or talk of death, worthlessness or suicide are strong warnings for depression in young men. While, compared to women, men are less likely to commit suicide, they are usually more successful in their attempts, states the National Institute of Mental Health.
