Clinical depression is reported by more women than men, according to the Tang Center of the University of California at Berkeley. The Tang Center's report on clinical depression states that approximately 12 percent of women and 7 percent of men are diagnosed with the problem each year. This may be because men are less likely to seek professional help.
Loss of Interest
One possible sign of depression in males is a loss of interest in things they previously enjoyed such as hobbies or participating in activities with friends. This loss of interest also may affect a man's sex drive.
Changes in Emotions
A number of changes in emotional reactions also may be signs of clinical depression. For example, a man may be feeling agitated or irritable more often. He may be experiencing anxiety or hopelessness. He may be persistently sad or down for more than two weeks. He also may have thoughts of suicide or be more concerned with the idea of death. He also may feel discouraged in his work or personal life.
Altered Sleep Patterns
Depression can manifest itself in apparently unconnected ways. Changes in sleep patterns may be a sign of possible depression in men. It either can be insomnia, in which falling asleep is difficult, or conversely it could manifest itself in sleeping more than usual. Either of these may be connected to feelings of fatigue, another sign of possible depression if it is persistent.
Changes in Eating Habits
Men may indirectly react to depression through their eating habits. Eating may provide comfort, so depression may show itself when a man eats more than usual on a consistent basis for more than two weeks. Conversely, depression also can manifest itself by taking away a man's appetite, and he will eat less.
Mental Changes
Depression may preoccupy a man's mind, so he may find routine things such as remembering details, concentrating on people or work or making decisions difficult. Indecisiveness, especially if it is not common for the person, can be a sign of depression if it lasts for some extended time. Another aspect could be a change in attitude toward personal things such as appearance and responsibilities.
Physical Changes
Symptoms or conditions that a man experiences that cannot be explained or diagnosed as physical ailments by a doctor may be signs of depression, too. These may include indigestion or other digestive difficulties and headaches.
