While the standard signs of depression are the same in both men and women, men often experience and cope with the symptoms differently. Men typically have a harder time acknowledging feelings, particularly feelings that could be considered weak, and are generally less likely than women to seek help on their own. Because of this, it is particularly important for family members, friends and coworkers to recognize warning signs of depression in men and help them get treatment.
Anger
Anger is generally perceived as a more socially acceptable emotion for men than feelings of sadness, worthlessness or despair that occur with depression, so it is not surprising that men might compensate for these negative feelings by displaying signs anger instead. Showing frustration, irritability, agitation, hostility and even violence are all ways men manifest and display this anger.
Withdrawal
Men may find themselves withdrawing from social events, hobbies or interest because of a loss of interest. Unlike some of the other signs, men usually are able to admit that they do not feel the same enjoyment for activities that they once had and their withdrawal from these situations can be quite noticeable. This withdrawal can occur in many areas, including hobbies, sports, spending time with friends and family, work and even sex.
Risky Behavior
Because men may feel numb or an absence of pleasure when doing things they used to enjoy, some go to greater lengths to seek stimulation and pleasure. This can involve engaging in reckless behavior, taking dangerous risks and purposely putting themselves into harm's way in order to feel more alive.
Escapist Behavior
Men may try to escape their depressed feelings by throwing themselves compulsively into their work or hobbies. This can be done to attempt to hide their depression from their family or friends, but also to hide it from themselves, explains the National Institute of Mental Health.
Substance Abuse
Although the National Institute of Mental Health admits it is unclear if substance use is a symptom of depression or a co-occurring condition, men may use drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate and banish depressive thoughts and feelings. It can be difficult for an untrained individual to determine if a man is using substances because of depression or if he has a substance abuse problem, which makes it all the more reason to encourage the man to seek treatment and obtain a professional evaluation.
Physical Changes
Men might be unaware that unexplained aches and pains may also be a warning sign of depression. These aches and pains can come in the form of a chronic back pain, chronic headaches or migraines, back pain or a more general muscle ache. In addition, an increase or decrease in appetite may also occur with depression, resulting in an unintentional weight gain or weight loss. Insomnia, fatigue or sleeping much more than usual can also occur. Because men might focus on all of these physical symptoms over their feelings, they might be misdiagnosed with other medical conditions instead of depression, states the Mayo Clinic.
Thoughts of Suicide or Suicidal Behavior
Thoughts of suicide can occur in both depressed men and women but are particularly dangerous for men. The National Institute of Mental Health states that four times as many men than women die by taking their own lives. This is partially because men are more likely to choose a more lethal method than women, but also because men with depression might not seek help or receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is crucially important that all comments or expressions of suicide by a man be taken seriously and dealt with by a mental health professional immediately.
