Clinical depression is a serious mental health condition that affects large numbers of both men and women. While in the past, this disease has not always been well understood or accepted as a legitimate illness, the medical community and the population at large have begun to accept depression as a very real behavioral disorder requiring serious attention and treatment. As clinical depression continues to be studied and better understood, a number of gender-related differences have begun to be recognized in those who suffer from the illness.
Age Differences
According to a study in the March 1, 2001, edition of the "Psychiatric Times," on average, depression appears to affect men and women at different periods in their lives. While women's peak ages for the onset of depression generally are within their late teens or 20s, it more often seems to strike men who are in their 40s or 50s. This may be due to significant hormonal changes that males in this particular age group generally undergo. In addition, the symptoms of depression in men may not be recognized or even acknowledged until they are much older, perhaps in their 60s or 70s.
Emotional Displays
It appears that women experiencing clinical depression display visible signs of outward emotion with greater frequency in comparison to men who are suffering from this illness. Women may cry or exhibit other behavioral signs of despair more often during their personal bouts with depression. Men tend to be less outwardly emotional and much more rigid in how they seem to compose themselves. This may be partially due to societal expectations that men display signs of strength and avoid appearing weak during times of internal struggle, rather than biological factors.
On the other hand, when men do show visible emotional signs associated with clinical depression, these emotions tend to be manifested in more intense or aggressive displays. For example, men are much more likely to exhibit episodes of profound irritability and potentially inappropriate feelings of anger or rage in comparison to women.
Suicidal Behavior
According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely to commit suicide than women. This may be due to the fact that males act more quickly and impulsively on their suicidal thoughts. Additionally, they are less likely to exhibit suicidal behavior outwardly or discuss their feelings of hopelessness with family members, friends or health professionals. If you experience such feelings of extreme despair or specific thoughts of suicide, seek professional help immediately, regardless of your gender.
Substance Abuse
The Mayo Clinic also reports that men may mask their depression symptoms with alcohol or drug abuse. This type of self-medication in response to clinical depression occurs more frequently in males in comparison to women.
