Signs of Depression in Men: What to Look for and How to Find Help

Men suffer from depression but are less likely to talk about their symptoms or seek treatment. Unlike women who may have suicidal ideations and tell someone, men may try to ignore suicidal thoughts or act impulsively and commit suicide or self-harm.

Knowing the signs of depression in men can help you identify when a loved one needs help.

Common Signs of Depression in Men

Awareness is critical when it comes to the signs of depression in men. Men tend not to talk about their symptoms, believing that they will get over it, or they do not recognize their behavior as depression.

Familiarize yourself with the signs of depression in men so you can suggest help for a loved one.

Persistent Sadness

The most common sign of depression is a persistent sadness and feeling of hopelessness. Some men describe this as feeling empty or numb. They may be unable to articulate why they feel sad, almost like a dark cloud covers them. It can feel never-ending.

Fatigue

With depression comes a bone-weariness. Fatigue or extreme tiredness is another common sign. Your loved one may or may not sleep with fatigue. They do not feel like doing anything and may lay on the couch or in bed.

Loss of Interest in Favorite Activities

Men with depression lose interest in the activities they once enjoyed. They may stop playing games, hanging out with friends, or engaging in a hobby. The thought of doing these things wears them out.

Sleep Problems

Although physically tired, men with depression may not be able to fall asleep. Instead, they may develop insomnia or have trouble staying asleep once they nod off. In other cases, they may sleep longer. Sleep deprivation or too much sleep combined with fatigue can make it challenging to manage family responsibilities and go to work.

Escapism

Many men with depression try to ignore their symptoms by escaping their emotions. They may spend more time playing video games, binge-watching movies and television shows, reading for hours, overexercising, spending longer time away, shopping, or overeating. They use escapism behaviors to keep their mind occupied elsewhere and may ignore other responsibilities.

Unexplained Headaches and Stomachaches

Some men with depression suffer from unexplained aches and pains, including headaches and stomachaches. They may also experience gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and vomiting. Stress and anxiety coupled with depression may create an environment for acid reflux, making sleep erratic as symptoms are worse while lying down.

Angry Outbursts

A man with depression may have trouble controlling his temper. He may have angry outbursts, snap at loved ones, slam things, and become irritable at the drop of a hat. His emotions seem to run high and low, and you may feel like you have to walk on eggshells around him. He may blame you or others for his life or how he feels because he does not recognize that his anger stems from depression.

Acts of Violence

Although women rarely develop violence as a sign of depression, men can become violent or abusive. No one has the right to abuse another person, and no one should have to tolerate violence, even if the mental condition is beyond the abuser’s control. Seek help if your loved one’s depression has turned into acts of violence.

Risky Behaviors

The tendency to engage in risky behaviors increases with depression in men. Risky behaviors include unprotected sex, extramarital affairs, driving fast, fighting, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Some may consider self-harm and violence as part of this category. A man may not realize that his behaviors are due to depression, only that he feels the need to escape unwanted emotions and experience the thrill of adrenaline to make himself feel better.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

As part of the escapism and risky behaviors category, men with depression may abuse drugs and alcohol. The drugs may be illicit or prescription. They may start with a drug like marijuana and move up to harder substances like cocaine or heroin. Men who used to only drink a beer or two in the evenings may work up to a six-pack or a case on the weekends. Substance abuse can be gradual as they try to numb their emotions over time, and the depression increases.

Christian Counseling for Depression

If you recognize the signs of depression in a loved one, reach out to a Christian counselor for help today. Our center can match your loved one with a Christian counselor specializing in effective methods to treat depression and anxiety. Call or complete the online form today.