Depression is a pervasive mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide, yet its symptoms can appear very differently from one person to the next. For men, depression often goes unrecognized and undiagnosed, largely due to stigma around asking for help and outdated societal expectations surrounding emotional expression.
How Depression Manifests Differently in Men
While feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in life’s pleasures are typical signs of depression, men may experience and express these feelings in ways that make the disorder harder to recognize.
1. Anger
Men with depression are more likely to become irritable or have violent outbursts of temper instead of seeming sad or listless. This anger can be intense and unpredictable, often resulting in strained relationships and social isolation. Unfortunately, anger is not a classic criterion for a depression diagnosis, which can delay recognition and treatment.
2. Physical Pain
Depression in men may manifest as physical symptoms, including headaches, back pain, muscle aches, and stomach problems. These symptoms often become the focal point for health providers, causing them to overlook the emotional roots of your distress.
3. Risky Behaviors
Reckless driving, unsafe sex, and drug abuse can be signs of depression in men. These behaviors may be misguided attempts to cope with feelings of emptiness or hopelessness, providing temporary relief but ultimately worsening the depression.
4. Difficulty Expressing Emotions
Many men struggle to express their emotions, due to cultural norms discouraging vulnerability. As a result, you may withdraw socially or mask your feelings by throwing yourself into work, leading to a cycle of unaddressed emotional pain.
5. Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances
Persistent physical exhaustion, even without corresponding exertion, is a common depression symptom for men. Additionally, sleep disturbances like insomnia and hypersomnia can further exacerbate your feelings of hopelessness and fatigue.
Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Help
Persistent stigma associated with mental health issues remains a significant barrier to addressing depression. Sadly, many men view acknowledging their inner turmoil and asking for help as signs of weakness. This misconception may lead to a silent struggle that goes on for years.
Moreover, men are less likely to self-evaluate their symptoms as depression. You may mistakenly believe you need to “push through” complex emotions instead of seeing them as a warning sign, which will allow your mental health to deteriorate over time.
Recognizing depression as a leading cause of disability and poor health can help you accept that you have a problem you cannot solve on your own. At Legacy Texas, we understand the unique challenges associated with depression in men and have designed a single-gender treatment program to provide the integrated wellness tools you need to regain control.
Depression in men tends to manifest in ways that are easy to overlook or misdiagnose. Our program is a crucible for transformation where you can go to rebuild your mental and physical well-being. Our best-in-class addiction and mental health professionals will guide you to realize your ideal legacy and instill the discipline you need to surmount your obstacles. Join us today to experience the difference.