Depression is a serious type of mental health disorder, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Typically, those who struggle with depression have a tendency to withdraw from family and friends, lose interest in activities, and experience intrusive thoughts that impact their daily life. However, not everyone shows the same signs or symptoms. 

Research shows that depression in men, for example, can manifest differently than it does in women. Due to their internal struggles, men often show increased anger, aggression, and irritability in addition to (or in place of) the typical depression symptoms. However, these signs are not always obvious or clearly indicative of a mental health disorder. Depression in men often gets overlooked or goes undiagnosed.

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), over six million men suffer from depression each year. Less than half of them seek treatment for their condition and, as a result, their odds of attempting suicide are high. Suicide rates are four times higher in men than women.

It’s a stark and unfortunate reality, but men often take a backseat when it comes to their mental health. Societal norms have taught men that they need to be strong, emotionally and physically, and that showing vulnerability (like depressive symptoms) is a sign of weakness. As such, many do not get the help that they need in deserve.

If you believe that someone you love might be struggling with depression, or you are facing internal struggles yourself, it’s incredibly important to seek help. Talking to someone you trust, or reaching out to a professional confidentially, can ease heavy burdens and ultimately save a life.

Now you may be asking: “How do I know if he needs help?” Depression is not always easily detectable, especially in men who tend to downplay their symptoms. With that in mind, we’ve created this guide to outline some of the most common symptoms of depression in men—to help you help your loved one.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men

Everyone experiences depression differently. From man to man, their life experiences, economic situation, physical health, and biological make-up, for example, can all play a role in the severity and expression of their condition. However, there are many common signs of depression that you can watch for—knowing these signs now is the first step toward intervention and getting the help he needs.

As stated by the ADAA, “The earlier someone receives treatment, the more effective it can be.”

Below are common symptoms of depression in men:

Psychological Symptoms

• Constant irritability, anger, and aggressiveness
• Persistent sadness and hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Anxiety or general feelings of unease and restlessness
• Emotional detachment or numbness
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Trouble making decisions

Behavioral Symptoms

• Loss of interest in once-loved activities
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased risk-taking (like reckless driving or gambling)
• Neglecting responsibilities, such as school, work, or family
• Avoidance or escapist behaviors (i.e. staying busy to escape emotions)
• Violent behaviors or outbursts
• Drug and alcohol abuse

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches, stomach aches, or other ailments without explicable cause
• Fatigue and low energy, even after rest
• Sudden changes in appetite, leading to weight loss or gain
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia
• Reduced sex drive

Symptoms that Require Immediate Attention

• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Self-harm
• Violence towards oneself or others
• Severe detachment from reality
• Inability to function in daily life as a result of any symptoms above

Depression in Men: Considerations to Keep in Mind

It’s important to know the symptoms of depression in men, in order to recognize them and intervene. However, it’s also important to note the unique experiences of men. These include:

• Men are more likely to commit suicide. Men are at much higher risk of committing suicide than their female counterparts, with four times more men dying by suicide than women. They are also less likely to talk about their depression or suicidal thoughts. Symptoms of depression are often silenced in men, leading them to spiral into suicidal ideation and attempts. This is why intervening early—and knowing the signs of distress—are so critical to men’s health.
• Men are more likely to mask their symptoms. Men are also more likely than women to mask their symptoms, or downplay them as “not a big deal.” With many men feeling like they have higher priorities, or great weights on their shoulders (work, family, sports), they feel an immense pressure to maintain their lives as-is without succumbing to their emotional or mental state. However, this creates a vicious cycle, preventing many men from getting the help they need.
• Men are more likely to use risky behaviors to cope with symptoms. Without therapy and effective, healthy ways to cope, it’s common for men to try to self-medicate their depression through other outlets. Risky behaviors like substance abuse, drunk or reckless driving, gambling, and engaging in unsafe sexual activity are just some of the many examples of risky behaviors that men might turn to as coping tactics.

Don’t Leave Depression in Men Untreated

Left untreated, depression can seriously and severely affect every area of a person’s life: their relationships, their physical health, their ability to function at school, work, and in everyday life. They might turn to drugs and alcohol to cope, or consider more drastic actions like self-harm and suicide. When depression is not addressed, the symptoms tend to spiral and get worse, giving way to other mental health problems and putting one’s life at greater risk.

Mental health treatment for men is critical. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, please do not feel embarrassed or ashamed about asking for help. Roughly one in 10 men struggle with depression or anxiety—you are not alone. There are treatment options available to you.

Turnbridge is a mental health treatment provider with dedicated programs for young men struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues. If you would like to talk with one of our staff members confidentially, please give us a call at 877-581-1793. We are here for you.

And if you or someone you love is in crisis, please seek help immediately. You can call 911 or reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 (text or call).