Many men struggle silently with depression, often drowning it out with alcohol or drugs. In extreme cases, they might even commit suicide. However, it is essential to know the warning signs and seek medical help. Your doctor can diagnose the problem, prescribe medication, or recommend other treatment methods. Getting help early can significantly reduce the duration of treatment.
Table of Contents
Men Are Less Likely To Seek Help For Depression Than Women
Men are less likely to seek help for male depression because of the social stigma attached to it. Symptoms of male depression can include substance abuse, aggressive behavior, and even violence. These behaviors counter socially constructed masculinity, which values strength and self-control. As a result, many men choose to conceal their depression symptoms. NIMH has launched a new campaign called Real Men, Real Depression to counter this stigma. The campaign draws on the latest research and features real stories of men seeking help for depression. The good news is that depression can be helped by various therapies, medical specialists, and Managed Services Denver.
While there is no definitive difference between men and women regarding depressive symptoms, men are less likely than women to seek treatment for the condition. In addition, although men are less likely to seek help for male depression, the prevalence of male depression is twice as high as that of women. Therefore, clinicians need to understand the relationship between male-typical symptoms and depression.
This Is A Reflection Of Manhood
There are many reasons why men can feel depressed. According to a systematic review of the literature, social pressures and role expectations hurt the development of depressive symptoms. In addition, depression is often viewed as challenging a man’s manhood. However, it is essential to note that male depression is not always apparent and is often misunderstood.
The extent to which a man’s conformity to masculine norms is associated with his depressive symptoms varies by age. Younger males, for example, may experience more pressure to exhibit their manhood through sexual presentation, leading to more significant depressive symptoms. On the other hand, older males may experience more significant symptoms if they are more committed to self-reliance and winning than women, which is another source of stress.
It Affects Relationships
If you’re a man suffering from depression, you’ll need to find ways to make friends and maintain close relationships. While it may feel impossible to open up to someone you don’t know, finding someone you can trust and share your feelings with is essential. It would help if you had someone who would listen and not judge you.
People with major depressive disorder experience heightened distress in their relationships. Their marriages are less satisfying, and they become irrationally angry when problems arise. Often, they blame their partners for their problems instead of taking responsibility for their behavior. In addition, their depression tends to cause them to withdraw emotionally from their partners and become irritable. This causes their partners to feel emotionally burdened.
It Affects Sleep
There is an association between depression and sleep disorders. The association between depressive symptoms and sleep problems was examined using a multivariable binary logistic regression model that adjusted for age and sex. The results were interpreted as odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and pooled estimates. The study considered a wide range of depression severity and duration, focusing on the association between sleep problems and depressive symptoms.
In addition, sleep disorders can affect the quality of sleep and how you feel. For example, deficits in neurotransmitters can disrupt sleep rhythms.
It Affects Diet
Many men experience dips in their moods as a natural reaction to life events. But when depression becomes severe, it changes how men function daily. This can affect their work and school productivity, as well as their diet and sleep habits. Men who suffer from male depression may also have trouble with their relationships.
It Affects The Overall Enjoyment Of Life
Male depression can make it hard for a man to maintain friendships. This makes it essential for a man to find friends with whom he can connect face-to-face. He also needs someone to vent his feelings and emotions, who will not judge him. If he cannot do that on his own, he may need help from a professional or therapist.
While dips in mood are normal responses to life’s ups and downs, a persistent, deep depression can severely hinder a man’s life. It can affect his ability to function at work, school, and relationships, as well as his diet and sleep patterns. In addition, the symptoms of male depression can last up to two weeks and cause a person to lose interest in things they used to enjoy.
