Darrick Robles Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide. More than 264 million people suffer from the disorder, which can range from mild to severe. In men, the symptoms can differ from the well-known signs. This is why depression often goes unnoticed in them. Our expert tips can help you or an affected friend get help.
What is depression?
Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects both men and women of all ages. She expresses herself in
- a persistent feeling of sadness
- hopelessness and that
- Loss of interest in activities that people would normally enjoy.
There are many possible symptoms—both emotional and physical. To diagnose clinical depression, these symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
Depressed men go to the doctor less often
According to the general opinion, women suffer more frequently from depression, which is also reflected in the statistics (11.3% of those affected are women and 5.1% men). In addition, men are less likely to talk about their problems and seek help. This means that many men may not even be diagnosed with depression.
“Men tend not to talk about their feelings and therefore turn to other, potentially destructive coping methods when they have emotional problems,” explains psychologist Lina Anderhell. “This behavior is often due to the fact that they do not want to appear vulnerable and has to do with the typical male understanding of roles.”
Depression: Symptoms often different in men
“Another reason why men often don’t ask for help,” according to Ms. Anderhell, “is that although they sense that something is wrong with them, they don’t think about depression. Because they don’t recognize the typical symptoms in themselves.” The classic symptoms of depression, such as excessive crying and a loss of pleasure in things that used to make you happy, do not necessarily appear in depressed men.
Men can be sad and lose interest in hobbies, but the symptoms are often completely different from the known ones. At first glance, these are not necessarily associated with depression.
While women tend to withdraw and feel feelings of guilt and worthlessness, men tend to be defensive. For example, they may exhibit excessive behavior when they are depressed. By this is meant that they may
- show more physical symptoms
- drink more alcohol or
- Have outbursts of anger and aggression (see below).
These are not usually associated with depression and can therefore mask the actual illness.
How depression develops in men
Depression in both men and women cannot be traced back to a single trigger. Different social, psychological and neurobiological factors often play together. These can be:
- traumatic experiences
- chronic stress
- experiences of loss
- genetic predisposition
- Changes in hormonal balance
There may be a trigger or series of stressful events that lead to depressive illness.
For men, coping with loss of any kind is one of the main stresses that can trigger depression. can do this
- a broken relationship
- the death of a loved one or
- the loss of a job
belong.
Loss of status, financial problems, or illness can also cause depression to occur, as many men perceive it as a loss of masculine identity.
“Men often believe that they shouldn’t show any weaknesses and that they have to take care of the family,” explains psychologist Anderhell. “Social norms of traditional masculinity and such beliefs can lead to them downplaying and repressing stressful experiences in order to continue to ‘function’ externally”.
Depressive symptoms in men you should know about
On the emotional level
- Wut
- irritability
- Frustration
- Loss of interest in work, social life, or hobbies
- Indecisiveness or inability to concentrate
At the behavioral level
- aggressive behavior
- increased social withdrawal and isolation
- increased alcohol and drug use
- professional overcommitment
- increased willingness to take risks
On the physical level
- sleep problems
- Changes in appetite and eating habits
- weight changes
- Unexplained pain and discomfort
- loss of libido
- lack of energy
- digestive problems
How do you speak to the person concerned?
It can be very difficult to bring up the subject of depression with an affected man. Especially when he’s withdrawn and not open about his feelings.
“It’s important that you address the subject as a partner or friend, even if it scares you,” explains Anderhell. Start by simply asking him, “How are you?”
The psychologist suggests addressing what you’ve noticed about his behavior and what worries you. “The most important thing is not to blame people, but to support them and ask if there’s anything they can do to help,” she explains.
The type of help must be tailored to the individual case. “Maybe he just wants someone to listen to him, or maybe he’s willing for you to take him to a doctor or a psychologist,” says Anderhell.
This is how you prevent depression
Socializing, avoiding too much alcohol, and living a healthy lifestyle are helpful in stabilizing mood.
Sport can also help , since the so-called happiness hormones (endorphins) are released during physical activity.
Low-intensity aerobic exercise also improves the connection between nerve cells, which can also reduce symptoms of depression.
When should you see a doctor for depression?
Psychologist Anderhell points out that if the problems persist, you should seek professional help. “If the symptoms start to interfere with everyday life too much, you should seek help,” she emphasizes. “So if it’s not just a bad day or two, but there are problems at work or school, in relationships or in other important areas of life.”
What happens during the medical examination?
Before a doctor diagnoses depression, he or she first conducts a detailed anamnesis interview with the patient. Standardized questionnaires can also be used. It must also be clarified whether there is a physical illness that can cause depressive symptoms.
The treatment options range from psychotherapeutic methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy to drug treatments with antidepressants for severe depression.
