Depression is a serious but treatable medical condition that can easily strike anyone regardless of age, background, sex and the socio-economic status. It is a common notion which suggests that depression is always associated with women! In reality, women tend to express their emotions very easily in comparison to men. And men try to keep their emotions locked up within themselves! They are the ones who find it difficult to admit depression symptoms and to seek help. What's more important is that depression affects the physical health in men and this is quite different from what a woman may undergo. Studies have proved that depression in men may lead to coronary heart disease causing higher death rate as compared to women.
What Can Cause Depression in Men?
Depression in men is related to factors in his personal, professional and social life. A man's financial status also has a role to play in this regard. The specific causes include:
- Loneliness
- Lack of support
- Financial problem
- Recent stressful life experiences
- Family history of depression
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Unemployment
- Marital or relationship problems
- Health problem or chronic problem
- Early childhood abuse or trauma
- Lack of social support
- Work life stress
What are the Possible Symptoms of Depression in Men?
The symptoms of depression may vary from one man to the other. However, the most common symptoms include:
- A Persistent Feeling of Helplessness, Hopelessness and Sadness: A general feeling that nothing will get better and that there is nothing to do to improve the situation rules the mind of a depressed man.
- Loss of Interest in Daily Activities: A man with depression may lose interest in the activities or in the hobbies that he used to enjoy in the past.
- Appetite and Weight Changes: There may be a significant change in the weight status. Weight gain or weight loss are commonly observed in men who are suffering from depression.
- Changes in the Sleeping Pattern: A depressed man undergoes changes in the sleeping pattern. The commonly noted changes include insomnia and hypersomnia.
- Irritability or Restlessness: The tolerance level of a depressed man becomes low. Signs of irritability and restlessness show up in his behavior.
- Loss of Energy: A man, who is going through a phase of depression, will feel non-energetic. He will feel as if he is fatigued or physically drained. Even a small task will take a much longer time to get completed and he will feel exhausted during the process of completion.
- Feelings of Self Loathing: A feeling of worthlessness and guilt is always there in depressed men. They tend to criticize themselves more often.
- Difficulty in Concentrating: A depressed man usually finds trouble in focusing, making decisions and in remembering things.
- Unexplained Aches and Pains: Persistent physical symptoms like headache, digestive disorders, muscle aches and chronic pain may be present in a man who is passing through a phase of depression.
How Can Depression in Men be Treated?
Women tend to seek support and treatment. But men often divert themselves into different activities. Some indulge in excessive work, some in alcohol and drugs while the others try to express their emotions through different abnormal behaviors. The type of treatment depends on the cause and the symptoms of depression. Here are the possible treatment options:
- Counseling, Psychotherapy and Help from a Support Group: Counseling from the experts needs to be supplemented with family support. Family members of the affected individual need to be involved in the healing process to give the individual the emotional support that he needs.
- Lifestyle Changes: This will take time to assume a proper shape, but the end results will be positive. These are the changes required:
- Cultivating supportive relationship.
- Doing exercises regularly and getting enough sleep.
- Eating healthy to boost mood naturally.
- Practicing meditation to get de-stressed.
- Taking Antidepressant Medications: It is the last resort to treat depression.
- ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy): In case of emergencies or in some types of depression, ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) may be suggested.
Feeling low from time to time is a common problem faced by everybody in the day to day life. The same problem, when accompanied by feelings of helplessness, turns into depression. An individual should be able to control his feelings. He can express his emotions to his loved ones and get occupied in some hobbies or activities to keep him away from negative feelings. He has to find out the reasons to be happy by himself!
