This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder that can produce mood fluctuations, persistent feelings of melancholy, and a loss of interest or pleasure. It can also impact your thoughts and actions. An estimated 264 million individuals of all ages around the world are depressed, according to the WHO. Depression can have a detrimental impact on your physical health, interpersonal connections, and professional performance.
Though women have a higher rate of depression than males, it should not be ignored. About nine percent of males in the United States are affected by this debilitating disease at this time. It’s possible that depression may seem differently in men and women. In this way detecting depression in men becomes more challenging. Here are some signs to watch out for, as well as some advice on how to deal with the illness.
How Men Are Diagnosed
Depression in men is underrecognized and frequently misunderstood. The primary reason for this is that depression is regarded to be more common in women than males. Depression among men, as a result, is frequently disregarded. Men, on the other hand, have a more difficult time accepting that they are depressed or identifying the symptoms thereof. When a man is depressed, he may try to hide his feelings, which might manifest as rage and hostility.
Men are more likely than women to experience aggression and anger as a result of depression, according to a 2013 study. To cope with their feelings of depression, they are more inclined to use alcohol and other substances.
Men are less likely to disclose symptoms of depression and may be misdiagnosed because of social and cultural demands to behave in a specific way.
There’s a stigma attached to men talking about their mental health, which makes it difficult for them to reach out for help. Depression in men can be lethal if it is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Suicidal thoughts are one of the most serious symptoms of depression. Male suicides outnumber females, despite the fact that females are more prone to be depressed and to make suicide attempts.
Comorbidities Of Depression In Men
When and men suffer from depression, it can lead to a variety of health issues, one of which is sexual dysfunction. Many men who are depressed have erectile and orgasmic issues, as well as a decreased libido. There are a slew of possible explanations for this. An antidepressant, for example, has been found to have an effect on sexual function.
In men, depression has been found to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Men with depression are more likely than depressed women to suffer from heart disease and to do so at a younger age and at a higher rate.
Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain and tenderness disorder that affects numerous parts of the body, has been linked to depression. Fibromyalgia is frequently interpreted as the body’s way of conveying psychological pain.
How To Cope
While accepting that you are suffering from depression can be a challenge, the good news is that you can get help for it. As an alternative to or in combination with medicine and/or counseling in order to alleviate your depression symptoms, you might try a handful of coping methods. Read more about how depression is treated at https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/mental-heath-of-men-and-boys/.
- Having a set daily schedule. Structure in your life, such as going to bed at the same time every day, can help alleviate depression.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise are important for both your physical and mental well-being.
- Get closer to those you care about by spending time with them. Feeling like you’re the only one dealing with depression may be quite lonely. Being surrounded by loved ones serves as a reminder that you are not alone.
- It’s difficult to get work done while you’re depressed. When faced with a difficult assignment, it’s perfectly OK to take a pause and regroup. When you return to the task, break it down into smaller tasks and work on each one individually.
- Do your best to get enough shut-eye, as depression can keep you awake for long periods of time. Allow your body to rest for at least eight hours each night. However, some people may resort to excessive sleep as a means of alleviating their symptoms. This could exacerbate your depression even worse. Stick to an 8 to 9-hour-a-day sleep routine in order not to be affected by this ailment.
