Depression in men is not a sign of weakness or failure as a man. It’s a treatable health condition that affects millions of men of all ages and backgrounds as well as those who care about them. It can also lead to serious medical problems such as heart disease.

It’s quite normal to feel down when reacting to losses, setbacks and disappointments in life. However, if intense feelings of despair and hopelessness take hold of you, and interfere with your work, family and ability to enjoy life, you may be suffering from depression.

Depression in men can often be overlooked as many men find it difficult to talk about their feelings. They tend to focus on the physical symptoms that often accompany depression, such as back pain, headaches, difficulty sleeping or sexual problems. It’s important that you seek help when depressed before feelings of despair become feelings of suicide (men suffering from depression are four times more likely to commit suicide than women). You need to talk honestly to a friend, loved one or doctor about what’s going on in your mind as well as your body. Once your condition has been correctly diagnosed, there’s plenty you can do to successfully treat and manage depression.

Symptoms

The three most common signs of depression in men are:

    • Physical pain. Sometimes depression in men shows up as backache, frequent headaches, sleep problems, sexual dysfunction or digestive disorders that don’t respond to normal treatment.
    • Anger. This could range from irritability, sensitivity to criticism, a loss of your sense of humour to road rage, a short temper or even violence. Some men become obnoxious, controlling and verbally or physically abusive to wives, children or other loved ones.
    • Reckless behaviour. A man suffering from depression may start exhibiting escapist or risky behaviour. For instance, he may take part in dangerous sports, drive recklessly or engage in unsafe sex. He might also drink too much, abuse drugs or gamble compulsively.

Erectile dysfunction

Impotence or erectile dysfunction is not only a symptom of depression in men it can also be a side-effect of many antidepressant medications.

    • Men with sexual function problems are almost twice as likely to be depressed as those who do not have these problems.
    • Depression increases the risk of erectile dysfunction.
    • Many men are reluctant to acknowledge sexual problems, thinking that it’s a reflection on their manhood rather than a treatable problem caused by depression.

Treatment

    • Men often try to tough out depression on their own. It takes courage to seek help, but most men with depression respond well to treatments such as lifestyle changes, social support, therapy, medication or a combination of these treatments.
    • The first step is to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Be open about how you’re feeling as well as the physical symptoms you’re experiencing so your health specialist can make an accurate diagnosis.

 

Sources
www.health.com
www.helpguide.org