Depression symptoms in men include different symptoms compared to those common in women. What are the symptoms of depression in men? What characterizes them and what is their different origin? Here is a breakdown of symptoms of depression in men in behavioral, emotional and physical aspects.
Depression symptoms in men
Symptoms of depression in the general population – in men and especially in women include sadness, lack of desire, decreased pleasure and joy in things, decreased level of interest, restlessness, sleep disorders, pessimism, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, anxiety, frustration. This is alongside a decrease in the joy of life, passivity, pessimism and sometimes a feeling of worthlessness and associated physical symptoms such as pain and psychosomatic disorders such as stomach aches.
These characteristics of sadness and emotional difficulties are often more evident in women suffering from depression than in men suffering from depression. Unlike women, the symptoms of depression in men are more extroverted and are expressed by assertiveness, aggression, anger and substance use. The roots of this are probably also due to the norms of what is perceived as emotionally correct for a man – to be and transmit strength, durability and not to express weakness, difficulty and emotion.
Depression – more on the same topic:
Despite the tendency to make self-diagnoses, you should not rush to conclusions. Diagnosing depression for yourself or for a person you know requires an application and qualified diagnosis by a doctor for a deep examination of the condition, its causes and characteristics and the adjustment of appropriate treatment.
Emotional depressive symptoms in men
Apart from classic symptoms as mentioned above that characterize the population in general such as sadness, hopelessness, emptiness and loss of pleasure, below are detailed emotional symptoms of depression that are more typical in men:
- An expression of increased nervousness
- An expression of great anger or rage
- Aggressiveness – strong or aggressive feelings and reactions
- feelings of frustration
- Feelings of worry or anxiety
- An emotional feeling of being emotionally charged – “being on edge”
Physical symptoms of depression in men
Listed below are physical symptoms of depression that are typical in the general population but more so in men:
- exhaustion or fatigue
- Excess sleep or inability to fall asleep
- back pain
- Headaches
- Pain in general
- Tightness, pressure or discomfort in the chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- A feeling of restlessness
- Physical feeling of nerves and uneasiness
- Weight changes such as obesity
- Lack of appetite or overeating
Behavioral depressive symptoms in men
Here are detailed behavioral symptoms of depression that are more typical in men:
- Loss of sexual interest or decreased sexual function
- Use of materials
- Addictions
- Attempted suicide or self-harm
- Significant alcohol consumption
- Significant drug consumption
- Withdrawal and isolation from friends
- Dominance, bossiness, aggressiveness or an attempt to control the spouse
- Reducing family interactions
- Abusive, offensive or blatant behavior towards others
- Dangerous activity such as dangerous driving, gambling
- Workaholism – intensive work
- Harmful self-destructive behaviors
- Escape accepts responsibility and letting go
- Difficulty concentrating on memory or focus
- Escapist behaviors such as investing many hours in sports