Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men

Depression in men is often overlooked and underdiagnosed, largely due to societal pressures that discourage emotional vulnerability. Despite being less frequently diagnosed than women, depression in men can be just as severe, leading to physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that significantly impact daily life. Understanding the unique signs, causes, and treatments for male depression is essential in helping men seek the care they need.

What Is Depression?

Depression, also called major depressive disorder, major depression, or clinical depression, is a common mental health condition that causes persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities (anhedonia). It affects a person’s mood, behavior, and thinking and can cause both physical and emotional symptoms. Severe depression can affect every aspect of daily life and lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Treatment options, including psychotherapy and antidepressant medications (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants), can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

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What Are 5 Warning Signs of Depression?

Common symptoms in men and women who are depressed include:

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or emptiness 

• Mood swings, including anger, agitation, anxiety, irritability, frustration, or restlessness

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, hobbies, sports, and sex

• Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or hypersomnia (oversleeping)

• Fatigue and low energy

• Changes in appetite and weight

• Memory problems, slowed thinking, or difficulty concentrating and making decisions.

• Feelings of guilt or excessive self-criticism 

• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of self-harm, including suicidal thoughts or attempts

• Unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, back pain, or digestive problems

Note: Depression symptoms can manifest differently in children and elderly individuals, often presenting with atypical signs such as irritability, unexplained physical complaints, or changes in behavior, often making depression harder to diagnose in these populations.

Recognizing Depression In Men

Depression Symptoms In Men

Both men and women experience many of the common symptoms of depression listed above. However, depression in men can look different from women because of differences in hormones, nerve cells, brain chemistry, and life circumstances. Some differences also stem from the traditional roles and gendered manifestations assigned to men by society, which encourages the pursuit of career goals and frowns at displays of emotion by men. As a result, men tend to seek medical attention for physical symptoms rather than emotional symptoms.

How Does A Man Act When He Is Depressed?

Men with depression may have the following symptoms:

Physical Signs and Symptoms 

• Feeling tired

• Low energy

• Insomnia (not sleeping enough) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)

• Headaches

• Digestive issues

• Changes in appetite or body weight

• Pain

Emotional Signs and Symptoms

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness

• Problems getting along with friends, family members, and colleagues

• Relationship difficulties

• Isolation or withdrawal from social connections

• Mood changes, including anger, irritability, violence, or abusive behavior

Behavioral Signs and Symptoms

• Lack of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed

• Loss of sex drive or lack of interest in sex

• Alcohol or drug use as a coping mechanism

• Escapist behavior, such as spending a lot of time at work or watching sports

• Risky behavior such as reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Thinking or talking about death or suicide

What Is The Prevalence of Depression In Men?

Approximately 21 million people (or 8.3% of the adult population) in the United States report at least one major depressive episode in their lifetime. The prevalence of major depressive disorder is higher in women (10%) compared to men (6%). However, male depression is a serious mental health condition that often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Due to societal norms, many men ignore the symptoms of depression and other mental health issues or refuse mental health services.

What Are The Top Reasons For Male Depression?  

There is no single cause of depression. It can occur due to many different reasons. Potential triggers that can lead to depression in men include: 

• Job loss

• Financial difficulties

• Death of a loved one

• Divorce or breakdown of a relationship

• Chronic or life-threatening illness

• Personality traits such as low self-esteem or self-criticism

• Childhood trauma (abuse or neglect)

• Family history of depression in a first-degree relative (parent or sibling)

• High-risk and high-stress professions, such as healthcare workers, first responders, and military personnel.

• Comorbid psychiatric conditions (i.e. anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or bipolar disorder).

Possible Risk Factors 

Researchers have not found the exact cause of depression, but we know that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to depression risk. 

Research suggests that the risk of depression is up to 5 times higher in the children and siblings of people with recurrent or treatment-resistant depression or depression that developed at an early age. However, studies have revealed that environmental factors like childhood trauma and stressful life events play a larger role in triggering depression. 

It appears that genetics can influence an individual's susceptibility to developing the condition, particularly when there is a family history of depression. This means someone with a genetic predisposition or family history may be more likely to develop depression when exposed to significant environmental stressors. 

Suicide Risk In Men

Untreated depression puts men at risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that the suicide rate among men is 4 times higher than women. While men are 50% of the population, they account for 80% of suicides.

Note: Studies have shown that more women attempt suicide than men, but men are more likely to complete suicide because they are more likely to use methods such as firearms, act more impulsively, and show fewer warning signs. 

Misconceptions About Male Depression

Depression vs Stress   

Depression and anxiety in men are often mistaken as stress, which is a normal part of work and home life. However, stress is not the same as depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is longer lasting and more severe and requires a different type of treatment. Notably, being stressed for a long time puts a person at risk of developing depression or anxiety.

Depression is a Weakness

Depression in men is often viewed as a personal weakness or character flaw. However, experts say depression is a serious medical condition and not a sign of weakness. Just like someone can get diabetes or high blood pressure, they can get depression. Depression is often linked to an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, which affects mood regulation. Like other medical conditions, there are things you can do to lower the risk of depression and ways to get help if you develop it.

Depression Treatment

It is a common myth that talking about depression doesn’t help and makes men a burden on others. The truth is that therapy sessions are proven treatments for depression, and most people are happy to help a loved one.

Signs You Should See A Mental Health Professional

If you are experiencing depression symptoms, reach out to family members or other trusted individuals with the goal of seeking medical help and professional care. 

If you are at immediate risk of harming yourself, contact a suicide hotline:

• You can call, text, or chat with the 988 Crisis Lifeline. Visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

• Use the free and confidential Lifeline Chat services.

• U.S. veterans or active service members in crisis can call 988 and choose the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1. Services are also available by text 838255 and online chat.

• Spanish speakers can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. toll-free at 1-888-628-9454.

• Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call 1-800-799-4889.

How Do You Treat Depression in Men?

Depression, even severe depression, can get better with counseling and medications in most men. 

Psychological Treatments 

Psychotherapy is an evidence-based method for treating depression and other mental health problems. It involves identifying negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and working with your mental health professional to change behaviors and thoughts to healthier, more positive ones. Therapy can also help you adapt to a life situation, learn coping mechanisms, set realistic goals, and identify and change issues that make your depression worse.

The types of psychotherapy that are most effective for depression treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy. You can work with a mental health professional in one-on-one, group, or family therapy sessions. 

Hospital or Residential Treatment

Some people with severe depression are at immediate risk of harming themselves or others. Such individuals may require treatment with an inpatient hospital stay or residential treatment in a psychiatric facility until their mood improves and they are safe to return home. 

Antidepressant Medications 

There are many different classes of antidepressants available. You may need to try different ones to find the one that works for you without causing major side effects. Treatment options include: 

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and vilazodone (Viibryd). Compare Zoloft Vs. Prozac.

• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and levomilnacipran (Fetzima).

• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin, desipramine (Norpramin), trimipramine (Surmontil), and protriptyline (Vivactil).

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and isocarboxazid (Marplan).

• Atypical antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), trazodone, nefazodone, and vortioxetine (Trintellix).

• Other medications, such as mood anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics. 

Find out What You Need To Know About Depression Medication.

Other Treatments for Depression

Some people with treatment-resistant depression that does not respond to psychotherapy and antidepressant drugs may be recommended therapies such as:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), in which electrical currents are used to change brain chemistry. 

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), in which strong magnets are used to stimulate brain cells and improve mood regulation. 

Self-Help and Alternative Therapies

Research in men’s health shows that men are more likely to ignore depression symptoms or refuse treatment. However, it’s important to seek professional care for mental health problems in men and women. Alongside professional treatment, certain self-help strategies can help in managing depression symptoms in men, including:

• Practicing relaxation and stress management techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. 

• Journaling to understand your emotions and develop coping strategies.

• Adjusting your thinking and behavior or trying new approaches to handle stressful situations.

• Prioritizing life goals and devoting time and effort towards them. 

• Setting realistic goals and completing tasks based on importance.

• Seeking emotional support from a partner, friend, or family member. 

• Building social connections and participating in hobbies and sports. 

• Avoiding making important decisions until you have gained a better handle on your emotions with depression treatment. 

• Making healthy lifestyle choices such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, and avoiding alcohol and substance abuse. 

How Do I Tell If I'm Depressed?

You may be depressed if you have persistent feelings of sadness that have lasted a couple of weeks or longer and are starting to affect your ability to function in daily life. There are different types of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and psychotic depression. It’s important to seek care from a mental health professional who can make a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. 

How Can I Help A Man With Depression?  

Start A Conversation  

Starting a conversation with men about their emotional and mental health can be tricky. Here are some pointers that may help:

• Make an observation, such as “I’ve noticed you’re not spending time with your friends anymore.”

• Talk about your own experience with a depressed guy. For example, “When I was feeling sad after my mother’s death, talk therapy really helped.”

• Start the dialogue about mental health in a relaxed and unrushed environment, for example, during a walk in nature on the weekend, rather than a stressful time such as when you’re both rushing to get to work.

• Acknowledge a difficult situation, for example, “I know you’re going through extreme stress right now, I’m here if you need me.”

• Ask again. Men are often hesitant to ask for help. If you ask again, it shows you really care, and you may get a more honest answer.

Resources and Support Groups

Your primary care physician can point you toward mental health services in your area. You can also: 

• Visit findtreatment.gov

• Call the SAMHSA National Helpline on 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• Find support groups for mental health

• Contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

• Read more about depression on the website of the National Institute of Mental Health

Encourage Professional Help  

While women tend to be diagnosed with depression more often, it is an equally serious condition in men that often remains undiagnosed and untreated. Encourage a man to get professional help for depression symptoms if you start noticing warning signs such as loss of interest in passions or hobbies, social withdrawal, changes in diet or sleep patterns, risky behavior, or health issues such as substance abuse or addiction. Effective treatments are available, and men treated for depression can start to feel more like themselves again with psychotherapy and/or antidepressants.