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Although cultural norms have started to shift, many men in the United States and around the world are taught from a young age to suppress their emotions, which is why depression among men is so underdiagnosed. Men are much less likely than women to seek treatment for all mental health disorders, especially depression. In fact, many men don't even realize there's a problem.

This is a slippery slope. Many men know how to hide depression and they may turn to substances to self-medicate, which could lead to addiction and other issues that affect quality of life.

Here are five reasons why men hide their depression:

1. They don't know how to ask for help.

Women are twice as likely to experience depression than men, and although research suggests that biological factors are at play, we can't ignore the cultural impact. Could women be more likely to experience depression partly because they're more likely to identify symptoms and seek professional help?

Many men need treatment for depression, but they aren't able to verbally express how they feel due to embarrassment or language barriers.

2. They lack the emotional language.

Many men don't possess the language to speak about their emotions accurately, which is no surprise when you consider that their feelings go virtually unexplored. It can be incredibly challenging to get men to talk about their feelings just because they lack the skill to do so, but therapy can teach those skills.

3. Crying is off-limits.

Men learn from a young age that crying isn't manly, and it isn't in line with the alpha male stereotype. Showing any emotion, especially through crying, is off-limits. But it's normal for tears to accompany discussions about depression and sadness. Still, a man who cries might be called weak or other names.

4. They dismiss their feelings.

Many men don't seek treatment for depression because they don't think their emotions should be an issue. Sometimes men feel embarrassed about experiencing emotional pain, and speak about it dismissively; like it doesn't matter. But being in denial about your feelings or not taking them seriously only feeds into the stigma surrounding mental health.

5. They're self-medicating.

Substance use disorder does not appear out of thin air. In many cases, it's a result of a co-occurring mental health disorder. Although drugs or alcohol may relieve feelings of depression for a short time, they only cover up the underlying pain. Feelings like sadness, depression and anxiety aren't pleasant, but they need to be experienced and confronted. Therapy can help men learn how to express their emotions and manage them instead of self-medicating.

Men are uncomfortable with the idea of expressing sadness and vulnerability, but confronting those fears is the best way to heal. With the right combination of talk therapy and, if necessary, medication, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to manage your depression and become more aware of your emotions.

Immersion Recovery Center's men-only addiction treatment program addresses addiction through the male experience. Our unique approach fuses traditional, evidence-based treatment with alternative therapies that help men become more emotionally intelligent and self-aware, so they're able to reintegrate into the community after treatment. Learn more about our services by contacting an Immersion Recovery Specialist at 561.419.3349.

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Although cultural norms have started to shift, many men in the United States and around the world are taught from a young age to suppress their emotions, which is why depression among men is so underdiagnosed. Men are much less likely than women to seek treatment for all mental health disorders, especially depression.

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How depression can look different for men

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Depression in men may be masked by unhealthy coping behaviors, so it often goes undiagnosed and can have devastating consequences when untreated.

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Tackling depression or anxiety is a big job and asking for help isn't a sign of weakness - it's a sign of strength. Find out how to get it.

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PsyCom.net - Mental Health Treatment Resource Since 1986

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Everyone feels sad, irritable, or tired at times. Many people experience difficulty sleeping when they're under stress. These are normal reactions to life stressors that typically pass within a few days.

Major depressive disorder is different. Though insomnia and fatigue are often the presenting complaints, people with depression experience depressed mood or loss of interest in normal daily activities for weeks at a time.

The 12-month prevalence of major depressive disorder is approximately 7%. Although women experience higher rates of depression (1.5-3-fold higher) beginning in early adolescence, men do experience depression.

Article continues below

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder

The essential feature of major depressive disorder is a period of two weeks during which there is either depressed mood most of the day nearly every day or loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. Other potential symptoms include:

Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain and changes in appetite

Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day

Psychomotor agitation or retardation (a clinical term for a condition that describes actions that have no purpose such as tapping fingers or toes; pacing a room, etc.) nearly every day

Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day

Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

Impaired ability to think or concentrate, and/or indecisiveness

Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a plan, or a suicide attempt or suicide plan

The symptoms of major depressive disorder cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.

Suicide Risk

The possibility of suicidal behavior exists at all times during a major depressive episode. The most consistent risk factor is a past history of attempts or threats, but it's important to remember that most completed suicides are not preceded by unsuccessful suicides. Although women with depression are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to die by suicide
Symptoms of depression in men
Different people experience different symptoms of depression, and symptoms for men can differ from symptoms for women. Men or more likely to feel very tired and irritable, lose interest in work, family, and/or hobbies, and have difficulty sleeping.

Men are likely to exhibit some of the following symptoms of depression:

Feel sad or "empty"

Feeling irritable, angry, hopeless, or anxious

Loss of interest in work, family, or other hobbies or interests (including sex)

Feeling very tired

Difficulty concentrating

Sleep disturbance (unable to sleep or sleeping too much)

Changes in eating habits (overeating or not eating at all)

Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Somatic complaints (aches or pains, headaches, digestive problems)

Inability to meet daily responsibilities.

Treatment

A combination of medication and psychotherapy is effective for most people with depression. Changes in lifestyle can also help.
Lifestyle
In mild cases of depression, daily exercise improved eating habits, and a specific sleep routine can assist in alleviating some symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," is a general term that refers to treating depression by talking through your triggers and responses with a licensed mental health professional. There are different types of psychotherapy that can be effective in treating depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This short-term therapy works to replace negative and unproductive thought patterns with more realistic and useful ones. This treatment focuses on taking specific steps to manage and reduce symptoms.

Interpersonal "talk" therapy: This attachment-focused therapy centers on resolving interpersonal problems and symptomatic recovery.

Problem-solving therapy: This treatment helps people learn tools to effectively manage the negative effects of stressful life events.

Psychotherapy can help people with depression:

Cope with a crisis

Identify and replace negative beliefs

Explore relationships and experiences and build positive connections

Find adaptive ways to solve problems

Identify issues that contribute to depression

Set realistic goals

Develop the ability to tolerate stress and distress.

Medication Management
Either a primary care physician or a psychiatrist can assist with medication management. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medications are both effective treatments for depression. Other possible medications include norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRI), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI).

Different people have different responses to medications. It's important to work closely with your primary care physician or psychiatrist and report any side effects. Never stop taking antidepressant medication without consulting the prescribing doctor. Stopping treatment abruptly can produce withdrawal-like symptoms and cause a sudden worsening of depressive symptoms.
Hospitalization
Severe cases of depression can require hospitalization. Psychiatric care in a hospital setting helps patients stay safe until their mood improves, particularly in the case of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.

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Depression in Men: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

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Everyone feels sad, irritable, or tired at times. Many people experience difficulty sleeping when they're under stress. These are normal reactions to life stressors that typically pass within a few days. Major depressive disorder is different. Though insomnia and fatigue are often the presenting complaints, people with depression experience depressed mood or loss of interest in normal daily activities for weeks at a time.

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Researchers are only beginning to understand men's unique experience of depression. As for PPND, research is lagging even further behind. But there are a few things we're learning.

In terms of depression - in general - if you're a man, you're more likely than a woman to try to hide your depression or to withdraw from others. This only worsens your symptoms. As for PPND (Paternal Postnatal Depression), some research suggests that it develops more gradually in men over the course of the child's first year than postpartum depression develops in women.

Researchers are also beginning to discover that men often experience depression in ways that are different from women. Men sometimes cope with their symptoms in different ways too. These findings might help explain why even trained mental health professionals frequently overlook or misdiagnose men's depression.

To better understand men's depression, it's useful to look at both the classic symptoms of depression and symptoms that may be specific to men.
Classic Symptoms of Depression

1. Depressed, sad mood

2. Loss of interest or pleasure

3. Significant weight loss or gain

4. Trouble sleeping or over-sleeping

5. Restless feelings and inability to sit still or slow down

6. Fatigue, loss of energy, or tired all the time

7. Worthless or guilty feelings

8. Impaired concentration and difficulty making decisions

9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

To be diagnosed with depression, a person must be experiencing five or more of these symptoms, including either depressed mood or loss of interest, over a two-week period. These symptoms must also be causing significant distress and interfering with the person's social, work or academic functioning.

One of the problems with this classic diagnosis of depression is that researchers are beginning to recognize that men often don't acknowledge feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or guilt. Researchers - and clinicians specializing in helping men - are also beginning to recognize symptoms of depression that seem to be unique to men.
Symptoms of Men's Depression

Increased anger and conflict with others

Increased use of alcohol or other drugs

Frustration or irritability

Violent behavior

Losing weight without trying

Isolation from family and friends

Being easily stressed

Impulsiveness and taking risks, like reckless driving and extramarital sex

Feeling discouraged

Increases in complaints about physical problems

Ongoing physical symptoms, like headaches, digestion problems or pain

Problems with concentration and motivation

Loss of interest in work, hobbies and sex

Working constantly

Frustration or irritability

Misuse of prescription medication

Increased concerns about productivity and functioning at school or work

Fatigue

Experiencing conflict between how you think you should be as a man and how you actually are

Thoughts of suicide

A man who's depressed won't experience all these symptoms. Some men experience only a few of them, while others experience many. And how bad these symptoms get also varies among men - and over time.

The important thing to know about these symptoms, and about men's depression, is that they're treatable. You don't have to continue suffering from them. And although it's a very serious - and sometimes life-threatening - condition, you can recover from depression.

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Researchers are only beginning to understand men's unique experience of depression. As for PPND, research is lagging even further behind. But there are a few things we're learning. In terms of depression - in general - if you're a man, you're more likely than a woman to try to hide your depression or to withdraw from others.

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Physical complaints, substance abuse, and other stealth symptoms may mask the problem.

In many respects, men fare worse than women when it comes to health problems. Men are more likely to have heart attacks than women, for example, and more likely to die of cancer. But men are only half as likely as women to develop one of the most disabling disorders worldwide - major depression. Men are also less likely than women to develop dysthymia (chronic mild to moderate depression) and may be less likely to experience bipolar depression (even though the rate of bipolar disorder is the same in both genders).

It is unclear what underlies this gender difference. The leading theory is that some combination of genes, hormones, and environmental stress contributes to it.

Still, although men are less likely than women to develop depression, it remains a significant mental health problem for them. About 10% to 17% of men will develop major depression at some point in their lives. Moreover, depression may be more deadly for men than for women. Depression is a key risk factor for suicide, and four times as many men compared with women die from suicide. One reason may be men's reluctance to convey their feelings and seek help when they are in despair.

Another mortal concern for men with depression is cardiovascular disease. Depression is a well-known risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Men are especially vulnerable because they develop these diseases at a higher rate and at an earlier age than women.

Given the toll depression takes on men, it's important that those who need help receive it. But often the symptoms of depression are different in men than in women - partly because of cultural pressures for members of each gender to behave in certain ways - a factor that may contribute to missed diagnoses.

Stealth symptoms

An analysis of the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study, one of the largest investigations of depression in "real world" settings, found that while men and women shared some symptoms of major depression (such as low mood), the overall pattern of symptoms varied by gender. Women were more likely to gain weight when depressed; men were more likely to lose weight. Women reported symptoms overlapping with anxiety disorders; men reported symptoms more typical of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Women felt less energetic; men became agitated. Men were also more likely than women to develop alcohol or substance abuse in conjunction with major depression.

Other research has found that because of cultural pressure to act "manly," men may feel that it is weak to show despair or self-doubt. As a result, symptoms of depression may masquerade as anger or irritability. Research by the National Institute of Mental Health revealed that many men were not aware that physical problems such as headaches, stomach problems, and chronic pain might be symptoms of depression.

Men also may be reluctant to admit to depression because they are worried about how their boss, co-workers, or neighbors will react. Because of these concerns, when men develop depression they may actually work longer hours or engage in more volunteer activities - all in an effort to avoid confronting or revealing symptoms of depression.

Possible protective factors

The research suggests that several factors help buffer men against depression. Men - and women - who integrate these protective strategies into their lives may improve their odds of avoiding this mood disorder.

Physical activity. Men engage in more moderate to intense physical activity on a regular basis than do women. It's not clear whether this is because men are more likely to be employed in occupations that involve activity (such as construction work) or whether they are more likely to exercise for recreation. No matter how men get this exercise, the research suggests it has a positive impact on their mental health.

Psychology. Men are less likely than women to ruminate over past events, are more likely to feel in control of their lives, and more likely to feel positive about themselves and their situation. Men with these psychological traits may have a mental buffer against depression.

Getting help

The most important thing others can do for a man who shows signs of depression is to help him contact a primary care physician or mental health professional. Taking that first step is often the hardest. If necessary, accompany him to an appointment.

Clinicians can routinely screen adults for depression by asking two standard questions:

Over the past two weeks, have you felt depressed or hopeless?

In the same period, have you felt little interest or pleasure in your usual activities?

Screening can be especially important for men because they are less likely than women to bring up the subject of depression themselves. Just keep in mind that men may have other symptoms as well, and it may be worth asking about them (see "Symptoms of major depression").

Symptoms of major depression

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) describes symptoms of major depression, but some are more common in men.

Classic symptoms (in men and women)

Symptoms men are more likely to experience than women

Depressed mood, feeling sad or empty

Less interest in or pleasure from daily activities

Significant weight loss or gain, or appetite changes

Insomnia or excessive sleepiness

Physical agitation or lethargy

Fatigue and lack of energy

Feeling worthless or excessively guilty

Inability to think or concentrate

Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Irritability

Loss of interest in work or hobbies

Sleep problems

Physical problems such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

Alcohol or substance abuse to self-medicate for depression

Changes in behavior, such as becoming abusive, controlling, or violent

Taking physical risks, such as aggressive driving or unsafe sex

Treatment is the same for men and women - talking with a clinician about problems, taking an antidepressant for symptoms, or both. If symptoms of depression are mild or moderate, it is often reasonable to start with either medication or psychotherapy alone. Generally, if symptoms are more severe, it is more important to consider medication earlier in treatment.

Improvement takes time. Although some patients experience symptom relief within one or two weeks after beginning a medication, for example, more often it takes from four to eight weeks for antidepressants to take effect.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the medications most often prescribed for depression. Although in general, the side effects of SSRIs may be quite manageable, one drawback is that they frequently dampen sexual response, delay orgasm, or lead to erectile dysfunction. These side effects may subside in time on their own. It's also possible that lowering the dose of a medication may help.

Switching to a new drug may also make sense. Mirtazapine (Remeron) and some older antidepressants - tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors - are less likely to cause sexual side effects than SSRIs.

If erectile dysfunction remains a problem, men may obtain relief with an erection drug such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra). Another option is adding bupropion (Wellbutrin) to an SSRI, as this medication sometimes counters SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, boosts sexual drive and arousal, and increases the intensity or duration of an orgasm. Another drug, buspirone (BuSpar), can restore the ability to have an orgasm and increase libido.

Sticking with treatment

Following a treatment plan can be a challenge, not only because medications can cause side effects and psychotherapy takes time - but because of stigma. Men with depression may feel at times as though they are all alone in their struggle. Support groups may be of help in this regard. (To find more information about support groups, contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org, or the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance at www.dbsalliance.org.)

And if a first depression treatment doesn't provide sufficient help for a man, it's important to explore alternatives. Perseverance, a trait that many men are proud to embrace, may be the most important characteristic when it comes to finding relief.

Leach LS, et al. "Gender Differences in Depression and Anxiety Across the Adult Lifespan: The Role of Psychosocial Mediators," Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology (Dec. 2008): Vol. 43, No. 12, pp. 983-98.

Lehti AH, et al. "The Western Gaze - An Analysis of Medical Research Publications Concerning the Expressions of Depression, Focusing on Ethnicity and Gender," Health Care for Women International (Feb. 2010): Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 100-12.

Liu RT, et al. "Stress Generation in Depression: A Systematic Review of the Empirical Literature and Recommendations for Future Study," Clinical Psychology Review (July 2010): Vol. 30, No. 5, pp. 582-93.

Marcus SM, et al. "Gender Differences in Depression: Findings from the STAR*D Study," Journal of Affective Disorders (Aug. 2005): Vol. 87, No. 2-3, pp. 141-50.

Miller M, editor. Understanding Depression (Harvard Medical School, 2011).

National Institute of Mental Health. Men and Depression (2005).

Pitychoutis PM, et al. "Of Depression and Immunity: Does Sex Matter?" International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology (June 2010): Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 675-89.

Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER). "SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Cancer," 2011.

For more references, please see www.health.harvard.edu/mentalextra.

Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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Recognizing depression in men - Harvard Health

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Although men are less likely than women to develop depression, it remains a significant mental health problem for them. About 10% to 17% of men will develop major depression at some point in their lives. Moreover, depression may be more deadly for me...

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Men can tend to put off getting any kind of support, because they may think they're supposed to be tough, self-reliant, and able to manage pain and take charge of situations. This can make it hard for men to acknowledge they have any health issues, let alone any that affect their social and emotional wellbeing.

Prevalence of anxiety and depression in men

Men are less likely to experience anxiety and depression than women. They are also less likely to talk about it. This increases the risk of their anxiety or depression going unrecognised and untreated.

It's important to remember that anxiety and depression are conditions, not weaknesses, and effective treatments are available.

Learn the and - not only for you, but for your friends and family. Visit Beyond Blue to find out more about and .

Symptoms of anxiety in men

Anxiety is more than having sweaty palms and butterflies in your stomach. Symptoms of anxiety can include ongoing feelings of worry, fear and impending doom that are so severe they interfere with your ability to work, maintain relationships and get a decent night's sleep. Physical signs of anxiety may include:

pounding or racing heart

muscle tension

restlessness or agitation

shortness of breath or choking sensations

Emotional signs of anxiety may include:

frequent worry about what could go wrong

feelings of dread

concentration problems

avoidance

catastrophic thinking

irritability or edginess

being overly vigilant towards danger

absentmindedness

fear of losing control.

Symptoms of depression in men

While depression is often associated with sadness and hopelessness, it also manifests itself in irritability and anger, unnecessary risk taking, and increased alcohol or drug use in men.

Physical signs of depression may include:

Emotional signs of depression may include:

losing interest or pleasure in activities

becoming withdrawn and isolated

feeling worthless, guilty, or hopeless

taking unnecessary risks

thinking about death or suicide.

Treatment for anxiety and depression in men

Your doctor is a good source of information and can discuss with you whether what you're experiencing may be anxiety or depression. They can also refer you to a or . Any of these health professionals can help you with an action plan, whether or not you are diagnosed with anxiety, depression or both.

Lifestyle changes, such as spending time with supportive friends and family, , getting enough , maintaining a and cutting down on alcohol and other drugs are all worthwhile changes that can help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.

Psychological treatments, including , are effective in treating anxiety and depression and are often recommended first, particularly for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Your doctor may refer you to see a psychologist or other for this type of treatment.

For some people, antidepressant medication might also be an option. Antidepressants can be effective for both anxiety and depression. They usually take at least 2 weeks before they start to help, and it may also take some time for your doctor to find the medication and dose that is most effective for you.

Develop an action plan for anxiety and depression

Some people think it's weak to admit they're going through a tough time, but if you have anxiety or depression, you can't just 'snap out of it' or 'pull yourself together'. There's more to it than that.

Beyond Blue has put together information about how men can .

Tips for men coping with anxiety and depression

There are lots of things you can do to look after your health and wellbeing, so find an approach that best suits you. For example, try to stay active and make plans for the day - they don't have to be grand plans, just small things like going for a run or talking to a mate.

Try to include activities or hobbies that you specifically enjoy. At first, you may not enjoy them as much as you did before, but if you keep active and persist, the enjoyment should eventually return.

It's important to look after your body by staying physically active, eating healthily and getting plenty of sleep. Try not to drink alcohol or take other drugs to block out how you're feeling and what is happening. This is not a positive long-term solution and can make the anxiety or depression worse.

The important thing is to find the right options and the right health professionals that suit you.

Supporting someone with anxiety or depression

There are ways that you can help someone with anxiety or depression. It may be helpful to:

let them know if you've noticed a change in their behaviour

spend time talking about their experiences and let them know you're there to listen without being judgmental

help them to get information from a website, library or community health centre

suggest they go to a doctor or health professional, and help them to make an appointment

offer to go with them to their appointment and follow up with them afterwards

encourage them to get enough sleep, to exercise and to eat well

encourage family and friends to invite them out and keep in touch, but don't pressure them to participate in activities

contact a doctor or hospital if they become a threat to themselves or others.

It is unhelpful to:

put pressure on them by telling them to 'snap out of it' or 'get their act together'

stay away or avoid them

tell them they just need to stay busy or get out more

pressure them to party more or wipe out how they're feeling with drugs and alcohol

assume the problem will just go away.

If you or someone you know needs support, talk to a doctor or other health professional about getting appropriate treatment.

Stress is not anxiety or depression

When we talk about being stressed, it usually means we're upset or tense about something that's happening in our lives. Stress is a normal part of daily life. It's a natural physical and mental response that is designed to help people cope effectively with emergencies.

Some stress can be a good thing. It can help us get motivated to get things done, but health problems from stress happen when it is regular and doesn't let up.

Where to get help

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)

Tel.

Victoria (24 hours, 7 days) Tel. - for counselling, crisis intervention, information and referral

- online program developed by the Clinical Research Unit of Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD) at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney and University of New South Wales (UNSW) Faculty of Medicine.

If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, contact emergency services on triple zero (000).

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Improve your understanding of anxiety and depression, then take action.

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While clinical depression was once considered a "woman's disease," more than 6 million men in the U.S. have depression each year. Unfortunately, the lingering image of depression as a female condition may keep men who are clinically depressed from recognizing the symptoms of depression and seeking treatment.

Depression actually affects both sexes. It disrupts relationships and interferes with work and daily activities. The symptoms of depression in men are similar to the symptoms of depression in women. But men tend to express those symptoms differently. Common symptoms of depression include loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and apathy. In women, depression may be more likely to cause feelings of sadness and worthlessness. Depression in men, on the other hand, may be more likely to cause them to become withdrawn or to feel irritable, aggressive, or hostile.

Why is depression in men commonly not recognized?

There are several reasons why the symptoms of clinical depression in men are not commonly recognized. For example, men tend to deny having problems because they are supposed to "be strong." And American culture suggests that expressing emotion is largely a feminine trait. As a result, men who are depressed are more likely to talk about the physical symptoms of their depression -- such as feeling tired --- rather than symptoms related to emotions.

Does depression in men affect sexual desire and performance?

Yes. Depression in men can affect sexual desire and performance. Unfortunately, some antidepressants and other medications can do the same. Men often are unwilling to admit to problems with their sexuality. Many mistakenly feel that the problems are related to their manhood, when, in fact, they are caused by a medical problem such as clinical depression.

What are some observable symptoms of depression in men?

Men are less likely to show more "typical" signs of depression such as sadness. Depression in men may cause them to keep their feelings hidden. Instead of expressing a depressed mood, they may seem more irritable and aggressive.

For these reasons, many men -- as well as doctors and other health care professionals -- may fail to recognize the problem as depression.

Continued

What are the consequences of untreated depression in men?

Depression in men can have devastating consequences. The CDC reports that men in the U.S. are three to four times likelier than women to commit suicide. A staggering 75% to 80% of all people who commit suicide in the U.S. are men. Though more women attempt suicide, more men complete the act of actually ending their lives. This may be due to the fact that men tend to use more lethal and violent methods for committing suicide, such as using a gun rather than taking an overdose of pills.

Why is depression in men so hard to accept?

Understanding how men in our society are brought up to behave is particularly important in identifying and treating their depression. Depression in men often can be traced to cultural expectations. Men are supposed to be successful. They should rein in their emotions. They must be in control. These cultural expectations can mask some of the true symptoms of depression. Instead, men may express aggression and anger -- seen as more acceptable "tough guy" behavior.

Is a stigma attached to depression in men?

Yes. And men generally have a hard time dealing with the stigma of depression. They are more likely to deal with their symptoms by drinking alcohol, abusing drugs, or pursuing other risky behavior. Many men avoid talking about depressed feelings to friends or family.

Is depression common in elderly men?

Although depression is not a normal part of aging, senior men may have medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, or other stressors that may contribute to depression. For example, there may be excessive losses (such as friends, physical health, spouses, income, meaningful work). Retirement is difficult for many men because they end up with no routine or set schedule to follow. These changes may increase the stress they feel, and a loss of self-esteem may contribute to depression. In addition, the death of family and friends, the onset of other health problems, and some medications can contribute to depression in men.

Continued

How is depression in men treated?

More than 80% of people with depression -- both men and women -- can be treated successfully with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. If you are uncertain about whom to call for help with depression, check out the following list from the National Institute of Mental Health:

Community mental health centers

Employee assistance programs

Family doctors

Family service/social agencies

Health maintenance organizations

Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics

Local medical or psychiatric societies

Mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors

Private clinics and facilities

State hospital outpatient clinics

University or medical school affiliated programs

Sources

SOURCES:

National Institute of Mental Health: "Depression."

National Institute of Mental Health: "Men and Depression."

American Psychiatric Association, Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depression, 2000.

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Pub, 2000.

Fieve, R. Bipolar II, Rodale Books, 2006.

Cleveland Clinic: "Sexual Problems and Depression."

National Institute of Mental Health: "Suicide in the US: Statistics and Prevention."

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Depression in Men: Symptoms and Physical Effects

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While clinical depression was once considered a "woman's disease," more than 6 million men in the U.S. have depression each year. Unfortunately, the lingering image of depression as a female condition may keep men who are clinically depressed from recognizing the symptoms of depression and seeking treatment. Depression actually affects both sexes.

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The symptoms include an interfering with a mans ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy any aspects of life.

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You will hear voices saying that you are worthless, and you will start to hallucinate.

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Experiences many different episodes with extreme low moods, and extreme high moods call "mania"

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When there is less sunlight, so it makes the person feel depressed in a way, so it happens more in Winter

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People with a family that had depression are more than likely to get depression.

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Whenever you have an illness, you are more than likely to get depression.

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When they lose a job, they start to get depressed, and get triggered, so they lash out when depressed.

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Since Men don't know how to show emotion, they end up just getting drunk so they can forget about being depressed and just get wasted, and high.

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Since men don't know how to act rationally when they are depressed, they end up fighting, and lashing out so that they can forget that they are depressed, and just be angry.