Men can experience the signs and symptoms of depression in many different ways. A man may be grumpy or irritable, or have lost his sense of humor. He might drink too much or abuse drugs. It may be that he physically or verbally abuses his wife and his kids. He might work all the time, or compulsively seek thrills in high-risk behavior in order to cope with the boredom and lack of pleasure. Or, he may seem isolated, withdrawn, and no longer interested in the people or activities he used to enjoy.
One of the more important signs and symptoms of depression for a man is changes in sexual desire. He might a lot more interest in sex because it’s one of the few things that make him feel alive. Or, he may much less interest in sex because of the anhedonia (difficulty experiencing pleasure due to the brain changes caused by depression).
For men, it’s important to understand that there is a brain disorder called depression that may be underlying these feelings and behaviors. It’s real: scientists have developed sensitive imaging devices that enable us to see depression in the brain. And it’s treatable: more than 80 percent of those suffering from depression respond to existing treatments, and new ones are continually becoming available and helping more people.
The Signs and Symptoms of Depression Need to Be Translated into Male-Speak
One of the reasons men are less likely to seek help for depression than women is that they often believe they should be able to shake it off the way an athlete, a rugged firemen, or a soldier might shake off an injury and keep going. Telling him, “Getting help doesn’t mean you are weak,” may make him less likely to get help. It’s important to talk about depression in language that makes sense in terms of the particular male culture with which he identifies. It might be better to tell a man that you hope he will find the courage to face what’s going on inside him so that he can be happier and more fun to be with.
Or perhaps this man sound like someone you care about. Try to talk to him, or to someone who has a chance of getting through to him. Help him to understand that depression is a common illness among men and is nothing to be ashamed about. Encourage him to see a doctor and get an evaluation for depression.
For most men with depression, life doesn’t have to be so dark and hopeless. Life is hard enough as it is; and treating depression can free up vital resources to cope with life’s challenges effectively.
When a man is depressed, he’s not the only one who suffers. His depression also impacts the lives of his family, his friends, virtually everyone close to him. If he has an intense need to succeed it may be helpful to point out specific ways that the signs and symptoms of depression are holding him back. Getting him into treatment can send ripples of healing and hope into all of those lives. Depression is a real illness; it is treatable; and it darkens the lives of both men and women.
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“describe the excellent cause of depression in the Man”.
As someone has rightly said “…Depression is not sobbing and crying and giving vent, it is plain and simple reduction of feeling…People who keep stiff upper lips find that it’s damn hard to smile.”