14 Possible Symptoms of Depression in Men

As many as 6.2% of depression sufferers are men, yet sadly, many do not seek treatment. They may not recognize the symptoms of depression in men or view therapy only for those with psychotic mental disorders.

However, counseling can help you identify the source of your depression: trauma, neglect, abandonment, genetics, family history, or a chemical imbalance. In addition, your counselor can offer suggestions about how to counter negative thoughts and emotions and lean into healthy behaviors.

Common symptoms of depression in men.

The symptoms of depression in men are slightly different than in women. For example, a man may become angrier, prone to outbursts, or even violent. Men are also more likely to behave recklessly, endangering their health or lives.

Here is a list of common symptoms of depression in men.

Tiredness.

Depression can make you tired, fatigued, and weary. It may seem like too much effort to raise your arms, let alone clean the house or go to work. The mental condition zaps your energy.

When you don’t feel like doing anything, you are less likely to participate in social functions, withdrawing from your friends and family. Yet, the best way to counter fatigue is through exercise and physical movement.

Sadness.

The most common symptom of depression is persistent sadness. This sadness is deep and pervasive. It makes you believe that you are alone and helpless. A feeling of hopelessness surrounds you.

It is as if you are grieving deep in your soul beyond the loss of a loved one. This sadness makes you believe that the sensation is permanent. However, depression is temporary; you can move through it and come out on the other side.

Inability to focus.

Lack of concentration is another symptom of depression. Do you have trouble focusing on tasks at work? Are you missing deadlines, or has your productivity slacked off? The rate at which you process information decreases with depression.

As a result, you may need to work in an area with minimal distractions or avoid multitasking. You can also practice focusing on a project in twenty-five-minute blocks of time, like with the Pomodoro Technique.

Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.

Are you still engaging in pleasurable activities, or do you find that you no longer see any joy in your endeavors? Depression saps our energy and makes us believe what we do doesn’t matter. Yet, setting goals and participating in activities that make us happy give us something to look forward to when life is hard.

Risky behaviors.

Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors during depression. It could be that they want to feel excited because, otherwise, the depression leaves them feeling numb most of the time. In addition, many men either don’t know how to express their feelings or believe emotions shouldn’t be shared.

However, these buried emotions and thoughts bubble up to the surface in risky behaviors like driving recklessly, having one-night stands, or initiating an affair. Self-destructive behaviors rarely affect only the person, however.

Anger outbursts or violence.

Depressed men are also more likely to lash out at others. They may not realize that their anger stems from depression. If you are irritable or suddenly enraged with your family, seek help immediately.

Violence is never a solution to an argument and should never be aimed at your loved ones. Instead, note your thoughts and analyze why you are angry. Anger is not a bad emotion, but when you allow anger to control your behaviors, then people can get hurt.

Escapism.

Escapism is the act of throwing yourself into an activity to forget about your worries and fears. Escapism comes in many forms. Some escapism tactics include staying late at the office, overexercising, imbibing in alcohol or drugs, or pornography.

But other activities not typically considered vices can also be counted as escapism, such as binge-watching movies and television, binge eating, or reading for hours at a time. Any activity that keeps you from facing real life could be an escape.

Feelings of hopelessness or being trapped.

Do you feel stuck most of the time? Are you trapped in a cycle of going to work and coming home again day after day? Those sensations of hopelessness and being trapped may result from negative thoughts.

You may find that by changing your mindset and setting goals for the future that you have a purpose for waking in the morning. But changing your mindset is not an overnight process. A counselor can help you shift your thinking over the long term.

Changes in sleep.

Depression disrupts sleep patterns. You may find that you sleep too much yet are exhausted when you wake up. On the other hand, you may have insomnia. Insomnia can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. You may lie in bed, tossing and turning, with only a couple of hours of sleep each night. This sleep deprivation or exhaustion makes it much harder to concentrate the next day.

Sexual dysfunction.

Depression can also lower libido (the sex drive). Some antidepressants worsen sexual dysfunction by reducing the number of erections in men. In addition, the mental condition can cause erectile dysfunction or trouble ejaculating. On top of the physical effects of depression, men can experience low self-esteem and weight gain, which can affect sexual performance.

Headaches and digestive issues.

Stress and depression can bring about tension headaches and digestive issues, such as heartburn and acid reflux. You might also notice higher blood pressure and a faster resting heart rate. These prolonged physical symptoms can lead to severe medical conditions like heart disease or gastrointestinal disorders. Find ways to manage stress to lower your risk of developing these conditions.

Unexplained aches and pains.

Are you carrying tension through your body? Depression can lead to unexplained aches and pains in your muscles, joints, and jaw. You may notice that they still don’t go away when you take a pain reliever for these aches. However, taking more pain relievers is not the answer, as this can cause an addiction to painkillers or an overdose. Instead, consult your primary care physician or a counselor about the underlying reason for the aches and pains.

Panic attacks.

Panic attacks can feel like a heart attack, and anxiety and depression can bring one on when you least expect it. When you have a panic attack, you will experience chest tightness, rapid heart rate, and quick and shallow breathing. In addition, feelings of impending doom and dread can creep up on you. Try breathing deeply and grounding yourself in your surroundings when you have a panic attack.

Suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

Intrusive thoughts can bombard your mind. Your false beliefs may state that you are worthless or that everyone would be better off without you. These are lies. The truth is that God created you to fulfill His purpose and glorify Him.

You are an amazing man, but depression steals your self-esteem and self-worth. It will try to convince you that you are not a man worthy of love, honor, or respect. You may need counseling from a professional to help you see who you are in the Lord.

If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out for help immediately. These emotions are temporary, although they will make you believe you will feel this way for a lifetime. But God did not sacrifice His Son, Jesus Christ, for everyone but you. He loves you and wants more for you. It is time to fight against depression and enlist the help of a counselor.

Seeking a Christian counselor for depression?

A Christian counselor can confirm the symptoms of depression in men and help you overcome feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Your counselor will assess your current symptoms and implement evidence-backed methods and faith-based principles to help you manage the condition. Get back on track today. Call our office to schedule a counseling appointment in-person or virtually.