Introduction
You know what it’s like to be sad or depressed. You may even have been through a period of depression yourself, but you’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that one in five men will experience some form of male depression at some point in their lives. It’s a serious condition that can affect mental health and wellbeing, as well as relationship life and work performance. If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to seek help immediately:
The causes of male depression
Male depression can be caused by a variety of factors, both biological and environmental. It is believed that depression can be influenced by a combination of genetic, chemical, and life events. On a biological level, imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, can contribute to the development of depression. Environmental factors that may contribute to male depression include stressful life events (such as job loss or the death of a loved one), a history of abuse or trauma, and a lack of social support. Additionally, men who have a family history of depression may be more at risk for developing the condition themselves. It is important to note that the exact causes of depression are not fully understood and may differ from person to person.
You’re stressed or anxious.
Stress and anxiety are symptoms of depression, but they can also be caused by other mental health issues. If you’re experiencing stress or anxiety, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what might be causing them.
You may experience stress as a result of a number of different things:
- A single event (like losing your job)
- The way you think about yourself (such as how hopeless or worthless you feel)
You don’t enjoy your hobbies anymore.
Losing interest in previously enjoyed hobbies, feeling unable to do normal tasks, and struggling to complete simple chores can be signs of male depression. Even brushing your teeth or washing dishes may become overwhelming. These changes in ability may be due to negative memories from childhood. However, some individuals regain the ability to do these tasks as they age, suggesting that early prevention of symptoms is key in avoiding depression later in life.
You’re irritable, angry, or aggressive.
Irritability, anger and aggression are all signs of male depression. These symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions, but they also signal that your mental health may be in trouble. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek help immediately so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.
You drink more than usual.
If you’re a man and you drink more than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Alcohol is a depressant, so when your body gets used to having it around all the time, it can cause problems. It will also make you feel worse if you have depression.
The more alcohol that enters into your bloodstream, the more likely it is for things like alcohol withdrawal symptoms (aching muscles and headaches) or liver damage (or even liver cancer).
Your sleep habits have changed.
One of the most important aspects of mental health is sleep. Sleep is an essential function in our bodies and brains, so if you’re not getting enough quality rest then it can be difficult to feel well-rested. When this happens, it’s easy to feel sad or angry that you aren’t feeling like yourself.
If you’ve noticed any changes in your sleeping habits recently (for example: trouble falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night), then there may be something wrong with them! A healthy schedule for adults should include 7-8 hours per night; however if these changes occur suddenly after having been doing well for some time then it might be worth checking out with a doctor about possible causes behind this behavior change.
Paying attention to these signs can help protect you from the dangers of male depression.
- If you or someone you care about is suffering from male depression, don’t wait to get help. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional about what steps you can take to get well again.
- If there are signs of male depression in your life, talk to others who will listen—your parents, friends and co-workers may be able to offer advice on how best to cope with this illness. Sharing feelings may help reduce isolation and isolation often plays a role in developing long-term problems such as depression (Henderson et al., 2013).
Conclusion
Depression can affect anyone, and it’s important to remember that men are no exception. If you notice the signs listed above in a loved one who appears to be struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out and offer assistance. You might just save their life.
