Depression in Men: 14 Symptoms and What To Do About it.

How is it possible in the country leading the world in medical science, one in four men have a disabling illness that torments them and their families and most never receive treatment for it. That illness is Depression. Depression in men is often “covert depression” and it is a widespread problem in the United States. Depression in men often goes unrecognized--by themselves, colleagues, family and even physicians.

Depression in Men

As a men enter midlife, stressful factors can come into play, leading to a greater risk for developing depression. Depression in men gets at our very core sense of what it is to be a man, and has to be understood that way. Depression is a real illness; it is treatable, and men do get it. So how do you recognize depression in men?

14 Symptoms of Depression in Men

Many of the symptoms of depression in men are the same as you might find in women. Those symptoms are (most of these should be experienced for at least 2 weeks to be considered a symptom):

• A persistent sad mood every day or nearly every day
• Anger, mood swings and irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed
• Significant change in appetite or body weight
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping nearly every day
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Physical slowing or agitation
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame and self doubt
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Change in interest regarding sex
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

In general, a person who is diagnosed with depression will have five or more of the symptoms listed above. Depression in men however will show the following 3 symptoms that many women will not:

• Lack of ability to perform sexually as opposed to just lack of interest
• Hiding of feelings
• Outward aggression, irritability or hostility towards others

It is estimated that 40% of men will suffer some degree of depression between the ages of 40 and 60.

What Are the Treatment Options

Treatment choice depends on a number of variables, the patient’s diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and preference. Treatment for depression in men may include antidepressant medications, psychotherapy or both. If you put off treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even years. Other helpful resources for treatment and recognition of depression include family members, friends, and employee assistance professionals in the workplace.

The fact is, depression in men may always have been far more common than we once thought because depression in men shows itself differently. Now that depression in men is out in the open more research and testing is being devoted to the subject.

Finally, even despite the differences in how depression shows up in men many treatments and techniques work equally well on both women and men. And luckily there are great resources available online and at your local bookstore to help you when deciding which treatment is best for your situation.