The signs of depression in men involve changes in the way they think, feel or behave. There are also physical signs of depression. For example, you may feel: irritable, angry or frustrated.
Other behaviors in men that could be signs of depression — but not recognized as such — include: Escapist behavior, such as spending a lot of time at work or on sports. Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems and pain. Problems with alcohol or drug use.
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.
For married men, research has shown trouble in a marriage is the single most common problem connected with depression. Depressed men can't cope with disagreements as well as women. Arguments actually make men feel very physically uncomfortable. So, they try to avoid arguments or difficult discussions.
Men and women also cope with depression in different ways, with women more likely to seek help. Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, accounting for nearly eight out of every 10 suicides in this country. Women, however, are far more likely to have suicidal thoughts.
And while these symptoms of depression in men may show up at any time in life, male depression peaks in midlife—perhaps due to a variety of factors unique to men between 40 and 50 that may affect their mental health, including health and physical changes, family and relationship stressors, and career and financial ...
Certain events and life changes can trigger stress in men, leading to depression. For example, losing a job or loved one is often accompanied by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The stress that results can worsen and, over time, cause depression.
Due to the effects depression can have on your mind, including withdrawing into yourself, engaging in a romantic relationship can feel challenging, if not impossible, at times. But this doesn't mean that everyone struggling with depression is going to feel burdened by a romantic relationship.
Depression and relationships
This can inevitably put a strain on even the strongest of relationships. Common signs that indicate depression could be a factor in your relationship: Withdrawal – You or your partner feels withdrawn, disconnected, detached or distant.
But there is another dimension of depression that can lead to the idea of escape as the answer. It's the one that causes depressed partners to say they're no longer in love and have never loved their partners. It's called anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure or interest in anything. Find out your risk today.
Sometimes, the only signs that a person may show are physical, such as fatigue, insomnia, or weight changes. Other signs of hidden depression can include using alcohol or drugs, being irritable or angry, and losing interest in pleasurable activities such as sex and hobbies.
"Don't be selfish." Those with depression may seem like they are only focused on themselves. The truth is that depression can consume a person's thoughts and actions. When people are overtaken by feelings of hopelessness, it is difficult for them to see beyond their own pain. This does not make them selfish.
When you're experiencing a depressive episode, it's common for nothing to seem appealing and lack energy or interest in doing anything with your partner. So when your partner requests something, it may feel like a challenge, burden, or even irritating. “Sexual interest sometimes disappears as well.
Contrary to some of the myths surrounding depression, someone who is clinically depressed can still be happy with their relationship. That's because depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day- it's a serious mental illness that can take a toll on your health and relationships.
Saying something like “My girlfriend has mental health issues” is no valid reason for them to leave their partner. Your mental health issue is also an invalid reason to leave your relationship either. In fact, if your partner is supportive, they'll help to keep yourself balanced.
“A primary symptom of depression is the inability to enjoy things you normally enjoy, like sex. People with depression also have decreased energy, feel badly about themselves and might view their partners through a negative filter, all of which impacts sex drive.”
When someone with depression struggles to feel confident in themselves, it can be very difficult to have confidence in another. Self-doubt leads to doubt about their partner, and often criticism follows.
One huge component of lasting relationships is envisioning your shared future together, as you co-create your lives and partnership. If the view of the future doesn't align, or if you've stopped talking about future plans altogether, it may indicate a relationship is coming to an end.
Excess amounts of cortisol can affect the normal biochemical functioning of the male reproductive system. Chronic stress, ongoing stress over an extended period of time, can affect testosterone production resulting in a decline in sex drive or libido, and can even cause erectile dysfunction or impotence.
Stressful or traumatic experiences
Significant or stressful events in your life, either now or in the past, can trigger anxiety. These might include excessive stress at work, financial worries, experiencing a bereavement or going through a relationship break-up.
Hormonal Changes
Men's hormones tend to stay pretty stable until age 30, when testosterone begins to gradually decline. About a third of men age 75 and older have low levels of testosterone. That can cause mood swings, along with erectile dysfunction, sleep problems, and, yes, hot flashes.