Male depression is no different from depression in women. The basic characteristics are the same. Only that it is not yet a well discussed phenomenon. All the while, depression has only been associated with women. Now, extensive research is being done to understand male-specific depression, its symptoms, causative factors and treatment.

Male Depression – An Introduction

Man’s cultural standing in society has so far precluded the understanding of the nature of male depression. Man is supposed to be strong and tough, both physically and mentally, and his aggression and vigor is supposed to take care of any ‘lows’ that he may experience. Men are supposed to be capable of controlling and restraining their emotions. This notion probably would have forced majority of men from accepting openly the existence of depression in them. This attitude is still prevalent these days.

Males deny that they suffer from depression as they see this disorder as a threat to their ‘manly’ image. They over-estimate their self-control and stamina in facing this disorder. This probably prevented medical practitioners and researchers from recognizing male depression as a serious disorder. The masculinity factor has been a stumbling block so far.

Men, when they go to clinics, focus only on physical ailments and symptoms. Sadness, helplessness, and indecision are not supposed to be male problems. Even medical practitioners have never seriously brought out facts on male depressive disorder. It is because of the stigma that is attached to depression.

Be it in men or in women, the exact reason for depression is unknown. Investigators think that depression is the product of genetics, mental developments and social surroundings. Everyone is vulnerable to depression due to stress, anxiety and tension. Actually, both males and females are affected equally by depression, which disturbs their occupational and domestic activities. Only the symptoms are articulated in a different way, keeping in view the diverse influences exhibited by their respective hormones. Basically, the male hormone—testosterone—is supposed to be associated with aggression. But this is no great shield against onset of depression.

Males, when they are in depressed state, are more likely to discuss issues concerning only the physical symptoms of their depression, such as weariness etc. They do not discuss related mental problems. One of the symptoms of the depression is decreased sexual activity. For men, sexual issues are related to their manhood. They refuse to admit to sexual related problems, even when the problems are related to depression.

Symptoms of Male Depression

Make depression symptoms are common depression symptoms. But some are more pronounced in male depression.

These symptoms often include:

Anger and irritation: He will be overcome with rage and fury. He will become short-tempered and ill-tempered. He will become impatient and is easily annoyed.

Aggressive activities: His actions will be hostile. He will resort to unprovoked violence. Patient will be very aggressive in appearance and deeds. He unnecessarily gets entangled in unsavory situations which will further aggravate his depressed condition.

Weight Loss problems: Depression will severely affect his appetite. There will be a drastic change in his food habits. If the depressed man is also a smoker, then his will lose further weight. Irregular eating habits will make him mal-nourished and under-nourished.

Daredevilry: He displays wild nature and behaves irrationally. He likes to take impossible and improbable risks. He drives recklessly. He indulges in wild sex. And he is easily frustrated in sexual affairs. He undertakes impossible tasks and bets that are fraught with unacceptable risks. He feels invincible.

Loss of concentration: He develops difficulty in focusing on things and situations. He is easily distracted and diverted. While discussing, it is easy to find him talking on various subjects which are not related to the topic of discussion. He looks to be disoriented.

Solitary existence: He will distance himself from family and friends. There will be a marked reduction in interaction socially. He likes to lead a solitary life. He becomes aloof and reclusive.

Lack of enjoyment: He will loathe pleasure. He will detest the same things that he liked previously.

Weariness: He feels that he is severely fatigued, both mentally and physically. Weariness takes him over.

Occupational disinterest: He will lose interest in work. He will have reduced hobbies and avocations.

Alcoholism and abuse: He will consume more alcohol to beat his depression. He will resort to drugs and becomes slave to them.

Feeling of futility: He will come round to the view that his life is useless and there is nothing to live for. He will think of taking out his life.