Both men and women can suffer from Depression. Unfortunately, men seek the help they need less often than their female counterparts. They can also experience depression differently. However, men die by suicide at a rate that is three times the rate observed in women.
Some of the symptoms that men may experience more than women include when suffering from depression include : feeling very tired and irritable, loss of interest in work, family, hobbies or sex. They may be more likely to have difficulty sleeping than women who have depression.
Many men do not recognize, acknowledge, or seek help for their depression because of a reluctance to talk about how they are feeling.
But depression is a real and treatable illness that can affect any man at any age. And, with the right treatment, most men with depression can get better and gain back their interest in work, family, and hobbies.
Typical symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling sad or “empty”
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Feeling irritable or anxious
- Feeling angry
- Loss of interest in work, family, or once-pleasurable activities, including sex
- Feeling very tired
- Not being able to concentrate or remember details
- Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much
- Overeating, or not wanting to eat at all
- Weight gain or weight loss (without trying to gain or lose weight)
- Thoughts of suicide
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
- Inability to meet the responsibilities of work, caring for family, or other important activities.
What can I do to help myself if I am depressed?
- See a psychiatrist as soon as possible. Research shows that getting treatment sooner rather than later can relieve symptoms faster and reduce the length of time treatment is needed.
- Go Easy on Yourself.
- Take walks in nature.
- Exercise (even if it’s only 10 minutes.)
- Break up large tasks into small ones, and do what you can as you can. Don’t try to do too many things at once.
- Spend time with other people and talk to a friend or relative about your feelings, but don’t forgo professional help!
- Do not make important decisions until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well.
Can men suffer from Post-Partum (or Post-Natal) Depression?
Yes. They absolutely can. While they may not experience the hormonal changes that women do upon delivery, they certainly can experience the stress that accompanies all major changes in life, the helpless feeling of watching their partner carry a pregnancy for 40 weeks, financial strain, and the lack of sleep accompanies new fatherhood. Don’t delay seeking treatment — you and your new child deserve it!
