What are the signs of depression in men?

Depression is a common mental health condition. People with depression often feel sad and lose interest in things they enjoy. Anyone can experience depression, but the signs of depression may look different in males. They may not experience depression as sadness, so the signs of the condition may be more difficult to spot. 

The American Psychological Association (APA) says that more women have depression than men. But evidence from 2018 suggests that men with depression may not always seek help or get a diagnosis.

Knowing the signs of the condition can help you notice depression in yourself and others. With the right help and support, depression is treatable, and you can feel better. 

Signs

Everyone’s experience of depression is different. There are some common symptoms of depression that all people may experience. But males may notice some symptoms that don’t often occur in females. 

Evidence from 2020 suggests that men with depression are more likely to experience irritability, anger, or aggressiveness than women with the condition. 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) also suggests that men with depression are more likely to engage in potentially harmful behaviors and turn to alcohol or other substances. 

Men may also first notice physical signs of depression like tiredness, physical pain, and sleep difficulties. 

The NIH suggests that men may experience these depression symptoms:

• feeling angry, aggressive, or more irritable
• turning to alcohol or drugs more often
• having physical issues like digestive problems, headaches, or chronic pain
• having issues with sleep
• losing interest in things that used to be enjoyable 
• feeling restless or anxious 
• losing sexual drive 
• feeling flat, hopeless, or sad 
• having thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide
• isolating and withdrawing from family or friends 
• not meeting work or home responsibilities

Some people may experience lots of the symptoms above. Other people may only notice one or two.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out. There’s help available right now:

• Call a trusted friend or family member.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
• Use the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada.
• Go to the nearest emergency room and speak with a mental health professional.

Seeking help 

Depression is a common condition. The APA estimates that 1 in 6 people will likely experience depression in their lifetime, but research from 2018 suggests that men are less likely to seek help for depression than women. This may be due to increased social pressure for men and masculine-identifying people to hold in their emotions. 

It is a sign of strength to seek help when you are having difficulties managing your moods. Depression is a treatable condition that lots of males encounter. With the right support and treatment, you can feel better and return to enjoying your life. 

Medication options

Your doctor may offer some antidepressant medication to help with depression. 

There are different types of antidepressants, including: 

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are antidepressants that improve your mood by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain. Some examples of SSRIs are sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs boost your mood by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. Examples of SNRIs are venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). 
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): TCAs are antidepressants doctors may recommend when other antidepressants haven’t helped. Examples of TCAs include amitriptyline (Elavil) and clomipramine (Anafranil). 
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs are an older type of antidepressant that increases dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels in your brain. Examples include isocarboxazid (Marplan) and phenelzine (Nardil). 

Doctors may also recommend other medication types.

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Talk therapies

Talk therapy can help improve your mood and treat depression. According to the APA, therapy is sometimes used alone to treat mild depression. For moderate or severe depression, therapy is often recommended alongside antidepressant medication. 

Talk therapy can help you to shift the way you think and behave. It can also help you work through tough relationships or situations affecting your mood. The NIH suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and problem-solving therapy are all effective treatments for depression. 

Natural remedies for depression in men 

Some natural treatments may help with your mood, but they should not replace medical treatment. 

Natural options that could help alongside professional treatment may include: 

• Exercise: The National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommends exercises like swimming, cycling, or jogging because they can help to improve your mood. 
• Mindfulness and meditation: Evidence from 2022 suggests that relaxation techniques like meditation can help lower stress levels and boost mood. 
• Lifestyle adaptations: The NIH recommends that people with depression may benefit from eating regular, nutritious meals and avoiding alcohol, drugs, and smoking.
• Vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation: Whilst more research will confirm the benefits of vitamins and depression, some evidence from 2018 suggests that supplementing with vitamin D can improve mood. Research from 2019 also suggests that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may help with depression. 
• St John’s Wort: Some 2016 research suggests that St John’s Wort may be helpful for those with depression, although some drug interactions may occur. Always discuss supplement use with your doctor or healthcare professional. 

Helping someone else

You can support someone with depression by encouraging them to get help from a doctor, licensed therapist, or other healthcare or mental health professional. 

The NIH suggests that you can help a male in your life you think may have depression by: 

• listening patiently to what they share and showing support
• inviting them to do more social activities and exercise more
• gently suggesting they discuss their situation with a doctor
• offering them hope that they can feel better with time and help

Summary 

The signs of depression in men may include anger or irritability, and increased drug or alcohol use. Men may also notice physical symptoms of depression like chronic pain, headache, or digestive issues. 

It is a sign of strength to reach out for help if you notice signs of depression. With the right treatment, you can feel better and improve your quality of life.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.