Unmasking Depression in Men: Confronting stereotypes to boost male mental well-being
Rethinking Depression: Unraveling the Psychology in Men
Depression isn't a selective illness. It can strike anyone, irrelevant of age, gender, or environment. Yet, it's frequently shrouded in a veil of taboo, something to be hushed rather than discussed openly. When it comes to men, there's an added stigma—depression is perceived as a sign of weakness or something less than macho. That's why they often choose to keep it bottled up, instead of reaching out to a qualified professional for help.
Let's delve deeper into depression in men and the importance of dismantling the veil of stigma. Insights from Dr. Michael Minzenberg, a renowned Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Research at our platform, guide us through this exploration.
Identifying Depression: For Men, It's More Than Just Feelings
It's estimated that approximately 6 million American men battle depression each year. However, only half of them disclose their mental health struggles and seek treatment, often resulting in long-lasting negative effects due to their unique ways of dealing with and managing symptoms.
"Researchers in the field of psychology and gender have pointed out that many men exhibit strong personality traits typically associated with masculinity, such as stoicism, self-reliance, competitiveness, and a desire for control," says Dr. Minzenberg. Studies have shown that men with depression may feel more irritable and exhausted, have trouble with routine tasks, and lose interest in work, family, friends, and hobbies for weeks.
"Many men employ specific psychological strategies to manage their emotional selves and relationships, such as suppressing emotions and vulnerability," adds Dr. Minzenberg. These factors, morphing men's health behaviors, could influence the timing and methods of engaging clinical support, both in mental health and other sectors of healthcare.
Symptoms of Depression in Men
Everyone experiences depression differently. While some might display only a handful of signs, others might suffer from a multitude. The severity may vary:
• Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness• A feeling of hopelessness, irritability, anxiety, or anger• Loss of interest in work, family, and favorite activities, including sex• Extreme fatigue• Diminished ability to concentrate or recall details• Trouble sleeping or oversleeping• Changes in appetite, such as overeating or loss of appetite• Thoughts of suicide or attempts• Physical discomfort such as aches, headaches, cramps, or digestive issues• Difficulty meeting responsibilities at work, home, or other vital areas of life
While these are common symptoms of depression in men, they may also exhibit other behaviors like excessive work, substance abuse, controlling or abusive behavior, anger outbursts, or high-risk behavior.
The Hard Truth about Withholding Help
The saddening truth is that men have been ignoring their depression, leading to deteriorated health, lost jobs, strained relationships, and too many tragic suicides. According to Webmd.com, men commit suicide nearly four times more than women, accounting for 79% of suicides in the United States.
"Given these aspects of men's psychology, it's crucial for clinicians to recognize and address them," says Dr. Minzenberg. Ignoring these factors could hamper male patients' engagement in treatment and adversely affect their clinical outcomes.
While some men may not recognize, acknowledge, or seek help for their depression, there are many more who do. It's paramount for mental health care providers and men with depression to recognize the underlying signs, understand the nuances in male depressive behavior, and actively encourage treatment to ensure effective care for depression.
Depression is treatable. With proper solutions in hand, most men can regain their zest for life quickly. Our platform can aid in that journey. Connect with us today to start your path to recovery.
Sources- Coleman, J. (2015). Gender and Depression: Variations in Expression and Experience of Emotion. Oxford Handbooks Online. [Link]- Moller-Leimkuhler, T. (2003). Depression in Men: A Review of Epidemiologic, Psychological and Biological Studies. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. [Link]- Payne, S., et al. (2008). Gender Differences in the Manifestation of Depressive Symptoms: A meta-analytic review of 43 sex differences in depression literature (1990-2007). Clinical Psychology Review. [Link]- Pirkis, J., et al. (2017). Gender differences in the phenomenology of depressive and anxiety disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry. [Link]- Movember. (2021). Movember Foundation – Men's Health. [Link]
- The field of psychology and gender has highlighted that men often suppress emotions and vulnerability, which could deter them from seeking professional help for depression, leading to potentially harmful consequences.
- Mental health care providers need to recognize the unique factors that influence men's psychology, such as stoicism and a desire for control, to ensure effective treatment and care for depression, especially given the high suicide rates among men in the US.
