Men Experience Depression Differently from Women

Depression is a serious medical condition that affects your mood, thoughts, and even your body. Symptoms of depression are reported more often by women than men. Nonetheless, it affects more than 6 million men.

Research has shown that while both men and women can develop the standard symptoms of depression, they often experience the illness differently. Also, men and women may have different ways of coping with symptoms.

Do You Know the Signs of Depression?

Symptoms of depression include:

• Sadness, anxiety, or a feeling of emptiness that doesn't go away
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Lost interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite and/or weight
• Thoughts of death or attempting suicide
• Restlessness or irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches and chronic pain.

Men may be more willing to admit fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and sleep problems than feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and guilt.

In addition, men are more likely than women to report alcohol and drug problems. It is unclear whether these problems are a symptom of depression or just a health concern that commonly develops in men. Nonetheless, alcohol and drug problems can make depression harder to recognize.

Treatment Helps Relieve Depression

Many treatments have been effective in treating people with depression. The first step in this process is to see your doctor. He or she will give you an exam to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms. A viral infection, thyroid problems, or low hormone levels can cause the same symptoms as depression.

If no cause for your symptoms is found, your doctor will then evaluate you for depression or refer you to a mental health specialist.

Various treatments are available. They include medication and talk therapy.

While getting professional care, you can also try these tips to help fight depression:

• Try light exercise, such as walking.
• Get outside of the house. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or participate in religious, social, or other activities.
• Set realistic goals and break large tasks into small ones.
• Spend time with other people and find someone to confide in.
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not right away.
• Postpone important decisions.
• Accept help from family and friends.

If you think that you might be depressed, consult with your physician for more information.