Men are so strong!Depressive symptoms are easier to hide

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-01-30

Previously saw a uniform behavior about middle-aged men after work:

Many men returning home are usually not in a hurry to go upstairs, and a cigarette in the car becomes the most relaxing moment of their day.

Middle-aged men face various pressures, such as work pressure, life pressure, family pressure, etc.

Men are reluctant to express themselves compared to women, so stress is usually contained in the psyche, and some people will also have psychological problems because of this, depression is one of them.

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When we talk about depression, most of the time we talk about teenage depression and female prenatal and postnatal depression, but we rarely mention male depression.

But in today's society, men are also the pillars of family life, the main force of social construction, they may be fathers, husbands, sons and other roles, often burdened with a lot of pressure, deep in their hearts need to be loved and cared for!

According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of depression in men is between 5% and 12%, which is relatively low compared to women's depression, but it should not be ignored.

There are many reasons for male depression, and the pressure of work, life and other aspects will cause changes in men's psychologyAnd male depressed patients may hide their typical symptoms out of "male self-esteem" considerationsExhibiting some atypical characteristics, it is important to recognize the symptoms of depression in men as early as possible.

Typical symptoms of depression in men

1.Persistent depressed mood and suicidal thoughts

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Although the symptoms of depression vary from person to person, some symptoms are more common in men than in women.

These include persistent low mood, which can escalate into suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Other symptoms include:Feelings of agitation, irritability, anger and frustration, changes in appetite – either eating significantly more or less – and difficulty sleeping.

2.Alcohol and drug use

Studies have shown that men are more likely to express their depressive symptoms differently than the core symptoms of sadness and hopelessness.

Showing "emotional" is often insulting, thereforeDepression can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as substance abuse, and men with persistently low moods may cope with emotional discomfort by drinking alcohol or taking recreational substances.

However, studies have shown that there is a cyclical relationship between unhealthy alcohol consumption and depression.

Usually, alcohol can make people feel better, but drinking too much alcohol can trigger or make mental health problems worse because it acts as a depressant. Heavy drinking also increases the likelihood of risky behaviors, such as drunk driving.

These symptoms may be more difficult to recognize than more typical depressive symptoms, such as persistent sadness. They may be seen as separate issues rather than signs of a deeper mental health problem.

3.Mood changes

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Some depressed men may hide feelings of sadness and depression that may manifest insteadAngry, irritable, or aggressive

Symptoms of depressed mood are often suppressed by men and end up being expressed in a depressed way.

Women, on the other hand, may tend to express their low mood with tears and words. Men are often socially isolated, limiting their emotional expression.

For some men, asking for help is a sign of weakness, and they feel they don't need support. Depression in men is more likely to be ignored by others and can be seen as an external life problem rather than an internal reaction to stress.

Therefore, male depression cannot be ignored, if you have a male friend who is depressed, please be sure to take him to a regular hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

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