Symptoms of depression in men often go beyond having a bad day or feeling momentarily depressed. Depression is a persistent low mood that often manifests as irritability or a lack of pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed. Depression has many shades, from the deep sadness of major depression to the cyclical mood swings of bipolar disorder. Some types, like persistent depressive disorder, feel like a lifelong companion, while others, like postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), have more specific triggers. “When it comes to depression sometimes it’s really easy to mistake it for something else. First of all we have to understand what depression is.” Says Rahat Lukmanji, clinical psychologist and founder of mental wellness service platform The Empathy Centre. “In simple terms, depression is a clinical mental health condition where a person usually feels very low emotionally for a long period of time and this has a negative impact on their daily life and functioning.” she explains.
According to Harvard Health, diagnosing depression typically begins with simple questions about one’s history and mood, often through instruments such as the PHQ-2, which assesses recent depression. feelings of despair or loss of interest. According to Harvard Health, here are the key signs that may indicate depression and prompt you to seek professional help.
7 unseen symptoms of depression in men that you should never ignore
1. Persistent sadness or emptiness Feeling persistently sad or empty can be one of the most recognizable symptoms of depression. It goes beyond just a bad day; This emotional burden continues for weeks or months. You may feel trapped in your own mind, unable to escape the feeling of despair. Activities that used to bring pleasure or fulfillment may no longer elicit any response. This persistent sadness can make even small tasks seem overwhelming. “Men may feel depressed and sad, but things that may indicate depression include feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt, and even anger. Often depression can manifest as anger, short temper and aggression.” Lukmanji says. This can affect the way you view life, relationships and the future, leading to feelings of isolation, alienation, etc. deep emotional fatigue,
2. Loss of interest or pleasure
When depression sets in, hobbies, activities, or interests that once brought joy or satisfaction may lose their appeal. “I have noticed that many times men start withdrawing from their friends and family and start isolating themselves. They do this by avoiding hanging out with loved ones, working long hours or even spending hours playing video games, scrolling through social media or watching mindless TV.” Lukmanji looks on. It’s not just about lack of energy; The emotional attraction of participating disappears. Over time, this disinterest can lead to feelings of guilt or worthlessness, as the individual struggles to understand why they no longer enjoy life as they used to.
3. Fatigue or lack of energy
Depression can drain a person’s physical and mental energy, leaving them feeling exhausted no matter how much sleep or rest they get. This fatigue goes beyond just feeling tired after a long day – it’s a pervasive feeling of weakness and lethargy that makes everyday tasks feel like major challenges. Even getting out of bed or making simple decisions may feel impossible. This lack of energy can interfere with work, school, or relationships, increasing feelings of guilt and inadequacy. The cycle of fatigue and emotional exhaustion often deepens depression, putting recovery out of reach.
4. Difficulty concentrating
People with depression often find it difficult to concentrate on even the simplest tasks. Concentration problems may manifest as forgetfulness, indecision, or an inability to complete tasks. Whether reading a book, watching a movie, or completing work, the mind can wander or shut down completely. This mental fog can lead to frustration as individuals struggle to perform at their normal level. This can affect job performance, academic success, and personal relationships, further intensifying feelings of inadequacy. Difficulty concentrating can feel like losing control of one’s mind, which can increase Worry,
5. Change in sleep pattern
One of the more noticeable symptoms of depression is sleep disruption. Some people may find themselves sleeping more than usual, yet still feel tired and restless. “When someone is depressed they may suffer from hypersomnia, which is the feeling of being excessively sleepy or sleeping too much.” Lukmanji says. “Sleeping too much can make it difficult to focus on tasks and commitments during the day, or even abandon them all together.” Others may struggle with insomnia, waking up at night due to worry or negative thoughts. “Insomnia is when you have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up several times during the night, or waking up too early. “These changes in sleep patterns can significantly impact a person’s life.” Luqmanji adds this by saying “If a person is not getting enough sleep they may become irritable, forgetful, or clumsy.” Over time, these disruptions in sleep can worsen other symptoms of depression, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Lack of restful sleep can perpetuate the cycle of depression.
6. Change in appetite or weight
Depression can also affect appetite, leading to significant changes in weight. For some people, food loses its appeal, and they may have difficulty eating, resulting in unintentional weight loss. Others may turn to food for comfort, overeating to cope with emotional pain, which can lead to weight gain. These changes in appetite and eating habits can affect self-esteem and body image, contributing to the negative cycle of depression. According to Luqmanji, another way depression manifests is through risky behavior, such as drinking and driving. “Often people who are struggling with depression may “self-medicate” and consume more alcohol than usual, or even use medications to “numb the pain.” She says. “Overall changes in appetite can also lead to poor self-esteem and body image issues,” she adds. All of this can lead to weight fluctuations, and these weight fluctuations can also have physical consequences, such as fatigue or health problems, increased feelings of helplessness, and making it harder to manage daily life.
7. Physical Symptoms
Depression is not just an emotional or mental battle; This often manifests physically as well. “Another sign to watch out for is the sudden onset of aches and pains, which appear to have no apparent cause. Headaches, back pain, even digestive problems can be signs of depression.” Lukmanji says. These are called psychosomatic symptoms. “It’s our brain’s way of forcing us to pay attention. Physical pain is harder to ignore than emotional wounds, so psychosomatic pain can force us to take a closer look at what’s happening to us.” she explains. These physical symptoms may persist even after treatment for other illnesses, leaving you feeling physically unwell in addition to emotional struggles. The physical manifestations of depression are a reminder of how deeply linked mental and physical health are, and why addressing both aspects is vital to recovery.
How to recognize these as symptoms of depression?
According to Lukmanji, the first thing to do is to see how long you have been experiencing these symptoms. “If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for several weeks, it’s important to consider talking to a trained psychologist, who can help evaluate you for a mental health illness, especially depression.” She says. “It’s important to remember that in most cases, you have to experience several of these symptoms together for it to be a sign of depression,” she adds.
The best way to recognize these signs as possible symptoms of depression, as Lukmanji suggests, is to check in with yourself and ask questions like: How has my mood been lately? Have I noticed any changes in my appetite or sleep patterns recently? Have I been avoiding social situations lately? Have I had a lot of aches and pains lately?
“If you notice that your answers show changes from your usual self, it may be a sign that you are struggling with depression,” Lukmanji explains. According to him, the best way to treat it is to first go to a psychiatrist or psychologist who can help you find a diagnosis, and then formulate a plan to help you overcome it.
