Anyone can experience depression no matter their sex, gender identity, or age. While it's more commonly diagnosed in women, more than 6 million men and people assigned male at birth in the U.S. have depression each year.
Depression in men can go unrecognized for many reasons, including the way symptoms appear and gender stereotypes.
Here's what to look for and how to get help.
Why Is It Hard to Diagnose Depression in Men?
Men and women tend to have different ways of dealing with depression and behave differently in response to their symptoms. You and the people around you may not realize that what you're feeling is depression.
Even when you know that something is wrong, you may not be comfortable asking for help. You may have been raised to believe that men shouldn't show emotion or be vulnerable. You may think people will feel differently about you if they find out, or that it will hurt your career.
When men do seek treatment, they're more likely to see their doctor about their physical symptoms, such as feeling tired, rather than symptoms related to emotions. Many different health problems can have similar symptoms, so both you and your doctor may assume something other than depression is causing them.
It used to be a stereotype that depression was a "woman's disease" and that bias may still exist, even in the health care field. Research has found that women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression, even when they come to their doctor with the same symptoms.
Signs of Depression in Men
The symptoms that doctors use to diagnose major depressive disorder include the following feelings and behaviors:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Not enjoying things you usually do
- Being irritable or agitated
- Low energy
- Feeling worthless
- Trouble concentrating
- Thinking often about death or suicide
However, men are less likely than women to show "typical" depression symptoms. Signs of depression in men can include:
- Anger
- Aggression
- Violent or abusive behavior
- Trouble getting along with other people
- Pulling away from others
- Negativity
- Burying yourself in work or other activities
- Misusing drugs or alcohol
- Putting yourself in danger
Physical Symptoms of Depression in Men
Depression affects your body as well as your mind. Typical physical symptoms are changes in your appetite and sleep habits.
Depression in men can also cause:
- Headaches
- Digestive problems
- Pain
How Does Depression Affect Sexual Health in Men?
Depression in men can affect sexual desire and performance. You may experience:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Trouble having an orgasm
Some antidepressants and other medications can also cause or worsen these symptoms.
It may be hard to admit that you have sexual problems, but it's important to let your doctor know so they can help. They may be able to switch you to a medication with fewer sexual side effects. You should also pay attention to your overall health, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and communicate with your partner about what you're feeling.
What Happens if Depression in Men Is Untreated?
If you don't get help for depression, it's likely to get worse. It can damage your relationships, career, and health. And depression in men can have devastating consequences.
The CDC reports that men in the U.S. are four times likelier than women to die by suicide. A staggering 75%-80% of all people who kill themselves in the U.S. are men. Though more women attempt suicide, more men complete the act of actually ending their lives. This may be because men tend to use more lethal and violent methods, such as using a gun rather than taking an overdose of pills.
If you're thinking of hurting yourself, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline .
Depression in Older Men
Depression is not a normal part of aging, but it is common. A variety of things can lead to depression in older men.
Health conditions
Many men develop serious health problems as they get older. Some of these conditions, and medications that treat them, can increase your risk for depression, including cancer, diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and chronic pain.
Stressful life events
Some of the experiences that can lead to depression become more common as men age. This includes things such as the death of friends and loved ones, being diagnosed with an illness, or taking care of a partner who is sick or disabled. Retirement can often be stressful, as you may lose the routine and sense of identity tied to your career.
Social isolation
Aging can cause you to lose social connections as you stop spending time with work friends or neighbors move away. Feeling lonely and isolated is a top risk for depression.
Sleep issues
People with sleep problems are more likely to experience depression. It’s very common for people to find they don’t sleep as well as they get older. You may start falling asleep during the day, waking up in the night, and getting less sleep overall.
How Is Depression in Men Treated?
More than 80% of people with depression, both men and women, can be treated successfully with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Brain stimulation techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are other options.
Asking for Help
You might find it hard to ask for help. But if you’ve been struggling with changes in your emotions or behavior for more than a few weeks, especially if they’re affecting your personal or professional life, it’s time to act.
If you’re uncertain about whom to call for help with depression, check out the following list from the National Institute of Mental Health:
- Community mental health centers
- Employee assistance programs
- Family doctors
- Family service/social agencies
- Health maintenance organizations
- Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
- Local medical or psychiatric societies
- Mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
- Private clinics and facilities
- State hospital outpatient clinics
- University- or medical school-affiliated programs
How to Help Someone With Depression
If you think a man in your life is experiencing depression, you can help them by encouraging them to get treatment. You can look up mental health services in your area, or suggest they call their doctor. Offer to go with them to their appointments or therapy sessions. Encourage them to stick to their treatment plan and maintain their overall health through exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.
Takeaways
Depression in men often goes undiagnosed. Men and women may deal differently with their symptoms, and men are more likely to have anger, aggression, and risky behavior. You and your doctor may not recognize these as signs of depression, and even when you do know something is wrong, you may have a hard time asking for help. Depression can be treated successfully, so talk to your doctor if you’ve had changes in your feelings or behavior that have lasted more than a few weeks.
Depression in Men FAQs
At what age does depression start in men?
Depression can start at any age. It often happens in adults, but it can also affect children and teenagers. If you experienced depression when you were younger, you’re more likely to have it when you get older.
What is the stigma attached to depression in men?
Many men grow up believing that they aren't allowed to express their feelings. They may fear being considered weak or losing respect if others find out they’re having mental health issues. That can lead them to act out with violence or misuse drugs or alcohol when they are depressed.
How can you tell if you have depression?
The classic signs of depression include feelings of sadness, loss of interest in things you usually enjoy, thinking about suicide, and physical symptoms such as appetite and sleep changes. Men are more likely to experience anger and aggression, and physical symptoms like pain and digestive problems.
