Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men

The American Psychological Association found that about six million American men suffer from depression every year. This is a staggering statistic, and while both men and women deal with depression, depression in men tends to display itself differently. Depression in men tends to look more like anger, frustration, or aggression, and because of this their family, friends, and doctors may have a difficult time recognizing it for what it is.

In today’s article, we’re going to explore what depression is and the different types, signs, and symptoms of depression in men, the causes of depression in men, what the Bible has to say about depression, and learn about some treatment options.

What is depression?

Depression is feelings of severe despondency and dejection, melancholy, misery, sadness, or sorrow. It’s normal for human beings to have bad days when they feel sad or irritable. But when those feelings begin to take over a person’s life and harm their well-being, that’s when it may be time to take a closer look.

Clinical depression may be at play if intense feelings of sadness or despondency occur over a long period. To get a more fully-formed idea of what depression truly looks like, let’s unpack the different types of depression.

Different Types of Depression

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the most common type of depression is called major depression. Major depression has four subtypes known as psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and minor depression.

Major depression in men includes depressive symptoms that get in the way of a man’s ability to work, sleep, study, or enjoy aspects of his life. Major depression in men may only display itself once in a man’s life or be an ongoing battle.

It is common for men who struggle with major depression to have several episodes throughout their lifetime. Now, let’s look at the four different subtypes of major depression:

Psychotic depression: this type of depression in men is severe and is associated with delusions or hallucinations. For example, he may hear voices or convince himself that he’s sick when he’s not.

Seasonal affective disorder: this is characterized by depression symptoms appearing every year usually during the winter months when the weather is bleaker, and the days are shorter.

Persistent depressive disorder: this is also referred to as dysthymia and is characterized by depressive symptoms that persist over a long period – typically two or more years – but are usually less severe than symptoms of major depression.

Minor depression: this type of depression is remarkably like persistent depressive disorder, but the symptoms aren’t typically long-lasting.

Now that we’ve looked at what depression is and the different types of depression, let’s look at the signs and symptoms of depression in men.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men

As stated earlier, both men and women can experience depression but the symptoms of depression in men can look a little different. This may be because of the difference in brain chemistry, hormones, and life experiences. Not only that, but coping mechanisms between men and women can look different, too.

So, let’s look at some similar depression symptoms that men and women can both display and then we’ll look at some not-so-obvious symptoms of depression in men.

Similar Symptoms of Depression in Men and Women

• Severe feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
• Feeling extremely tired all the time.
• Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much.
• Not finding fulfillment or pleasure in activities that you usually enjoy.

Symptoms of Depression in Men

• Displaying escapist behavior such as spending excessive time at work or not coming home often.
• Headaches, digestive problems, chronic pain.
• Issues with alcohol or drug use.
• Displaying controlling, violent, or abusive behavior.
• Irritability or inappropriate anger.
• Reckless or risky behavior.

Depression in men often goes undiagnosed because the misconception about depression is that you must feel sad. However, depression in men often displays itself in physical symptoms or in feeling isolated and seeking an escape.

Men are also less likely than women to talk about their feelings, which is another huge reason depression in men can so easily remain undiagnosed. But if you are a man who is struggling with depression, there is no shame in reaching out and receiving the help you need. That help may just be what you need to get your life back on track the way God intended it to be.

Now, let’s move on to discuss the different causes of depression in men.

Causes of Depression in Men

There is a combination of things that can cause depression in men. Those causes include:

Genetic factors: men with a family history of depression are more likely to develop it themselves.

Environmental stress: stress from work, finances, relational issues, loss of a loved one, or major life changes can all have an impact on a man’s mental health and lead to depression in men.

Illness: depression is likely to occur in men who are facing medical issues such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease. The stress of these diseases can induce depression.

We’ve talked a lot about the statistics of depression, what it is, and the different symptoms and causes. But now, it’s time to look at what the Bible has to say about depression.

What the Bible Says About Depression and Despair

If you aren’t familiar with King David in the Bible, he was known as Israel’s greatest king. Appointed by God for the people of Israel, David is known in 1 Samuel 13:14 as “a man after God’s own heart.”

That’s a high compliment for anyone, let alone a king! King David was known for his steadfast love for God and his ability to lead his people in wisdom and truth. But just because David was a man after God’s own heart doesn’t mean he didn’t make mistakes or feel despair.

King David is one of the most well-known men in the Bible, who continually poured out his emotions and sorrows to God. In fact, in Psalm 62:8, David encourages us all to outpour to God continually: “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” Immediately, we see that we are called to bring all of how we feel – even our sorrows and despair – to the throne of God, where He waits to receive all of us.

A Psalm of lament that comes to mind that displays King David’s deep feelings of despair is Psalm 142:1-6. It’s a short Psalm, so let’s take a closer look at the whole of it.

I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me.

I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

In this Psalm, we see King David do four particularly important things when it came to dealing with his despair and depressive feelings:

David acknowledged God

David, no matter how alone he may have felt, knew that he wasn’t truly alone. He invited God into his circumstances and chose to be honest and direct with the Lord in his lamenting.

When we choose to acknowledge God and bring our wounded hearts to Him, He is always quick to listen, drawing us in with the comfort of His sweet presence. Inviting God into our grief gives us a fresh perspective. It brings healing, and it deepens our relationship with the One who comes close.

David poured out his emotions to God

King David held nothing back, telling God that “no one cares for his life” and that he “has no refuge.” He didn’t try to suppress his fears and sorrows down, and he didn’t try to sugarcoat them in the presence of God.

Instead, David brought his real fears, his disappointments, and his hurts to the feet of his Creator. This is the type of relationship that God deeply desires to have with every one of us. God wants us, beckons us, to come running to His feet with everything.

David praised God

Even in his anguish, even amidst his lamenting, David chose to praise God. I imagine he probably didn’t want to praise Him considering his dire circumstances, but I think praising God through the storm helped remind David of who God is.

When we choose to praise God even when we don’t feel like it, we are reminded of God’s character even in our lamenting. When we praise Him, we bring God’s love and faithfulness to the forefront of our minds and hearts and are reminded that He is good and is the One who is in total control of our lives.

David shared his desire with God

David was very honest with God about what he wanted. The Psalm ends with David telling God of his desire to be set free from the prison he lived in. David didn’t shy away from bringing God the desires of his heart. When we share our desires with God, we permit Him to shape our heart’s longings to look more like His. When we bring our honest, raw desires to God, we’re given eyes to see how He may be working on our behalf.

David teaches us that if we allow ourselves to go through the process of feeling our emotions, and then reach out to God and others for help, we can heal and move forward.

Treatment Options for Depression in Men

The two most common forms of treatment for depression in men are medication and psychotherapy. Let’s look at it a little bit more in-depth.

Medication as a Treatment Option for Depression in Men

Prescriptions known as antidepressants can help alter your brain chemistry which causes depression. Antidepressants can take a few weeks until you notice an effect, and it’s important to note that all medication does have side effects. Some of these side effects may improve over time, but it’s always important to be open and honest with your doctor about any concerns you have about taking medication.

Some of the more common antidepressants include:

• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

Psychotherapy as a Treatment Option for Depression in Men

Psychotherapy or counseling is where you sit down and talk with a licensed mental health professional about your symptoms, and they provide healthy strategies for coping and moving forward. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 75% of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it.

In today’s world, there are several different ways to speak with a counselor. The more traditional way is to find one in your area and have a sit-down appointment. But online counseling is also an option that’s becoming increasingly popular and something worth looking into if you are not able to travel.

If you are feeling hopeless and overwhelmed by your depression, we are here to help you. Here at Texas Christian Counseling, we aim to create a safe and healthy space for you to be honest with how you’re feeling while at the same time making progress toward your goals. If you would like to speak with me or another one of our counselors in the online directory about what you’re going through, please don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment.