Depression in men can look different. This can make depression harder to spot in men. Doctors may also be less likely to think depression is the cause of a man's health problems. Some men may not want to admit that they are depressed. They may think that having depression makes them weak or less manly.
The good news is depression is treatable. If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms below, seek medical help.
Men may with depression may act out by:
Men may also have the usual symptoms of depression:
Some men may show more symptoms than others.
Depression can lead to suicide if not treated. Men die by suicide more often than women, even though women make more suicide attempts. This could be because women seek help more than men do or that men often use guns. Suicidal thoughts are an emergency. Men may show the following signs:
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or call for medical help right away.
Depression can be treated. Many mental health professionals have experience working with men who have depression. The first step toward getting better is asking for help.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.dbsalliance.org
International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression
http://www.ifred.org
Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org
Canadian Psychological Association
http://www.cpa.ca
Depression in men. Help Guide website. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-men.htm. Accessed January 21, 2021.
Five myths that prevent men from fighting depression. National Alliance on Mental Illness website. Available at:
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Accessed January 21, 2021.
Major depressive disorder (MDD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
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Accessed January 21, 2021.
Men and depression. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/index.shtml. Accessed January 21, 2021.
Suicide. Office on Women's Health website. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/mens-health/top-health-concerns-for-men/suicide.html. Accessed January 21, 2021.
Last reviewed January 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board