Depression in men

While clinical depression was once considered a "woman's disease," men seem to suffer from depression just as often as women. Unfortunately, the lingering image of depression as a female condition may keep men who are clinically depressed from recognising the symptoms of depression and seeking treatment.

Depression actually affects both sexes. It disrupts relationships and interferes with work and daily activities. The symptoms of depression in men are similar to the symptoms of depression in women. But men tend to express those symptoms differently. The most common symptoms of depression include low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, apathy, and sexual problems, including reduced sex drive. In women, depression may cause them to feel sad and emotional. Depression in men, on the other hand, may cause them to be irritable, aggressive, or hostile.

Why is depression in men commonly not recognised?

There are several reasons why the symptoms of clinical depression in men are not commonly recognised. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, “compared with women, men tend to be more competitive and concerned with power and success. Most men don’t like to admit that they feel fragile or that they need help.”

Does depression in men affect sexual desire and performance?

Yes. Depression in men can affect sexual desire and performance. Men are often unwilling to admit to problems with their sexuality. Many mistakenly feel that the problems are related to their manhood, when, in fact, they are caused by a medical problem such as clinical depression.

What are some observable symptoms of depression in men?

Observable symptoms of depression are not as well understood in men as they are in women. Men are less likely to show "typical" signs of depression, such as crying, sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, or verbally expressing thoughts of suicide. Depression in men may cause them to keep their feelings hidden. Instead of expressing the depressed mood, they may become more irritable and aggressive.

For these reasons, many men - as well as doctors and other health care professionals - fail to recognise the problem as depression. Some mental health professionals suggest that if the symptoms of depression were expanded to include anger, blame, lashing out, and abuse of alcohol, more men might be diagnosed with depression and treated appropriately.

What are the consequences of untreated depression in men?

Depression in men can have devastating consequences. The mental health charity, MIND, reports that three-quarters of suicides in the UK are by men. Its 2007 Suicide Factsheet says that “between 1971 and 1998, the suicide rate for women in England and Wales halved, while in the same period the rate for men almost doubled. This trend has changed in recent years, showing a decrease in the number of suicides by men, due at least in part to the  National Suicide Prevention Strategy”. Though more women attempt suicide, more men are successful at actually ending their lives. This may be due to the fact that men tend to use more lethal methods of committing suicide.