Physical And Emotional Symptoms of Depression in Men

on February 27, 2022

At some point in their lives, men, women, and people of all gender identities may experience depression. Depression is a serious mental illness that affects people's thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Data suggests that women experience depression at a higher rate than men. It is thought, however, that men may be underrepresented in these numbers.

Men may have difficulties recognising and diagnosing depression due to a mix of social and biological factors. It is also possible that they feel cultural pressure to hide their emotions in order to appear 'manly'. As a result, men are more likely to suffer from depression, and their symptoms are often different and harder to diagnose.

Physical And Emotional Syamptoms of Depression in Men

Today, we will look at the physical and emotional symptoms of depression in men.

Physical And Emotional Symptoms of Depression in Men

Physical Symptoms Of Depression In Men

Depression may first manifest itself physically in men. While depression is commonly thought to be a mental illness, it can also manifest physically. As a result, many men go to their doctors for physical issues rather than emotional issues.

The following are some of the most common physical symptoms of male depression:

chest constriction
digestive problems such as gas, diarrhoea, and constipation
erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems
headaches
low testosterone levels exemplify a hormonal problem
pain
a racing heart or palpitations
unintentional weight loss (and sometimes weight gain)

Emotional Symptoms Of Depression In Men

When most people hear the word depression, they envision a depressed person. However, sadness is only one of many emotions that depression can elicit.

In addition to sadness, men may experience the following emotional symptoms of depression:

agitation
aggression
anger
emotional estrangement from friends, family, and co-workers
hopelessness
absence of interest in family, community, hobbies, and work
absence of libido
restlessness

In general, society socialises men to suppress their emotions, even though we know this is unhealthy. Many men may be jeopardising their emotional, physical, and mental health to preserve these social norms.

Some men never seek help for their depression because they never recognise the signs. On the other hand, some men who recognise the signs may struggle to discuss their experiences because they fear the judgment of others.