Saturday, March 23, 2024

Depression In Men Vs Women

Common Causes Of Depression In Men

Exploring Gender Differences in Depression

There are a few risk factors that make some men more susceptible to depression at some point in their life. Often, a combination of the following risk factors can contribute:

  • Environmental stress: Environmental stressors like financial problems, a complicated relationship, grief or loss, work problems, major life changes, or virtually any abundantly stressful situation can trigger depression in men.
  • Genetic factors: Many people wonder is depression genetic? In fact, family history can play an important role in depression. Men who have other family members whove been diagnosed with depression may be more likely to develop it themselves.
  • Illness: Serious illness can also play a role in depression in men. Certain ailments like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and others can result in worsening depression. Additionally, a medication thats often prescribed to treat a medical condition might actually trigger or worsen symptoms of depression.

Although the root causes of depression are quite commonly experienced across men, it can sometimes be difficult to identify it.

When To See A Doctor

Anyone who notices the emotional, behavioral, or physical changes that we have discussed in this article may be experiencing depression. If this is the case, it is essential to see a doctor.

The doctor can help diagnose a persons depression and give them the right treatment to feel better.

Leaving depression untreated can harm a persons well-being. Depression is a risk factor for suicide. Therefore, it is vital that a person with depression receives help as soon as possible.

There are several ways to treat depression. Everyone responds to treatment differently, but a doctor can advise a person on which treatment may best suit their needs.

Treatment options include:

Alongside other treatments, certain lifestyle changes and coping strategies can help a person manage depression. For example:

  • Regular exercise: Running or even walking briskly outside can produce endorphins and lift a persons mood.
  • Creating structure: Sticking to a daily routine may help make each day feel a little easier.
  • Breaking down tasks: When big tasks feel unmanageable, breaking them down into smaller tasks may help.
  • Yoga, mindfulness, or meditation: These practices may reduce stress and support well-being.
  • Talking to friends and family: Sharing feelings with others may make them feel less overwhelming.
  • Avoiding alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake may improve mood.

Women May Respond Differently To Stressful Life Events

Women may be more likely to become depressed in response to a stressful event. Some evidence suggests that when women experience stressful situations, such as a death in the family, a difficult relationship or losing a job, they tend to respond in a way that prolongs their feelings of stress more so than men do.

This may be because of interactions among stress hormones, female reproductive hormones and mood-regulating neurotransmitters, Goldstein said.

Read Also: How To Help Your Teenager With Anxiety And Depression

Women Are More Likely To Ruminate When Feeling Depressed

Dwelling on and rehashing negative feelings, known as ruminating, occurs more commonly in women who have depression in comparison to men who have the illness. This behavior may involve negative self-talk, crying for no obvious reason and blaming oneself.

Rumination does not help people, and in fact tends to make them feel worse, Goldstein said. Unlike women, men tend to distract themselves when feeling down, which helps ease depression.

What Are The Different Types Of Depression

Male Vs Female Depression Statistics

The most common types of depression are:

  • Major depressiondepressive symptoms that interfere with a man’s ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy most aspects of life. An episode of major depression may occur only once in a person’s lifetime. But it is common for a person to have several episodes. Special forms of major depression include:
  • Psychotic depressionsevere depression associated with delusions or hallucinations . These psychotic symptoms are depression-themed. For example, a man may believe he is sick or poor when he is not, or he may hear voices that are not real that say that he is worthless.
  • Seasonal affective disordercharacterized by depression symptoms that appear every year during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight.
  • Persistent depressive disorder depressive symptoms that last a long time but are less severe than those of major depression.
  • Minor depressionsimilar to major depression and persistent depressive disorder, but symptoms are less severe and may not last as long.
  • Bipolar Disorder is different from depression. It is included in this list because a person with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extreme low moods . But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high moods .
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    How Does Depression Affect The Elderly

    Depression in the elderly is very common, but it is not a normal part of aging. Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older. Unfortunately, only 10% receive treatment for depression. One likely reason is that symptoms of depression in the elderly are often confused with the effects of multiple illnesses and the effects of medicines used to treat them.

    Depression in later life frequently coexists with other medical illnesses and disabilities. In addition, advancing age is often accompanied by loss of key social support systems due to the death of a spouse or siblings, retirement, or moving. Because of their change in circumstances and the fact that older people are expected to slow down, doctors and family may miss the diagnosis of depression in the elderly. That, in turn, delays effective treatment. As a result, many seniors find themselves having to cope with symptoms that could be easily treated.

    For in-depth information, see WebMD’s Depression in the Elderly.

    How To Help A Loved One With Depression

    If a person notices the signs of depression in a close male friend, partner, or family member, it is crucial to discuss this with them. Asking someone who may be experiencing depression how they are feeling is an excellent first step. Trying to be a good listener is important.

    Next, encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor. If they feel worried about discussing how they feel emotionally, remind them that they can start by talking about physical symptoms, which will often lead to a broader discussion about other symptoms.

    It is important to be patient when supporting someone with depression. Sometimes the behavioral signs of depression in men may cause relationship difficulties. Try discussing issues in a nonjudgmental way. A relationship counselor can help people improve their communication.

    Anyone who thinks that they may have depression should see a doctor for help. The doctor may refer them to a mental health specialist so that they get the right treatment.

    Anyone who feels unsafe due to suicidal thoughts should call 911 or go to the hospital.

    If a person you are close to talks about suicide, do not ignore this. Speak to their doctor or mental health specialist or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline on 1-800-622-4357 for advice.

    See the

    Read Also: Can I Get Over Depression On My Own

    What Causes Depression In Men

    Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of risk factors including:

    • Genetic factorsmen with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop it than those whose family members do not have the illness.
    • Environmental Stressfinancial problems, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, major life changes, work problems, or any stressful situation may trigger depression in some men.
    • Illnessdepression can occur with other serious medical illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or Parkinsons disease. Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa. Sometimes, medications taken for these illnesses may cause side effects that trigger or worsen depression.

    How Is Depression Treated

    Mental Disorder – Men VS Women

    Men often avoid addressing their feelings and, in many cases, friends and family members are the first to recognize that their loved one is depressed. It is important that friends and family support their loved one and encourage him to visit a doctor or mental health professional for an evaluation. A health professional can do an exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that may have symptoms that are like those of depression. He or she also can tell if certain medications are affecting the depression.

    The doctor needs to get a complete history of symptoms, such as when they started, how long they have lasted, how bad they are, whether they have occurred before, and if so, how they were treated. It is important that the man seeking help be open and honest about any efforts at self-medication with alcohol, non-prescribed drugs, gambling, or high-risk activities. A complete history should include information about a family history of depression or other mental disorders.

    After a diagnosis, depression is usually treated with medications or psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. The increasingly-popular collaborative care approach combines physical and behavioral health care. Collaborative care involves a team of health care providers and managers, including a primary care doctor and specialists.

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    Do Males And Females Respond In Similar Ways To Depression

    One of the biggest differences between men and women when it comes to depression is in the ways that gender groups tend to respond to the symptoms when they occur.

    Over 30% of men experience a period of depression in their lifetime. Men are frequently socialized to not process emotional reactions. Gender stereotypes related to toxic masculinity often lead to the false belief that men dont cry, and that showing emotional vulnerability is somehow not manly or masculine can negatively affect many men. Often this leads men to seek logistical ways of coping with depression symptoms that can be harmful.

    As a result, men with depression tend to self-distract from their internal emotional experiences and may turn to substance abuse more frequently than women. This can lead to tragic outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are more than four times as likely to die by suicide than women.

    Women are often socialized to engage in more social support and tend to cope with depressive symptoms more effectively than men. Women are statistically more likely to report their symptoms and to seek help than men.

    For women, depression is also prevalent. Approximately 12 million women in the United States experience clinical depression each year, according to Mental Health America, and one in eight women can expect to develop clinical depression in their lifetime.

    The Signs And Symptoms Of Depression

    While depression can manifest differently in men and women, some general signs and symptoms are associated with the condition. These can include:

    • Persistent sadness or empty mood: A key symptom of depression is a long-lasting, low mood. This can manifest as sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
    • Loss of interest in activities: When someone is depressed, they may lose interest in the hobbies and activities they used to enjoy. This can include both work and leisure activities.
    • Changes in appetite: Depression can lead to changes in appetite, causing some people to overeat while others may lose their appetite altogether.
    • Sleep changes: Depression can cause insomnia or make it difficult to stay asleep. Some people may find themselves sleeping more than usual when theyre depressed.
    • Fatigue: Feeling exhausted all the time is another common symptom of depression. This can make it hard to get out of bed in the morning or to keep up with a normal routine.
    • Difficulty concentrating: Depression can make it hard to focus or make decisions.
    • Anxiety: Depression often goes hand-in-hand with anxiety. This can manifest as racing thoughts, irritability, or restlessness.
    • Guilt or worthlessness: Feeling guilty or like youre not good enough is a common symptom of depression. This can lead to negative self-talk and a lack of self-confidence.
    • Suicidal thoughts: Depression can be life-threatening if it leads to suicidal thoughts or attempts.

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    Depression In Women Vs Men

    Claire Imber,

    10 Minute Read

    The rates of depression are growing.

    As the shape of our working environments and day-to-day lives begin to change, depression is becoming more prevalent among many people. To seek therapy and medication treatment, its important that you can recognize symptoms in yourself and others.

    Lets take a look at how depression in women and men differs, and explore why that is.

    Finding Treatment For Male Depression

    Bipolar Planet: Depressed about Depression?

    If you think youre depressed and youre ready to get help for your depression, you can start with your family doctor or healthcare provider. Online resources can be a valuable place to go as well. The National Institute of Mental Health has a great list of resources. Support groups, individual therapy, and self-help techniques can all be important aspects of your healing.

    Therapy

    Certain types of evidence-based talk therapy are better for depression treatment than others. Some therapy techniques include:

    • Problem solving therapy

    Medication

    There are several antidepressant medications that can treat depression in men. Its important to note that antidepressant medication can take several weeks before it begins working. Some have side effects such as difficulty sleeping, headache or nausea, nervousness, sexual problems, and agitation. Its important to note that antidepressants arent the only medication to treat depression. There are different types that you can talk to a doctor about.

    The older medications that a lot of men avoided due to sexual side effects was an imitation. Availability of a new generation of medications can safely address the depression symptoms experienced by men without those concerns.

    Brain stimulation therapy

    Self-help techniques

    Wondering how to manage depression on your own? Self-help techniques like mindfulness, meditation, exercise, yoga, and journaling have all been known to reduce symptoms of depression in men.

    Recommended Reading: How Many People Have Clinical Depression

    What Are The Current Treatment Options

    Depression is most often treated with talk therapy, medications, or both of these things together. A healthcare professional can help create a personalized treatment plan that works best for you.

    Many men begin treatment for moderate cases of depression by scheduling an appointment with a talk therapist . From there, the therapist might suggest specific types of care, such as:

    From there, medication may be added, if needed.

    However, for more severe cases, medication might be prescribed right away to help alleviate some of the physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of depression. This may be the case for someone with suicidal thoughts or who has attempted suicide.

    Antidepressants such as paroxetine or sertraline are commonly used to treat depression. However, a mental healthcare professional may also suggest other medications.

    Be aware that these medications often take several weeks to months or begin making a noticeable difference in the way you feel. Be patient and stick closely to the treatment plan.

    Men And Women: Statistics

    This content mentions sexual assault, suicide or suicidal thoughts, self-harm, eating disorders, anxiety, abuse and violence, trauma, body image and substance abuse and addiction , and some people may find this triggering.

    Mental health problems affect both men and women, but not in equal measure.

    In England in 2014, one in six adults had a common mental health problem: about one in five women and one in eight men. From 2000 to 2014, rates of common mental health problems in England steadily increased in women and remained largely stable in men.1

    In 2018, there were 6,507 suicides registered in the UK2, and in 2019, there were 5,691 suicides registered in England and Wales:

    • Of these, three-quarters were among men, which has been the case since the mid-1990s2,3
    • Three times as many men as women die by suicide.4
    • Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.5

    Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women, according to the governments national wellbeing survey.6

    Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.7

    Nearly three-quarters of adults who go missing are men.4

    87% of rough sleepers are men.4

    Men are nearly three times as likely as women to become dependent on alcohol and three times as likely to report frequent drug use.4

    Men are more likely to be compulsorily detained for treatment than women.8

    Men are more likely to be victims of violent crime .9

    Recommended Reading: How Does Depression Affect The Brain And Body

    Other Ways To Help Include:

    • Offering him support, understanding, patience, and encouragement
    • Listening carefully and talking with him
    • Never ignoring comments about suicide, and alerting his therapist or doctor
    • Helping him increase his level of physical and social activity by inviting him out for hikes, games, and other events. If he says, no, keep trying, but don’t push him to take on too much too soon.
    • Encouraging him to report any concerns about medications to his health care provider
    • Ensuring that he gets to his doctor’s appointments
    • Reminding him that with time and treatment, the depression will lift

    How Common Is Depression In Men

    Suicide: Men vs Women

    Although men don’t commonly recognize or acknowledge their own symptoms of depression, more than 6 million men in the U.S. suffer from clinical depression each year. Depression was once thought of as a “woman’s disease” and linked to hormones and premenstrual syndrome. This stereotypical view still lingers and may be what keeps men with depression from recognizing it and seeking appropriate treatment.

    The symptoms of clinical depression in men are similar to the symptoms of depression in women. But men tend to express the symptoms differently. The most common symptoms of depression in men include:

    Women tend to be sad and emotional when they have depression. Men who are depressed, on the other hand, may be irritable, aggressive, and sometimes hostile.

    For in-depth information, see WebMD’s Depression in Men.

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    Why Is Depression More Prevalent In Women

    Major depression is a chronic illness with a high prevalence and is a major component of disease burden. Depressive disorders were the second leading cause of years lived with disability in 2010 in Canada, the United States and globally.1,2 When depression-related deaths due to suicide and stroke are considered, depression has the third highest global burden of disease.3 Major depression is growing in overall disease burden in Canada and around the world it is predicted to be the leading cause of disease burden by 2030, and it is already the leading cause in women worldwide.4 Between 1990 and 2010 in Canada, major depressive disorder showed a 75% increase in disability-adjusted life years,1 the second greatest increase in prevalence after Alzheimer disease in comparison, the increase in the United States was 43%.2 At the same time, the female:male ratio of global disability from major depression remained unchanged at 1.7:1. Although differences in socioeconomic factors, including abuse, education and income, may impact the higher rate of depression in women,5 this editorial focuses on biological contributors that are experimentally tractable and may help to understand how and why depression is more prevalent in women and lead to better treatments.

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