Thursday, March 28, 2024

Male Depression And Anxiety Symptoms

The Difference Between Anxiety In Men Vs Women

Men’s depression and recognising symptoms

Though its very common in both genders, anxiety can be different for men than women. Its not fully understood why, but research has shown that there are some specific differences.

For example, women experience a higher diagnosis rate for almost all types of anxiety disorders. The exception here is social anxiety disorder , which occurs at roughly the same rate for both women and men. Women who are diagnosed with one anxiety disorder are also more likely than men to at some point be diagnosed with another mental health condition.

Another difference is between how men and women tend to deal with their anxiety. Overwhelmingly, men are more prone to turning to substance abuse, whereas women more often turn to agoraphobic avoidance.

Men are often socialized to portray strength at all times. This can make it difficult for men to seek support in treating anxiety.

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.

Treatment For Anxiety And Depression In Men

Your doctor is a good source of information and can discuss with you whether what youre experiencing may be anxiety or depression. They can also refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Any of these health professionals can help you with an action plan, whether or not you are diagnosed with anxiety, depression or both.

Anxiety and depression are like any other conditions there are ways to treat and manage them.

Lifestyle changes, such as spending time with supportive friends and family, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet and cutting down on alcohol and other drugs are all worthwhile changes that can help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.

Psychological treatments, including cognitive behaviour therapy, are effective in treating anxiety and depression and are often recommended first, particularly for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Your doctor may refer you to see a psychologist or other counsellor for this type of treatment.

For some people, antidepressant medication might also be an option. Antidepressants can be effective for both anxiety and depression. They usually take at least 2 weeks before they start to help, and it may also take some time for your doctor to find the medication and dose that is most effective for you.

Also Check: How To Beat Depression Fatigue

Howto Care For Yourself When A Loved One Is Suffering

Ifyouve taken a trip on a commercial airline, youll remember that you wereinstructed by the flight crew to secure your own oxygen mask before helpingsomeone else with their mask. Simply put, you are better able to assist someonestruggling with depression or any mental health issue when you are physicallyand mentally strong. Develop resiliency to recover from setbacks. Watch forsigns of stress in yourself, like headaches or insomnia. Allow yourself a wide rangeof emotions even the negative ones to fully process them in a healthy way.Maximize the positive things in your life and celebrate all victories, largeand small.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers community support groups for those whose loved one suffers from a mental health disorder. Sharing with others facing similar challenges helps you realize you are not alone. If your emotional burden becomes too heavy, get professional help from a licensed therapist.

Because of the stigma associated with mental health concerns, many men who need help are reluctant to reach out. If your loved one is suffering from depression or any other mental health concern, help is available and early intervention leads to better outcomes.

Depression Is Different For Each Person

Presenting Depression Symptoms Stock Photo

Depression affects everyone in different ways, which means your particular symptoms are unique to you. For example, one person might not have enough energy to even get out of bed, while another person might feel constantly edgy and restless. One might feel really down all the time and break into tears seemingly for no reason. The other might snap angrily at the smallest irritation. One person might never seem hungry, while the other eats constantly. The two people might both say they feel down in the dumps, but how that actually feels for them could be very different. Also, the symptoms you feel and experience may vary in intensity and duration over time.

Adapted from the Harvard Special Report on Depression.

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Factors Associated With Anxiety Symptomatology

The adjusted model determined that women and non-binary gender had a higher prevalence of anxiety symptomatology compared with males. In addition, being 2534 years old , 3544 , 4554 , 5564 , 6574 , 75 years or older , compared with being 1824 years old, was associated with a lower prevalence of anxiety symptoms. Similarly, living in a town or in a village or rural area was associated with a lower prevalence of anxiety symptoms when compared with living in a city. In addition, the presence of suspected symptoms of COVID-19 , compliance with handwashing , use of a mask , food insecurity , and being worried about falling seriously ill or a family member become seriously ill with COVID-19 had a higher prevalence of anxiety symptoms. In contrast, compliance with physical distancing showed an association with a lower prevalence of anxiety symptoms .

Table 3. Crude and adjusted generalized linear models of Poisson family with logarithmic link to evaluate the factors associated with anxiety or depression in the study sample.

Develop An Action Plan For Anxiety And Depression

Your action plan for anxiety and depression will cover a wide range of options. The plan can include exercise, stress management and how to improve your sleep. You may be referred to a psychologist who can help you address things like negative thinking and how to manage difficulties in your relationships.

Some people think its weak to admit theyre going through a tough time, but if you have anxiety or depression, you cant just snap out of it or pull yourself together. Theres more to it than that.

If you think you may have anxiety or depression, and want to take action, start by talking to someone you trust keeping it to yourself can make things worse. Discuss your situation with a friend, partner, family member a colleague or your GP.

Beyond Blue has put together information about how men can create an action plan.

Also Check: Why Is Alcohol A Depressant

Do These Differences Impact Whether Men Seek Treatment

Men are often less likely to realize when they are experiencing symptoms related to anxiety because they appear vastly different from the way anxiety symptoms manifest in women. Because of this, men are also less likely to be diagnosed with and receive treatment for their anxiety. In fact, the Journal of American Medicine Association claims that less than half of men who have daily anxiety or depression seek help from a mental health professional. This leads to a higher risk of using drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety.

Tip : Challenge Negative Thinking

Depression and anxiety in men

Do you feel like youre powerless or weak? That bad things happen and theres not much you can do about it? That your situation is hopeless? Depression puts a negative spin on everything, including the way you see yourself and your expectations for the future.

When these types of thoughts overwhelm you, its important to remember that this is a symptom of your depression and these irrational, pessimistic attitudesknown as cognitive distortionsarent realistic. When you really examine them they dont hold up. But even so, they can be tough to give up.

You cant break out of this pessimistic mind frame by telling yourself to just think positive. Often, its part of a lifelong pattern of thinking thats become so automatic youre not even completely aware of it. Rather, the trick is to identify the type of negative thoughts that are fueling your depression, and replace them with a more balanced way of thinking.

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Stress Is Not Anxiety Or Depression

Stress is not the same as anxiety or depression but for some people, being stressed for a long time can lead to anxiety or depression, and it can affect a persons physical health, particularly cardiovascular health.

When we talk about being stressed, it usually means were upset or tense about something thats happening in our lives. Stress is a normal part of daily life. Its a natural physical and mental response that is designed to help people cope effectively with emergencies.

Some stress can be a good thing. It can help us get motivated to get things done, but health problems from stress happen when it is regular and doesnt let up.

Treatment For Men With Depression

Treatment options for depression dont differ in men or women. Its down to the patient and medical professional treating them to make a decision on the best course of treatment. Common treatments include:

  • Treatment programmes such as inpatient stays or day care
  • One-to-one and group therapy

If you are struggling with depression, or know someone who is, treatment options are available that can help you get your life back on track. Treatment can help you to address your symptoms and the underlying causes, creating the building blocks that help you continue to lead a fulfilling life.

Consider discussing your symptoms with your GP to get a handle on your state of mind, receive medical advice and offer an initial diagnosis. You could also seek treatment for depression here at the Priory, where we work with sufferers of depression every single day, helping them to overcome their mental health difficulties.

Our depression treatmentis delivered by the very best mental health professionals in the industry. From intensive inpatient stays, weekly therapy sessions that fit in with your life and work commitments, or online therapy that allows you to recover from the comfort of your own home, Priory has the right treatment available for you. If, like many men, your depression symptoms are linked to excessive drinking, then it may be more appropriate to look at treatment for addictionto get at the root cause of your mental health problems.

Get in Touch Today

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Helping Men Through Depression

Helping men through depression starts with empathy and understanding. Recognizing agitation as a sign of depression, for example, can help loved ones have patience, rather than writing off the behavior as a character flaw. Viewing depression as a health issue can further help to encourage treatment.

Newer insights into the nature and scope of male depression are prompting psychologists and clinicians to explore different treatment options, given mens greater resistance to initially seeking treatment at all. This is leading to more practical treatment plans that take into consideration how men view mental health.

When researching treatment options, look for programs that combine talk therapy with a focus on practical skills and coping mechanisms. If you or your loved one struggles with substance use or other mental health issues, look for a treatment center that is certified to treat co-occurring disorders. A focus on personalized treatment is also important.

Treatment Options For Men With Anxiety

Understand the Facts of Anxiety and Depression · Mango Clinic

Anxiety is curable, and there are several solutions available for men who have anxiety. Once evaluated, healthcare professionals often develop personalized treatment plans that address each persons symptoms to help them improve their mental state and overall well-being. Some effective treatments they may incorporate include:

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Professional Treatment For Depression In Men

If support from family and friends and positive lifestyle changes arent enough, seek help from a mental health professional. Be open about how youre feeling as well as your physical symptoms. Treatments for depression in men include:

Therapy. You may feel that talking to a stranger about your problems is unmanly, or that therapy carries with it a victim status. However, if therapy is available to you, it can often bring a swift sense of relief, even to the most skeptical male.

Medication.Antidepressant medication can help relieve some symptoms of depression, but it doesnt cure the underlying problem and is rarely a long-term solution. Medication also comes with side effects. Even if you decide that medication is right for you, always pursue self-help steps as well. Therapy and lifestyle changes can address the underlying causes of your depression to prevent it returning when youre able to come off antidepressants.

Poor Sleep And Increased Pain

Anxiety and depression also affect the body, not just the mind and emotions. Two of the most common physical effects of anxiety and depression are poor sleep and increased pain, which often occur together. Even though men dont typically feel sad or scared when they have anxiety and depression, their stress level still increases in the form of elevated levels of the primary stress hormone, cortisol.

Elevated cortisol has a wide range of effects on the body, but two common effects are worsened sleep with increased difficulty falling asleep and middle of the night or early morning awakening as well as increased pain, often in the form of headaches and back and neck pain. Poor sleep then increases pain and increased pain then worsens sleep creating a vicious cycle.

Potential solution: Poor sleep and associated pain can often be addressed with sustained, moderate intensity aerobic exercise for 30 to 45 minutes at a time three to four days a week. Over the counter sleep aids such as melatonin and magnesium are mild, but effective. Just be careful with sleep aids that include diphenhydramine or Valerian Root since diphenhydramine can have cognitive and reflex dulling effects and Valerian Root is addictive.

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Signs Of Depression In Men Vs Women

Depression for men and women can vary for a number of reasons. Women, in general, are more willing to talk about physical and mental health problems and express their emotions than men, so many women with depression seem sad. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to hide their emotions and may seem angry instead of depressed.Men may also be more likely than women to have difficulty sleeping. And while women who live with depression account for more suicide attempts, men are more likely to die by suicide because they use more lethal methods.

Treatment Options For Male Depression

Coping with Depression & Anxiety | Men Dont Wait

There are many treatment options available to those who suffer from depression and other mental illnesses, including therapy and medication. Therapy helps men with depression learn how to cope with their feelings in a healthy way, while medication helps balance brain chemistry.

Depression takes away many of the things that men value in life, including their motivation to get out of bed and go to work. It may be difficult to imagine what your life might look like without depression, but with time, treatment, and support from loved ones, you can improve your chances of recovery.

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Signs Of Anxiety In Male Teens

Anxiety in teens is typically related to issues regarding social acceptance, conflicting feelings about independence, or physical appearance.3 Teens may experience anxiety through muscle or headaches from tension, fear of attending school, and withdrawal from social activities.3,4 It is important for both teens and their parents to know the signs and symptoms of anxiety so help can be found.

Seven common signs of male anxiety in teens include:3

  • Muscle cramps or random pains
  • Refusal to go to school
  • Physical puberty-related discomforts
  • Social issues like dependency, uncomfortableness, or withdrawal
  • How To Reach Out For Depression Support

    Look for support from people who make you feel safe and cared for. The person you talk to doesnt have to be able to fix you they just need to be a good listener-someone wholl listen attentively and compassionately without being distracted or judging you.

    Make face-time a priority. Phone calls, social media, and texting are great ways to stay in touch, but they dont replace good old-fashioned in-person quality time. The simple act of talking to someone face to face about how you feel can play a big role in relieving depression and keeping it away.

    Try to keep up with social activities even if you dont feel like it. Often when youre depressed, it feels more comfortable to retreat into your shell, but being around other people will make you feel less depressed.

    Find ways to support others. Its nice to receive support, but research shows you get an even bigger mood boost from providing support yourself. So find ways-both big and small-to help others: volunteer, be a listening ear for a friend, do something nice for somebody.

    Care for a pet. While nothing can replace the human connection, pets can bring joy and companionship into your life and help you feel less isolated. Caring for a pet can also get you outside of yourself and give you a sense of being needed-both powerful antidotes to depression.

    Even if youve retreated from relationships that were once important to you, make the effort to reconnect.

    Also Check: Who Do You See For Anxiety And Depression

    Negative Unrealistic Ways Of Thinking That Fuel Male Depression

    All-or-nothing thinking. Looking at things in black-or-white categories, with no middle ground

    Overgeneralization. Generalizing from a single negative experience, expecting it to hold true forever

    The mental filter. Ignoring positive events and focusing on the negative. Noticing the one thing that went wrong, rather than all the things that went right.

    Diminishing the positive. Coming up with reasons why positive events dont count

    Jumping to conclusions. Making negative interpretations without actual evidence. You act like a mind reader or a fortune teller

    Emotional reasoning. Believing that the way you feel reflects reality

    Shoulds and should-nots.Holding yourself to a strict list of what you should and shouldnt do, and beating yourself up if you dont live up to your rules.

    Labeling. Classifying yourself based on mistakes and perceived shortcomings

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