Depression and How It Can Look Different in Men and Women
Depression is probably the most common mental health condition, operating under a large umbrella and knowing no limits for who it affects. Depression doesn’t care what your age is, what your orientation is, what your nationality is, or what your background is.
Roughly 280 million people around the world are currently living with depression. Much research has been done on the topic and studies have indicated that depression is fifty percent more likely to occur in women compared to men.
Despite this, there is still a large number of men who struggle daily. With that said, men and women respond differently to their experiences.
Common Symptoms of Depression
There are common symptoms that both men and women may experience. These include:
Feelings of shame
Feelings of dread
Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
Loss of motivation
Loss of pleasure in normal activities
Sleep disturbances
Appetite changes
Withdrawing from social activity
Symptoms may be sporadic and not experienced by everyone equally. Here’s more information on how some symptoms differ between men and women.
Men are More Likely to Engage in Risky Behaviors
When men are battling depression, dealing with emotions is not the most comfortable or normal feeling act. One common coping strategy is engaging in risky behaviors to mask symptoms or emotional pain.
Risky behaviors may include extreme activities, reckless driving, dangerous sports, unsafe sex, or excessive gambling. The rush of adrenaline from this type of behavior serves as an outlet to release their emotions.
Men are also more likely to engage in substance use and abuse, whether alcohol or recreational drugs, to soothe their symptoms. Using this to cope can lead them down a dangerous path, especially when combined with other risky behaviors.
Women Are More Likely to Discuss Their Feelings
Whether it’s due to stigmas or just what’s considered socially acceptable, women are more likely to speak openly about their feelings and what they’re experiencing. Women share with their friends and family members in their circle. Conversations about mental health, emotions, and feelings are not uncommon in these settings.
Women are also more likely to seek professional help in managing their symptoms. Men, on the other hand, are not as inclined. While men have their own circles of close friends and family, they are not as open to sharing their mental health struggles.
Men Tend to Move On
Women will be more likely to dwell on their feelings and ride that roller coaster of emotions. Men will find distractions and ways to avoid their emotional pain. There’s little time held for negative self-talk or sitting with their negative feelings.
Women React to Stress Differently
Stress hits a bit differently for women compared to men. When men experience stress, they are more likely to react with anger. They will throw themselves into work or another activity to take their mind off what’s bothering them.
When under stress, women are more likely to develop depression. They internalize their stress and ruminate on their emotions, leading to worsening symptoms.
Men Experience More Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms are not uncommon with depression and are even more common with men. Many experience chronic illness, digestive issues, chest pains, headaches, and an elevated heart rate.
Since physical symptoms are more prominent, and emotions are not often discussed, depression in men is easily misdiagnosed.
Men Are More Likely to Commit Suicide
Depression in men is more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Living with symptoms and not getting the proper treatment can make them worsen over time. If symptoms get bad enough, suicidal ideation may occur.
Depression shouldn’t go untreated. The longer it has the chance to go unmanaged, the more it grows in intensity.
Counseling for Depression
Some depression can be managed with simple coping strategies, while others may require professional treatment. Counseling for depression can help you or a loved one learn to cope better with grief, loss and life's setbacks and disappointments. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, reach out today.
