Men and depression: Males may be more likely to hide symptoms

By LOGAN ERBSE

More than six million men in the U.S. struggle with depression each year. Although this condition affects both men and women, men are believed to be more likely to hide the signs. This may be more likely because of lingering cultural expectations for men, experts say.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, while this condition in women is often expressed as sadness, men tend to be more angry, irritable, or aggressive.

What is it?

Depression is a common illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you behave. It can cause prolonged feelings of sadness and loss of desire to engage in daily activities.

The condition can also be linked to substance abuse. Individuals who abuse substances are more likely to suffer. Substances such as alcohol can increase the feelings of sadness or fatigue. Abusing substances can increase the severity of depression in an individual.

Symptoms in both men and women include loss of interest in pleasurable activities, fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and apathy. Sometimes more likely in men are irritability, aggressiveness or hostility.

5 signs of depression in men:

Loss of interest in work, family, hobbies -- Men may lose interest in activities or hobbies they used to enjoy such as hunting or exercising.

Changes in eating habits -- Depressed men can either turn to food for comfort, increasing their appetite or they can start skipping meals and have less desire for food altogether.

Sleep disturbances -- Men who are depressed have a tendency to wake up early, and then cannot fall asleep again, which can worsen their depression.

Feeling sad or empty -- Men experience prolonged feelings of sadness, self-loathing, not feeling good enough, etc.

Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts -- 75% to 80% of all people who commit suicide in the U.S. are men. Although more women attempt suicide, more men are successful in completing the act due to more lethal methods.

If you or a loved one struggle or might be struggling with depression, talk to your doctor. Don't have a doctor? Visit: https://www.reidhealth.org/new-patient.