Too often, depression in men goes undiagnosed because it doesn’t always present with the familiar symptoms most people might recognize. The way depression is portrayed in media and literature is sadness, lethargy, and hopelessness. These are symptoms of depression in many people, but in men, there are a number of very common manifestations of depression that don’t fit the stereotype. How does a man act when he’s depressed? Often, depression translates to anger in men.
In our men’s therapy program in Sharon, MA, our clinicians understand that depressed men can have anger issues. Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health can help men work through their depression and anger so that they are able to lead healthier and happier lives.
Are depressed men angry?
The Mental Health Foundation reports on anger in men, citing research that indicates that irritability and anger are coping mechanisms for men with depression. Anger is known as a secondary emotion, meaning that it is often a stand-in for other, more painful emotions such as fear or grief.
When depression in men co-occurs with stress or shame, anger is even more likely to erupt. For loved ones, rageful outbursts are concerning, but rarely do they jump to depression as a cause. Men often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed when anger, not sadness, is the presenting symptom.
How does a man act when he is depressed?
Men may express their emotional pain through irritability, frustration, or even aggression, rather than sadness, due to societal expectations around masculinity and emotional expression. When anger is the primary symptom of depression, it can be linked to a number of different but interrelated factors, including:
- Aggression and acting out are often a symptom that camouflages emotions a man can’t or doesn’t want to face, such as shame.
- Low self-esteem is common among depressed men. When they feel judged or think someone is criticizing or belittling them, erupting in anger is common.
- Depression can be overwhelming, and it feels like it’s taking over your body. When this happens for men, the stress often erupts as rage.
- Pressures from society to be manly often lead men to suppress perfectly normal emotions of sadness, replacing them with anger because anger is more socially acceptable among men.
- A substance use disorder (SUD) commonly co-occurs with depression. Substance misuse often exacerbates anger.
There are often underlying issues that factor into depression. That’s why it is important to provide comprehensive, whole-person care when treating depression in men.
How you can help
Once you understand that depression can cause fits of rage, you may realize that your loved one is dealing with depression. Men dealing with depression benefit from:
- Cutting back on alcohol or drug use, which can exacerbate symptoms of depression
- Reaching out to friends and family and being vulnerable enough to ask for support
- Practicing healthy habits around nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness
- Acknowledging cultural attitudes toward gender and how they affect men
- Accessing professional treatment
By taking these steps, men can begin to reclaim their mental health and work towards a brighter, more balanced future.
The importance of seeking professional support
Seeking treatment for depression is a crucial step for men to regain control over their mental well-being and improve their quality of life. Professional support not only provides effective tools and therapies to manage symptoms but also creates a comfortable space to address underlying issues. Many men face stigma or societal expectations that discourage them from seeking help, but treatment can be life-changing, offering hope and resilience. It’s important to recognize that reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can lead to lasting recovery and personal growth.
There are three aspects to depression treatment for men:
- Evidence-based therapy: This includes modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), both of which focus on mindfulness, acceptance, and balance.
- Medication: Anti-depressants help with the imbalance in the production of neurotransmitters in people with depression, helping their brains recalibrate.
- Action: Men with depression benefit from channeling their energy into healthy, productive activities such as playing an instrument, fishing, hiking, or woodworking. Depression treatment that has outdoor or experiential components can be ideal for men.
Men are so often expected to be fixers that they don’t immediately understand that they can’t fix everything by themselves. If you care for a man and are willing to help him navigate his depression, including getting professional help, he will benefit from your support.
Contact Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health today to access depression treatment for men
At Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health, we offer leading-edge, evidence-based treatments for depression. Our clinicians understand the ways that men experience depression and tailor their treatment plan to their needs. Call 855.520.0531 today or use our online contact form to reach out.