Depression is a term most people understand, but many don’t realize that it is not a one-size-fits-all condition. No matter who you are, depression impacts every aspect of life and makes everything harder. However, there are different kinds of depression, and it manifests differently in men than in women. Knowing how depression affects men differently helps clinicians support men in their healing. Men’s depression treatment in Sharon, MA, at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health can help your loved one manage his depression.
How does depression affect men differently?
Starting as early as adolescence, girls and boys respond differently to depression. As adults, whereas depressed women will experience stress, melancholy, and sleep disturbances, men’s depression often shows up as anger, impulsive behavior, and irritability.
Unfortunately, men are far less likely to seek help. Their social programming tells them that they have to be strong. Having mental health challenges and asking for help are both viewed by many men as signs of weakness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are also far more likely to die by suicide than women. Men are 50% of the population, but account for 80% of suicides.
How does a man act when he is depressed?
The specifics of men’s depression symptoms have to do with a combination of brain chemistry, hormones, life experience, and societal pressures. Men grow up absorbing lessons in masculinity that do not serve them, such as suppressing emotion and prioritizing competition and dominance. Success for men is defined as winning, for example, in careers, finances, or athletics, rather than making room for success to also be about prioritizing healthy relationships, balancing careers with family, or focusing on self-care and mental health.
What depression can do to a man may look like:
- Physical signs like headaches, stomach problems, and pain
- Avoidance of the issue by escaping into work, video games, or sports
- Difficulty getting along with family, spouse, and friends
- Risk-taking behavior
- Misusing drugs or alcohol
- Rigid and controlling behavior
- Irritability and rage sometimes resulting in violence or abuse
For many reasons, depression in men often goes unacknowledged and therefore is not diagnosed or treated.
Why men don’t get help
There are numerous barriers to care for men with depression. The longer it takes for a man to realize he is depressed and admit he needs help, the harder it is for him and those who care about him.
Some of the things that get in the way of men receiving needed mental health treatment are:
They have a narrow understanding of what depression is
A man who is skydiving on weekends to avoid his problems or erupting in rage at his children may be baffled about what’s going on, but never suspect it’s depression. Isn’t depression about being sad? Until he understands the symptoms for what they are, he will not seek help.
Avoiding the topic
The stigma around mental health problems is still a huge problem in the US, for everyone. Men carry their own brand of shame and denial when it comes to admitting to any mental health vulnerability. They’ll gladly admit they blew out their ACL on the soccer field, but never even hint that they may be depressed. To feel manly, they must appear strong at all costs—even if the cost is to themselves. Without admitting the truth, they won’t get the support they need.
Refusing to seek help
The stigma around mental health also shrouds mental health treatment. Fear of friends finding out they are in therapy may keep some men from trying to get better. The support of family and friends who understand the risks of depression can help men overcome their fear of asking for help.
Encouraging open conversations about mental health and normalizing seeking help can make a profound difference. With the right support and resources, men can feel empowered to prioritize their well-being without fear or judgment.
Early intervention is important
If you know and care about someone you suspect is struggling with depression but not yet able to admit it, there are things you can do to help them consider options. Gently expressing your concern, listening without judgment, and encouraging them to seek professional help can make a meaningful difference. Sometimes, just knowing someone notices and cares can be the first step toward healing.
Here are several things you can do to help:
Have a compassionate and informed conversation
- Be honest with him by admitting your concern.
- Listen openly and without judgment to whatever he has to say.
- Share what you’ve learned about how depression affects men.
Encourage him to seek professional support
- Ask if he’s considered the fact that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Provide him with specific options, such as information about support groups and behavioral health providers in the area.
- Remind him that depression is an illness like pneumonia or heart disease and needs to be treated.
Coming to terms with depression might feel overwhelming to him, which could trigger reactions like anger or withdrawal—only making things feel worse. Tell him he does not have to manage it all by himself and that help is available.
How we can help
Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health understands the unique challenges men face when struggling with depression, and we are here to help. Our comprehensive treatment programs are designed to address not only the symptoms of depression but also the underlying factors contributing to it. Through a combination of evidence-based therapies, personalized care plans, and a compassionate support system, we create a comfortable space for men to open up and take steps toward healing. Whether it’s through individual counseling, group therapy, or holistic approaches, we empower men to regain control of their lives, find hope, and build a stronger, healthier future. You don’t have to face this alone—our dedicated team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health today for effective and compassionate men’s depression treatment
Today, you can help a loved one take the first step towards mental health. Medications and evidence-based therapies will mitigate symptoms of depression. The feeling of liberation can be extraordinary when someone feels the heavy cloak of depression lift, leaving the true expression of their identity to emerge into the light. Call us at 855.520.0531 or fill out our secure online form to get information and a call back.