Male depression is real: Signs in men and how to take control of their mental health 

Men and Anger: Why vulnerability is the new masculinity

Depression signs in men

Definition

Depression looks different on everybody, but especially in men. The depression males face is often overlooked and goes unnoticed because it looks different from women’s signs. Men are often taught to hide their pain and struggles so that they appear to be strong, whether that’s for their family or friends around them. This is why this article will talk about different ways men mask their emotions and how to teach evidence-based strategies to help improve their mental health.

Why Male Depression often goes unnoticed (Signs of burnout)

Depression in men may look like anger or frustration but it’s much deeper than that. Due to men showing there emotions in this way it’s been disregarded for years because it’s looked at as week or an exaggeration so a lot of times it’s bottled up and doesn’t show up again until it rears it’s ugly head. Society has taught men that they need to control there emotions and bury them so that they can provide for there family and do other activities as well. But what if I told you that admitting that emotional pain or weight you feel doesn’t make you a loser or put a burden on anyone else it actually makes you stronger and shows emotional inelegance.

Recognizing the signs/ what to do? (Support Groups)

Depression doesn’t have a time clock that says when you should or shouldn’t be depressed. A lot of times it’s onset and becomes a rush of emotions quickly which makes the struggle feel even more real. Depression can look like a multitude of different things including a lack of energy or loss of interest, irritability, isolation and substance abuse. We try and pay attention very closely if someone has expressed that they have been abusing alcohol or drugs because that can be a slippery slope. If you notice any of these symptoms starting to persist and affecting your daily life it is probably best to talk to someone like a therapist or psychiatric professional because feeling that way for longer than 2 weeks isn’t normal.

Cost of ignoring your mental health

Ignoring depression can not only have devastating effects for you, but it can also have devastating effects for your family as well. The reason I say this is because when you’re going through a rough time, the people around you are supposed to build you up and make you feel better about the coming future. Men who suppress their emotions on a social level tend to be more violent to things but less reactive when committing vicious crimes because their brains are so mentally checked out. The link between male depression and suicide is high because a lot of times men try to cover their mental health struggles up or devote time to their job so they don’t have to think about all that stuff. I’m here to say it’s okay to cry and be vulnerable, and you shouldn’t feel weak for that because it’s a beautiful thing. Make sure you check on your friends, especially your guy friends.