Depression in men: symptoms
Symptoms of depression in men are often not visible to others - the stronger sex is not inclined to share problems. Classical signs by which the disease is determined: apathy, pessimism, decrease in physical activity, weight change (in any direction). Life becomes inferior, lack of joy and satisfaction. Serious health problems may occur. Depression is important to treat!
Causes of depression in men
Depression occurs in each person in their own way. Psychologists identify the main causes of depression: psychogenic, endogenous and somatogenic.
1. Psychogenic factors.
These include traumatic situations that cause stress. This is not necessarily a hard life crisis - small failures lead to frustration. Routine or hard work, lack of privacy, financial problems, unfulfilled dreams - are there many reasons for depressed mood?
Negative accumulates gradually, reducing vitality. And even a minor, at first glance, trouble can be the last straw - the millstones of depression are started, grinding the soul.
A man is important high appreciation of his professional achievements. He regards the loss of social status as a result of dismissal as an unfair assessment of his work. It hurts the psyche, especially in the absence of support from loved ones.
And if they are not - close people? My beloved is gone, old friends are scattered around cities and countries, and new ones are not expected ... From loneliness, the depression becomes even stronger.
These and similar psychogenic factors are the direct path to affective disorders that require serious treatment.
2. Endogenous causes.
Sometimes depression in men appears by itself, when there are no significant stressful situations. The biochemical processes of the brain, provoking the occurrence of affective disorders, are to blame.
Why this is happening - is still unknown, scientists have not come to a common opinion.
Endogenous depressions differ in seasonality of exacerbations, which makes them related to other mental disorders.
3. Somatogenic factors.
Somatogenic depression is a complication of another disease. Men are psychologically more difficult than women to endure the limitations associated with the disease. In addition, many diseases, such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, alcoholism and other pathologies, have depressive manifestations in the list of symptoms. In this case, the treatment is aimed at combating the underlying disease.
Age features
A person's age affects the nature and depth of depression. On each segment of the life path, a man bears the burden of responsibility that his family and friends place on him. Fear of not meeting the expectations of others, lack of fulfillment - puts pressure on the psyche and leads to stress. Especially if a man all his life put up with the circumstances, and did not live as desired. Over the years, there is a revision of values, changing attitudes towards life.
A man under 30 years old has tasks: to get an education, start a family, make a career. The young man spends his strength to provide a reliable basis for a further happy life. Yes, and youth requires - I want to look good, dress beautifully, travel. There are many stressful situations: passing exams, finding a suitable job, failure to communicate with women. Dreams are dreams, not reality. For every mistake, a young man blames himself. And here still the ostentatious consumption in social networks shows how everything is good and healthy with others. There is a false sense of inferiority. As a result, severe depression develops, sometimes with suicidal episodes.
In the 35-40 years a man often already has a family and children. Behind a lot of life experience, success and failure. There comes a "midlife crisis". There are thoughts that it makes no sense to further develop and set new goals for yourself. But to relax does not allow responsibility for growing children and aging parents. Fatigue accumulates. Depressive symptoms appear more often, but not in a bright form, as in youth.
After 40 years, depression in a man arises from the realization that the active period of life will soon be left behind. This is acutely felt before retirement. The usual work is more difficult to perform. Young cadres are tough competition. Children have grown up and live their own lives. Marital relations seem outdated. Care of friends and relatives leaves scars on the heart. Anxiety and feelings undermine the already shaky health. In old age, the symptoms of depression are complemented by physical pain.
Manifestation of male depression
The behavior of men prone to depression differs from the behavior of women in a similar situation. A strong floor will not complain to friends or "cry in the pillow." Strong sex since childhood, was driven into the head "you are a man, you must endure", wait, everyone has it. The deepest regret that you endured all your life comes before death. Denial and devaluation of one's own feelings is the first step towards depression. The consequences are not long in coming - the defense mechanisms are activated: anger, aggression, cruelty.
The main signs of depression in men are:
- bouts of causeless rage
- mood swings
- fluctuations in self-esteem
- sleep and appetite disorders
- headaches, discomfort in the heart
- apathy for a long period of time
- weight changes (both down and up)
A man can get carried away with alcohol, gambling, extreme sports, go head to head, get a divorce, or leave the old life thousands of miles away. The resulting lack of self-confidence leads to a sexual debacle, aggravating the disease.
Treatment of depression
It is very important that assistance be provided on time. Otherwise, the feeling of despair will lead to irreparable consequences. How can a man get out of depression alone? We advise you to consult a doctor. However, there are a few tips that will help immediately:
- do not keep feelings in yourself, tell your friends and relatives about your emotions. Sometimes you need to speak out so as not to feel lonely;
- review priorities. A healthy lifestyle will improve physical well-being and ease the onset of depression;
- do yoga, swimming, art therapy, listen to relaxing music. This will relieve tension and bring their feelings in order;
- Do not set yourself a serious goal. For the period of illness, praise yourself even for minor acts (got out of bed and brewed coffee - well done!) And do not plan anything global;
- enjoy life here and now, indulge yourself and love just like that, do not delay pleasure for another period of life.
Feel free to contact a psychotherapist. Do not hide your problems from the doctor. You may need to take antidepressants first. This should not be scared. Medications will remove severe symptoms, and a specialist will help identify the causes of depression and cope with the disease.
Recommendations to relatives
What does a woman do in the case of male depression? The main thing to understand your loved one. Do not blame him, do not blame him for weakness. Talk with her husband, be with him. Do not ignore the words about suicide. Convince to seek help from a psychotherapist. Just do not bend. Remember that if you are too worried about your husband’s depression, you should discuss this with your psychotherapist.
Try to distract a man from hard thoughts, tell him that depression is a temporary condition, and his recovery depends only on his desire. And remember - love works wonders!
More detailed recommendations on what to do if loved ones are depressed are in a separate article.
