Depression. It can feel like a 50-pound dumbbell on your chest every minute of every day. It might look like Alzheimer’s, forgetting appointments or chores or even cherished memories. Perhaps it manifests in a sudden onslaught of narcissistic feelings, extreme guilt, debilitating self-pity, or overwhelming pessimism with every minute that passes. Described as a raging thunderous brainstorm, an insidious monster, or a hostile parasite, depression appears in many forms for men. 

If you suspect that you or a loved one dealing with substance abuse is depressed, know that St. Joseph Institute for Addiction in Port Matilda can provide the mental health treatment that you need. Keep reading to learn what depression is and what it might look like in men. 

What is Depression and When Does it Occur?

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a common mood disorder and mental illness. When active, the disorder consistently affects your thoughts, feelings, and bodily functions. It’s more than a bad mood during a stressful time. It’s more than the grief that you experience when you lose a loved one. To be diagnosed with depression, someone must be dealing with at least 5 depression symptoms all day every day for at least two weeks. 

Depression can occur at any time, although it tends to surface in teenagers and people in their 20s and 30s. Typically, women are diagnosed more frequently with depression. However, research suggests men may be more affected by depression but be less likely to seek treatment. The following events and factors don’t automatically trigger depression symptoms, but they do seem to be stronger indicators of the likelihood of developing the illness:

• Experiencing low self-esteem or tending to be overly critical and negative with oneself 
• Being overly dependent on others
• A family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse disorder (SUD)
• A personal history with alcoholism or SUD
• Difficult chronic diseases like cancer, stroke, heart disease, or other diseases that affect mobility and incur heavy financial costs 
• Past sexual, physical, mental, social, or religious traumas

What Are The Most Common Signs of Depression in Men?

For many men and women, symptoms overlap. However, when imagining a depressed woman, we may visualize her weeping frequently, staying in bed all day, or feeling a general sense of sadness at all times. It may be harder to imagine a man having a similar experience. In fact, men often display depression more through anger and frustration than through overt sadness. Here are the leading signs of male depression: 

• Rapid, disproportionate feelings of frustration, rage, or anger in response to normal events or setbacks
• Feelings of low energy, motivation, and interest, and very commonly low sex drive or the inability to become aroused or erect
• Frequent suicidal thoughts
• Change in weight and sleep patterns/quality
• New controlling, impulsive, obsessive, violent, abusive, or escapist behaviors
• Anxiety symptoms like a racing heart, a tightened chest, digestive upset, body aches, and headaches

It’s also helpful to keep in mind that depression and chronic addiction are interlinked and can fuel each other. It’s a logical connection, as alcohol and substances often feel like effective ways to cope with difficult feelings. And in fact, many symptoms of depression disappear in clients who complete successful treatment for alcohol abuse. 

How St. Joseph Institute in Port Matilda Supports Men With Depression in Recovery

We take depression seriously and recognize that it can affect all genders and ages. With that in mind, we always complete a thorough medical assessment when you decide to visit us. We evaluate your mental and physical health to determine if you’re depressed and which type of depression you may be suffering from. 

We then create a specialized holistic treatment plan that provides detox and mental health services should you need them. Later, we make sure that you have ample recovery education, peer network support systems, and resources for continuing care that help sustain your sobriety and beat depression. Finally, we stay committed to you and your success. Contact us today to begin your journey toward a hopeful, sober, and depression-free future.