Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can impact individuals of all genders, it is important to understand that depression can present differently in men compared to women.
Historically, men have had trouble seeking treatment for depression partly due to the stigma against men expressing vulnerability or perceived “weakness.” But just under five percent of men will experience depression. It is far from an uncommon problem, and men’s mental health problems can accurately be called a silent crisis. They may not be encouraged to seek help if they fear being judged or alienated for doing so.
The Top Causes of Depression in Men
There is a lot of crossover in the causes of depression in men versus other genders. But they may affect men differently due to different societal expectations, or different roles they perform within their family structure or romantic relationship. It’s also important to take into account individual differences in temperament and personality. What may cause one person to feel depressed may not affect another as deeply, simply due to what they value or how they feel that day.
The most common causes of depression in men include:
Long hours, job insecurity, and high-stakes decision-making can contribute to chronic stress in men, increasing the risk of depression. If a man provides the sole income in his household, he may feel immense pressure to maintain employment no matter what. This can lead to putting up with stresses or difficult people without asserting themselves, or a feeling of being trapped in an unhealthy or unproductive situation.
While most men value time to themselves, a strained romantic relationship, troubled family members, or problems with friends can weigh heavily on men. Difficulties in communication due to depression can lead to feelings of isolation. This can foster unhealthy coping mechanisms that ultimately don’t help the man fully treat his depression in a lasting way.
If a man believes he is experiencing depression, his cultural background may cause him to doubt his feelings or dismiss them as “unmanly.” But this can lead to the suppression of feelings and an increased risk of developing depression, as well as prevent him from seeking help.
Certain health conditions, such as chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, or neurological disorders can contribute to the onset of depression in men. The physical toll of dealing with chronic conditions can wear down a man’s emotional state, and they may not feel able to express this frustration without “complaining.”
Men with depression may turn to substance abuse as a way of self-medication. They may think it helps relieve their symptoms, when in fact it is just masking their effects. The resulting dependency often exacerbates the depression, creating a vicious cycle that can be challenging to break.
Men with a family history of depression are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Understanding one’s genetic predisposition can help in early intervention and/or management of symptoms. By seeking help for depression and being open about treatment, it’s possible to halt patterns of suppression that have continued through generations.
Men who lack a strong support system may find it challenging to cope with the normal stress of life, which can increase their vulnerability to depression. Building a network of friends, family, support groups, or even hobby communities can provide the necessary emotional connections that can help navigate difficult times.
These aren’t the only sources of depression in men, and more research is required to fully understand how men experience it. But many strides have been made — for example, it was once assumed that only women experienced depression after giving birth. However, postpartum depression in fathers has been proven to be much more common than ever before. It can also express itself up to a year after the birth has occurred. This is a prime example of how addiction from men can express itself much differently in men than in other genders.
How is Depression Different For Men?
Depression affects men in unique ways, sometimes manifesting in different emotions than sadness. It’s important to keep in mind that depression may not be as recognizable in men, but can still be present.
Expressing Emotions
Men can internalize their stronger negative emotions, preferring not to express or even engage with them. However, this can make it challenging to recognize and seek help for depression. Additionally, societal expectations and norms surrounding masculinity can negatively impact men’s willingness to acknowledge and address their mental health issues.
Physical Signs of Depression
Research suggests that men may also express feelings of depression in physical ways alongside emotional expression. These can include chronic pain, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances, which may further complicate the diagnosis of depression and receiving treatment.
Social Stigma
Men may fear being perceived as weak or vulnerable if they admit to struggling with depression, which leads them to suffer in silence. Promoting open conversations about mental health is crucial in encouraging men to prioritize their well-being and seek the support they need.
How To Support Men With Depression
Supporting men with depression requires a compassionate and understanding approach. Here are some strategies to help:
- Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where men feel comfortable expressing their emotions without judgment or criticism. This can take time and may require regular vulnerability to “prove” that men are safe to express themselves.
- Promote Mental Health Awareness: Educate others about the unique challenges men face regarding mental health, including how they may differ from women. By normalizing the idea that men experience depression and it may look different than for women, you may empower other men to come forward with their experiences.
- Offer Practical Support: Assist depressed men in finding resources such as individual therapy, support groups, or counseling services. Act as an ally throughout their journey to recovery, and try to actively listen rather than tell them what their experience “should” be.
- Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Encourage men to engage in (or return to) activities they enjoy. These can be hobbies, active activities, or creative outlets.
- Show Compassion: Validate their feelings and experiences while offering empathy in times of distress. Remember that men frequently just wish to be listened to and that offering advice right away may discourage them from opening up in the future.
- Validate Their Experience of Depression: It is important to recognize that men may experience depression differently than women. Men often exhibit symptoms that are less recognized, such as irritability, anger, or physical complaints. By understanding these nuances, you can better support men in recognizing mental health struggles.
Encouraging men to express their feelings, and promoting the idea that to do so is an expression of strength, is a key way of supporting the men in your life. By promoting a culture of acceptance and vulnerability, modern society can create a safe space for men to open up about their struggles and seek the assistance they need.
How are Addiction and Depression Connected?
Depression and addiction often coexist, frequently exacerbating one another. Many individuals turn to substance abuse as a way to self-medicate their depressive symptoms. However, this behavior only provides temporary relief and ultimately worsens both conditions.
However, the relationship between addiction and depression can be even more complex and multifaceted. Individuals with a history of trauma or adverse childhood experiences are more susceptible to developing both conditions. A person experiencing trauma can alter their brain chemistry. This can make individuals more prone to depression and substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
Societal factors (such as a lack of access to mental health resources) can perpetuate the cycle of addiction and depression. If there is shame associated with seeking help for mental health issues, this may drive individuals to further reliance on addictive substances.
It is crucial to address both depression and addiction simultaneously to achieve long-term recovery and overall well-being. This is known as dual diagnosis treatment.
Treat Depression and Addiction at Eagle Creek Recovery
At Eagle Creek Recovery, we specialize in providing comprehensive treatment for individuals struggling with depression and addiction. Our evidence-based programs address the underlying causes of these conditions and promote holistic healing.
Through individual therapy, group counseling, and a range of therapeutic modalities, we empower individuals to overcome their challenges and rediscover a life of fulfillment and joy. Our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to supporting men in their journey towards recovery.
If you or a loved one are experiencing depression and addiction, reach out to Eagle Creek Recovery today. Together, we can break free from the grips of these conditions and forge a path towards a brighter future.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
