Symptoms of depression in men

Contrary to the popular misconception that only women suffer from clinical depression, depression affects men as well. However, depression in men may present itself differently and may have different symptoms as compared to women. Moreover, men are less likely to admit to symptoms or seek help. According to a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) research, most men are unaware of the physical symptoms associated with depression. But, if left untreated and undiagnosed, it can have shocking consequences. Here are some important signs and symptoms of depression in men. Difficulty in focusing : Are you finding it difficult to concentrate at work lately or do you feel that you have been focusing more on negative thoughts? People suffering from depression often face difficulties in concentrating due to which their performance at work or school suffers. Depression interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, take proper decisions and perform complicated tasks. Constant anger or irritability : Another common sign of depression is increased agitation or irritability. This is because, unlike women who give vent to their pent-up emotions in the form of tears, men resort to anger or aggression. Some even manifest depression by being hostile to a situation or another person. Apart from this, men often find themselves being cranky and irritated at simple circumstances. Adequate encouragement and support from friends and family can make a lot of difference in such situations. Frequent substance abuse : Many times, men try to mask their depression by resorting to some form of substance abuse. But what they don't realize is that depression and alcohol problems often go hand-in-hand. What they usually resort to for seeking solace actually adds to their woes. Alcohol, being a depressant, further blunts the effects of stress hormone and leaves a person feeling worse than ever. Diminished sexual drive : Although many people refrain from admitting openly, depression is often associated with loss of sexual desire and erectile dysfunctions. This is because depressed people usually feel withdrawn and believe that they are unable to raise enough energy to follow the normal routine. The general damping down of brain activity during depression leads to a feeling of hopelessness and this, in turn, causes loss of libido and sexual dysfunctions. Chronic pain and digestion problem : According to a research by the Harvard Medical School, pain, particularly chronic pain, is as much an emotional condition as a physical condition. In fact, men with chronic pain have three times the average risk of developing depression as compared to a normal person. Another study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that apart from chronic pain, depression is also associated with digestive disorders. This can be treated using prescribed medicines as well as counseling and psychological therapy. Sleep imbalance : Too much sleep or too little sleep is another common indication of an underlying depressive condition. Usually, people with depression complain about waking up early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep. Some even wake up frequently during the night or find it hard to get out of the bed in the morning. Extreme tiredness : General feeling of tiredness or fatigue has also been reported by many people suffering from depression. Most of them experience a persistent sense of tiredness and lack of motivation to complete regular chores.