Many men struggle with depression in silence.
At Multi Concept Recovery, we help people heal from depression and the struggles that often come with it.
Ready to start your recovery? Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your loved one’s recovery.
Depression Looks Different in Men
One of the reasons depression in men goes unnoticed is that it doesn’t always look as how you would expect depression to look like. While common depression symptoms include being sad or experiencing feelings of hopelessness, not all people may experience the same depression symptoms.
Other often overlooked symptoms of potential depression symptoms in men include feelings of anger, irritability, or being more easily bothered. As a result, some men may throw themselves into work, others pull away from the people closest to them, and many turn to alcohol or drugs as a means to try to cope with their symptoms.
Because these symptoms vary from the symptoms of depression people may expect, they get brushed aside, by the people around them or left unnoticed.
Understanding that depression looks and can be expressed differently by different people is important. If you notice signs of increased anger or coping of symptoms through unhealthy habits like drug abuse, these are some potential warning signs to not ignore.
Signs of Depression to Look For
Again, depression can reveal itself in many different ways. This is why it is important to look out for several various signs of mood changes, behaviors, and interactions with personal and professional relationships.
Below are several depression signs to look out for if you suspect someone in your life may have depression:
- Increased irritability
- Loss of enjoyment for activities once interested in
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Drinking more or using substances to cope
- And more
While being angry or irritated from time to time, or feeling sadness are all normal emotions, if these become a reoccurring pattern these are signs and symptoms to not ignore. It is critical if you suspect that you or someone you know may be struggling with depression seek professional support to effectively manage symptoms and lead a healthier life.
How to Help a Man With Depression
There’s no perfect outline for how to help a man with depression. That being said it is critical to exercise patience, support, and judgement-free space for them to seek help.
First, let him know you’ve noticed he hasn’t seemed like himself, and that you’re there to support them in their recovery. Consider stating “I’ve been a little worried about you lately” can go a long way to open up the conversation to express concern without expressing judgment.
Then listen more than you talk to the friend or family member in your life. The instinct to fix things is strong, especially when you love someone, but men dealing with depression often just need to feel heard first.
Be patient with the pace. He may not open up the first time, or the second. What’s important is opening up the conversations so that they know it is safe to discuss what they’re going through.
What Not to Do When Someone Is Struggling with Depression
Knowing what helps when supporting someone is important, yet knowing what not to say or do is also critical.
Try not to minimize what he’s going through. Telling a man to “just snap out of it” or reminding him that others have it worse rarely helps, and it can leave him feeling more alone and less likely to open up to you with how he is genuinely feeling in the future.
Also, avoid making his depression struggles about you and how it impacts you, and rather show support for him. And resist the urge to push too hard or issue ultimatums if he doesn’t want to fully open up to you about his struggles. It is important to create a safe space for open conversation, not a confrontation.
Caring For Yourself Is Important
Supporting someone through depression takes a toll. It’s easy to pour everything into helping him and forget that you have limits too. This is why it is critical to also prioritize self-care.
Remember that you are not solely responsible for his recovery. You can love him, support him, and encourage him, but you can’t do the healing for him. Lean on your own support system, set boundaries where you need to, and give yourself permission to step back and breathe. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s part of being able to keep showing up time and time again for loved ones in your life.
Help Is Available
With patience, honest support, and the right professional treatment, the man you’re worried about can find his way back to a healthier, happier life.
At Multi Concept Recovery, our compassionate team is here to help you every step of the way along your unique recovery journey. Whether he’s been struggling for months or years, we’re here every step of the way to support your unique recovery needs.
Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t the man in my life admit he’s depressed?
Many men are raised to be self-reliant and to see emotions as something to handle privately, so admitting to depression can feel like admitting weakness. On top of that, depression in men often shows up as anger or withdrawal rather than obvious sadness, which can make it harder for him to recognize what he’s feeling. Patience and a judgment-free approach help create a safe space for anyone struggling with untreated depression to open up.
What if he refuses to seek professional help for his depression?
You can’t force someone into treatment; however, you can be there to support them and make it clear that support is available whenever he’s ready. Sometimes it takes time. Continuing to care for your own well-being during this period matters too, and is why prioritizing your own self care is also important.
Can depression and substance use be treated at the same time?
Yes, and they should be. When depression and substance use occur together, it’s known as a co-occurring disorder, and treating only one increases the risk of relapse. At Multi Concept Recovery, our dual diagnosis treatment is designed to address both at the same time. Contact us today to learn more.