Guest Blog By Ralph Macey
People become disheartened, irritable, or tired and experience issues with a good night’s sleep when they face severe emotional turmoil. These are some of the common reactions of human beings when they are going through stress, anxiety, or mostly…depression issues within a few days.
Lots of men struggle with depression throughout their lives which may harm their normal life cycle in many ways. Men may have a greater tendency to feel anger, show aggressiveness, and engage in substance abuse, compared to women.
Most men hesitate to discuss their feelings or seek help for depression. This is because men believe that depression is an emotional sign of weakness or a failing of masculinity. That’s why discussing this weakness can make them weaker. As a result, their depression gets worse with time.
Both men and women may experience severe depression issues, but the signs and symptoms in both cases can be much different.
Depression can affect millions of men all over the world, of all ages and cultures. But one thing we must also consider is that not only the men but people around them are also getting affected. For loved ones such as spouses, kids, parents, friends, and other family members, neighbors, everyone’s life is more or less faces an impact.
When men are having depression, sudden changes might be seen in their thinking, feelings, and functions in their daily life. Those rapid changes may also affect their productivity at the workplace or schools and harm their relationships, sleep habits, diet, and overall lifestyle. Severe depression can be intense and may cause physical and mental damage.
Men suffering from depression can harm themselves mortally and the count is four times more than women. So, it is necessary that men should take help regarding depression before it is too late. They should discuss their issues honestly with a friend, or a doctor and clearly open up about what’s going on in their mind, along with their body. For a perfect diagnosis, the signs and symptoms should be carefully noticed in the patient.
Signs and symptoms
Depression signs and symptoms are much different in men compared to women. Men sometimes use different coping skills just as women do. Normally men show different signs and symptoms while experiencing depression, due to their brain chemistry, hormones, and life experiences.
Practically, men may show the following symptoms of depression:
● Sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
● Feel extremely tired
● Insomnia or sleeping too much
● Less interest in regular activities.
● Lack of concentration
● Headaches
● Tightness in the chest
● Joint, limb, or back pain
● Digestive problems
Apart from these symptoms, there are a few behavioral signs that may be considered depression in men:
● Spending too much time alone.
● Spending a lot more time at work.
● Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems, and pain
● Losing interest in sex and experiencing sexual issues
● Avoiding family or social situations
● Irritability
● Taking unnecessary risks while driving
● Drinking more or taking drugs.
● Controlling, violent or abusive behavior
● Attempting suicide
Triggers
As per the experts, there might be multiple reasons for depression in men such as Biological, psychological, and social. Apart from that lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills also play a serious part in this issue.
So, men who suffer from severe depression, might encounter the following triggers or risk factors that make the situation worse:
● Loneliness and lack of social support
● Early childhood trauma or abuse
● Anxiety and stress
● A past record of alcohol consumption or substance abuse
● Having a divorce, job loss, or bereavement
● Having serious physical health problems
● Family history of depression or other mental health issues
● Experiencing sexual dysfunction
Coping strategies
- Some unique lifestyle changes and coping strategies can help men to manage depression to a certain level.
- Creating a daily routine and maintaining it may help a person to avoid all the hassle every day.
- Speed walking or running can help to produce endorphins which can boost a person’s mood and heal depression.
- If big tasks look unmanageable and confusing, people may divide them into smaller tasks. It will help them to achieve their goal and remove depression.
- Meditation and yoga may help a lot to reduce stress and support well-being. As a result, the sense of depressiveness will be reduced.
- Connecting to your dear ones, sharing feelings with friends, may make people feel less overwhelmed. As much as people keep away from loneliness, the depressive mood will also recover faster.
- Reducing alcohol intake can boost mood. Apart from that, it will also keep the body toxin-free and healthy.
- Have a pet and start taking care of it. The sense of responsibility sometimes removes stress and boosts your concentration.
- Get on a better sleep schedule by learning healthy sleep habits. At Least 7 to 8 hours of sleep can help to charge the mood and reduce depression.
- Spending time in nature may also boost the mind and bring positivity.
- Think twice before making important decisions, such as shifting jobs, until you get over with depression symptoms.
Connect with God
It’s important to convey the message to the men who are suffering from depression that – if you believe in god, know the fact that He comes close to those who suffer. So keep your eyes open for Him.
Believe the truth that the almighty God is not silent when people suffer. On every page of Scripture, God’s depressed children can find hope and a reason to endure. For example, take 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV):
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
In your darkest days, you may follow the guidelines of the Bible. Here are a few suggestions for Bible passages that you may find helpful.
● Read about Jesus’ suffering in Isaiah 53 and Mark 14.
● Depression could make you weak and easy prey for Satan’s. Jesus’ death on the cross proves God’s love for you. (Romans 5:6-8, 1 John 4:9,10)
● Know about persevering and enduring. Read on (Romans 5:3, Hebrews 12:1, James 1:2-4)
● Read Hebrews 11 and 12. You’ll know that many before you have walked this path and they will assure you that God did not fail them.
● Know your purpose for being a human. Read (Matthew 22:37-39, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:15, Galatians 5:6)
● Use Psalm 88 and Psalm 86 as your personal prayers to God.
Author Bio: Ralph Macey, a professional writer since 2008 and medical health/patient care coordinator at savantcare.com since 2014, writes articles on all mental health-related subjects. He holds a degree and two professional certifications in his field and continues to upgrade his knowledge with additional classes and seminars. He has provided mental health consultations and private fitness instructions for free in his local community. To connect with him, go to his Facebook or follow him on Twitter.
