Depression is a psychological disorder that can impact your mood, thinking, and behavior in a profoundly negative manner
According to the World Health Organization, there are over 322 million men and women with depression worldwide. In the US, depression is a leading cause of disability, affecting roughly 6.9% of all population.
Although most experts agree that depression affects more women than men, both genders have a lot to lose from struggling with this condition. Unfortunately, depression can go undiagnosed for years mainly because we don’t recognize the symptoms.
Before we get to the main differences between men and women with depression, let’s take a moment to learn the first signs of depression.
What are the main symptoms of depression?
Depression manifests through a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms such as:
- Exhaustion
- Poor-quality sleep
- Low sex drive
- Lack of motivation
- Poor performance at work
- Feelings of helplessness and despair
- Low self-esteem
- Social withdrawal
- Suicidal ideation
If you think you might be dealing with depression, the best thing you can do right now is to consult a mental health professional.
Differences between men and women with depression
According to a recent post by Psych Central, men and women experience and express depression in different ways.
Although women are twice as likely to experience depression, men who struggle with this condition tend to exhibit more risky behaviors. In other words, men are more likely to resort to alcohol and other substances to cope with their emotional problems.
From this perspective, we could argue that women are inclined to express their emotions, and therefore receive proper support.
Unfortunately, depression tends to be trickier for women because they often blame themselves for this problem and engage in negative self-talk.
Men, on the other hand, tend to express their depression through misdirected anger and rage, making life difficult for those who wish to support them.
Lastly, we need to consider the life context, which can significantly influence how we cope and respond to this unpleasant condition
But despite all the differences between men and women with depression, it’s obvious that, if left unchecked, this problem can be a real nightmare for anyone.
To learn more about depression, click here.
