A recent study showed that 5.3% of men struggle with depression. Unfortunately, this number may not be accurate. Often, men are misrepresented in this specific category because of different circumstances.
For starters, a large percentage of men feel like they’re unable to speak up about their depression. But, depression in men is one of the leading causes of suicide.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, keep reading to learn about your treatment options.
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Depression in Men: What Are the Causes?
Depression itself is a difficult disease to understand. Psychologists are still studying the causes of depression. Sometimes depression can be caused by changes in hormones, childhood traumas, sexual assault, and other life changes.
Depression in men could be caused by low testosterone. This chemical is essential for muscle strength, weight distribution, sex drive, and sperm production. Having low testosterone levels can cause anxiety, depression, low sex drive, memory problems, and irregular sleep patterns.
Luckily, hormone replacement therapy has been effective in treating low testosterone, which could be causing depression.
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Symptoms of Depression
Depression in men can cause weight issues, mood swings, lack of motivation, and suicidal ideas.
These symptoms can be mild to severe depending on the person and their brain chemicals.
Some men may also experience low libido, anger, no interest in hobbies or family events, and feelings of intense hopelessness. If you’re experiencing four or more of these symptoms, you may have depression.
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Societal Standards for Men
Depression for men often goes undiagnosed because of certain factors. For starters, societal standards leave men feeling ashamed of their emotions, causing them to mask any negative feelings that are not perceived as “manly.”
Because of this, some men feel ashamed of their depression and may not know how to communicate effectively. Also, some men aren’t educated on the different signs and symptoms of depression.
So, they are unaware that the symptoms they are experiencing are not typical. The best way to help combat depression in men is by providing them with education, support tools, and treatment options!
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Types of Therapy for Depression
There are about four different types of therapy for treating depression. For starters, cognitive behavioral therapy works by changing your negative thought patterns and turning them into positive forms of thinking.
Psychodynamic therapy works by unlocking your unconscious mind and connecting it to your current problems. Therapists who practice PT believe that our past experiences can dictate our current state of mind, while CBT states that our subconscious and past don’t play a big part.
Be aware that it may take different therapists and therapy styles to find what works for you.
Get Help Today
Depression in men can become deadly if left untreated. There are many different treatment options like holistic approaches, therapy, and other medications.
All these options can help ease the symptoms of depression so you can continue with your everyday life! For more informative articles, check out the rest of our website.
