What Does Depression Look Like in Men? Here Are 15 Signs and Symptoms

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptoms of Depression in MenTalking to a Man About DepressionGetting Help and Support for Men With Depression

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Table of Contents

Symptoms of Depression in Men

Talking to a Man About Depression

Getting Help and Support for Men With Depression

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When someone you care about seems off, it’s only natural to worry about them. Maybe you’ve noticed that they’re not quite themselves lately—they’re more withdrawn, easily irritated, or just feeling tired all the time. These changes might seem subtle or even easy to dismiss, but they could be signs of something deeper likedepression.

Symptoms of depression are easy to overlook but may be even less noticeable in men. Why? According toTatiana Rivera Cruz, MSW, LCSW, a therapist at ADHDAdvisor, signs of depression in men don’t always align with stereotypical ideas of how depression is expressed. Depression in men often manifests differently than in women because men face unique pressures from societal expectations and norms around how they should and shouldn’t behave, adds Anand Mehta, LMFT, executive director atAMFM Healthcare.

The differences in how men experience and express depression can lead to underdiagnoses or misunderstandings about the disorder, says Mehta. It doesn’t help that men are less likely to reach out for help when they need it.

So, how do you know if a male figure in your life—friend, parent, romantic partner—is experiencing depression? Below, we list some signs and symptoms of depression in men and explain how you can support them through this challenging time.

Below, we explore some of the commonsigns of depression, and how they might manifest in men, including subtle signs and symptoms you might overlook:

Common Symptoms

These are some of the more common symptoms of depression in men:

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Symptoms That May Be Less Noticeable

Some symptoms of depression in men can be more subtle and easier to miss, particularly in men. According to the experts, these include:

Research shows that since men are less likely to seek mental healthcare, they are less likely to receive the help they need, making them disproportionately vulnerable tosuicide.

If you’ve noticed that someone you care about might be struggling with depression, you might wonder how to bring it up with them. Talking to any person with depression but especially a man can be challenging, but approaching the conversation with care and empathy makes a significant difference, says Cruz.

The experts share some tips to help you broach the topic:

Men often face significant stigma around mental health, which can make it harder for them to reach out for support. It’s crucial to create an environment where they feel safe discussing their emotions without fear of judgment.—ANAND MEHTA, LMFT

Men often face significant stigma around mental health, which can make it harder for them to reach out for support. It’s crucial to create an environment where they feel safe discussing their emotions without fear of judgment.

—ANAND MEHTA, LMFT

If the person is open to it, these are some forms of support that may be helpful:

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Takeaways

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6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Eggenberger L, Ehlert U, Walther A.New directions in male-tailored psychotherapy for depression.Front Psychol. 2023 Apr 18;14:1146078. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1146078

Rice SM, Oliffe JL, Kealy D, Seidler ZE, Ogrodniczuk JS.Men’s help-seeking for depression: Attitudinal and structural barriers in symptomatic men.J Prim Care Community Health. 2020 Jan-Dec;11:2150132720921686. doi:10.1177/2150132720921686

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New York State Office of Mental Health.Men and depression.

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