Probably all of us have so-called worse days when we feel sad, feel no desire for anything and seem depressed. These are normal feelings, but when they persist for a long time and we are not able to deal with them on our own, such a condition can turn into a depressive disease.
What are the signs of depression in men?
People suffering from depression usually feel unhappy, and this feeling lasts for a long time, sometimes it worsens at some specific time of the day, often in the morning. We can observe the loss of joy of life, deterioration of concentration, growing guilt even because of matters beyond our control, pessimism and even suicidal thoughts creeping into our heads. Physical symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, interrupting sleep during the night, waking up early in the morning, lack of interest in sex, loss of appetite and weight. Men often experience increased frustration and aggression during depression. Research has shown that symptoms such as irritation, sudden outbreaks of anger, loss of self-control, aggression and risky activities are more common in men than in women.
How do men deal with depression?
Men often do not ask for help. They do not see a doctor because of mental weakness or worse mood. They feel self-sufficient, but such thinking creates stereotypes. For this reason, often men suffering from depression are unable to admit to themselves that something is wrong with them. It is more difficult for them to ask for support because of the so-called male model of upbringing, which says that a real man should deal with his own problems on his own. For them, the fact that they are unable to cope with something is a proof of failure in life. They feel that they are losing control of their lives, and this sense of defeat makes them even more immersed in illness. Men are also more likely than women to seek help with alcohol or drugs, which in the long run only makes the situation worse. It is important for men to be aware that depressive disorders are independent of them and to feel healthy again they need professional help. The sooner we notice the symptoms and start treating them, the greater the chance of a full recovery.
Treatment of depression
To get specialist help, it is best to start with a visit to your GP, who can discuss what kind of help you can get. One of the possible ways of treating depression in men is pharmacological treatment - at the beginning of the disease there is often a problem associated with lack of energy, various types of pain and accompanying irritability. A way to reduce these troublesome symptoms is to take medication (especially when your mood, e.g. on the Beck depression scale, qualifies your condition as moderate or significantly reduced). You can choose your own doctor and work with him to determine what is best for you. Another way is psychotherapy - therapy is an opportunity to learn new strategies for coping with stress, negative thoughts and destructive behaviours.
The support of relatives is also important during the treatment, so do not be afraid to inform family and friends about the disease and ask for help.
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