Difference in Depression Among Males & Females

Most males express and cope with depression differently from females. Although this mental health condition is prevalent in both males and females, it has been recognized among females more than in males. It's important to understand how males deal with depression differently from females. Males also are likely to exhibit symptoms that deviate from the symptoms females experience.

Male Depression

• Men tend to minimize their depression because most symptoms used to describe depression are emotional such as sadness, hopelessness or loneliness. Most men will deny experiencing these emotions and avoid talking about their feelings. In fact, men will deal with depression as if it's another challenge. Instead of seeking treatment, many men may try to tough things out.

Characteristics

• Males who suffer from depression exhibit symptoms that differ from females. Females internalize their feelings, while men become aggressive and outwardly display what they're feeling. For instance men are likely to become compulsive about work, irritable, violent, abuse alcohol or drugs, engage in risky sexual behavior or lose interest in sex, and lose interest in hobbies. Men also will blame others for their circumstance; become fearful of failing; will need to control and be number one; or contemplate suicide. According to the Mayo Clinic, although women have thoughts of suicide, men are more likely to succeed at suicide attempts.

Treatment

• Treatment begins with spouses, family and friends recognizing the signs that men often show when they're depressed. This is important because it's more cultural acceptable for females to experience depression, but not so much for males. Diet and exercise are effective tools for reducing feelings of depression. If behavioral characteristics linger longer than two weeks, seek help through counseling or therapy, or talk to your doctor about antidepressants. According to an article by Mayo Clinic Health Solutions titled, "Male depression: Don't ignore the symptoms," delaying treatment of depression in men can result in health problems such as chronic stress and heart disease.

Female Depression

• The pattern of depression takes a different form in females than in males. Females can experience depression related to reproductive hormones after a pregnancy, during a menstrual cycle or during menopause. Because females internalize events and circumstances, they may display symptoms of stress related to their jobs, relationships or an intense situation. Females tend to recognize depression and talk about their feelings more than males do.

Characteristics

• Symptoms of depression take a different form in females than in males. Females blame themselves for the depression they're suffering and often ponder how they created the negative emotions they feel. Females will acknowledge feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, difficulty sleeping, weight gain or weight loss, and could turn to food for comfort. Females will also lose interest in hobbies and consider suicide.

Treatment

• Exercise is the number one defense against depression. It lifts your mood and gets your blood circulating. Regular exercise can help you sleep better as well. Make sure you eat healthy foods packed with vitamins and minerals. Practice deep breathing, yoga and positive affirmations. If needed, antidepressants are also helpful at treating depression. Depression can become a more serious condition requiring medical attention. Depression is a major risk factor of suicide for females, who are more likely to attempt suicide more often than males, according to the Mayo Clinic.