How to Recognize Signs of Male Depression

According to the National Institutes of Mental Health in a Mayo Clinic article, about half as many men are diagnosed with depression when compared to the number of women diagnosed with the disease. However, depression affects men in a different way than it does women.

Instructions

• 1

  Observe any sudden changes in behavior. If your male loved one is suddenly engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as drug use, reckless driving, or promiscuous sex, he may be coping with depression. This kind of behavior indicates a greater problem or an apathetic approach to life in many cases.

• 2

  Check for any substance abuse problems. This may be a high-risk behavior your male loved one is engaging in as a result of his depression. Excessive use of drugs or alcohol may also be serving as an escape for a larger problem.

• 3

  Note any increases in anger or violent outbursts. Just as depression in women may trigger irritability, it can prompt a normally calm man to be easily enraged or take to violence when presented with a problem.

• 4

  Observe your loved one to see if he is more withdrawn than usual. This withdrawal may be presented in less obvious ways. For example, your loved one may channel his depression by becoming deeply involved in work, exercise, or a hobby. If he seems distant or has suddenly shifted to spending all his time doing a single activity, he may be avoiding a greater problem.

• 5

  Pay attention to any talk of suicide. All mentions of suicide, even if seemingly in jest, should be taken seriously. According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely than women to complete suicide, so if your loved one even mentions it, that may be the last warning sign you will have. Take it seriously.