What Are the Causes of Depression in Men?

Depression can occur in both women and men. Although many of the factors which lead to the condition are the same, for example, a hereditary risk, some causes of depression in men are very specific to the male psyche and what men see as society's expectations.

Unemployment & Retirement

• A man's sense of worth is often tied to his job. When he loses it, whether through unemployment or even retirement, his self-esteem suffers. Men often have difficulty talking about their discouragement and may retreat into depression.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

• Men who seek solace in drinking or drugs compound the problem of depression. The substance abuse leads to more apathy, which worsens the condition. There is also some question as to whether the substance abuse is a cause or a symptom of the depression, since men will often turn to alcohol or drugs rather than ask for help.

Bereavement

• Although both men and women grieve at the loss of a loved one, men find it difficult to deal with the emotional problems based on a sense that they must maintain control. In addition, men tend to have fewer support systems than women, so the lose of their spouse can leave them feeling alone and isolated, leading to depression and poor behavioral choices such as drinking, drugs or risky behaviors.

Problem Denial

• Men require themselves to be the stronger sex, leading them to deny an emotional problem--often even to themselves. Unlike women, men are unlikely to discuss their mental state but will attribute their apathy or irritation to a physical situation, blaming fatigue or overwork.

Aging or Illness

• As a man ages, the changes in his physical strength and abilities affect his view of himself. A normally healthy man who faces sudden illness such as heart disease or stroke will often become depressed and find it difficult to deal with his new limitations.

Sexual Disfunction

• It's been said that the mind is the primary sex organ, and depression can cause sexual dysfunction. But erectile problems, whether natural or due to a medical condition or medication, can also cause a man to lose his confidence and self-esteem, leading to depression.

Medications

• Drugs that are taken for some physical conditions, such as high blood pressure drugs or cortisteroids, may cause a side effect of depression in some men.