14 Warning Signs Of Depression In Men You Should Never Ignore

WHO (World Health Organization) Research

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), around 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and among them, men have a lower rate of diagnosis and treatment compared to women. One major reason is that men experience depression in different ways, and its signs and symptoms are often mistaken for mere stress, anger, or fatigue, and thus ignored.

What is Depression in Urdu?

ڈپریشن یا افسردگی ایک ایسی ذہنی کیفیت ہے جس میں انسان مسلسل اداسی، مایوسی اور بے دلی محسوس کرتا ہے۔ اس حالت میں دلچسپی کے کام بھی بوجھ لگنے لگتے ہیں اور زندگی بے معنی سی محسوس ہوتی ہے۔ ڈپریشن صرف وقتی غم نہیں بلکہ ایک ایسی بیماری ہے جو انسان کے خیالات، احساسات اور روزمرہ زندگی پر گہرا اثر ڈالتی ہے۔ بروقت علاج، مثبت سوچ اور سپورٹ سے اس پر قابو پایا جا سکتا ہے۔

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What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It goes beyond temporary sadness or mood swings, involving a persistent feeling of sadness, irritability, low self-esteem, emptiness, or loss of interest in daily activities that can last for weeks or even months.
In short, depression is not weakness; it is a treatable medical condition.

Important Insights on Depression

• Medical condition: It is recognized as a clinical illness, not just “feeling sad.”

• Emotional effects: Constant hopelessness, guilt, irritability, or low self-esteem.

• Physical effects: Fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or unexplained aches.

• Cognitive effects: Trouble concentrating, decision-making difficulties, and memory issues.

• Serious risks: If untreated, it may lead to substance abuse or suicidal thoughts.

Discover more about mental health

14 Warning Signs of Depression in Men

1. Persistent Fatigue

Men suffering from depression often feel tired and weak even after resting, but this tiredness and weakness are not physical; it is actually the result of mental exhaustion.

2. Irritability and Anger Issues

Unlike women, men usually do not express their sadness; instead, they show their depression through irritability and anger. This makes them constantly short-tempered, reacting negatively to even small things, which ultimately damages their relationships at home and at work.

3. Loss of Interest in Activities

If a man suddenly distances himself from his favorite activities, it may be a sign of depression. He loses interest in hobbies or passions that once brought him joy. He also avoids spending time with friends or attending family gatherings. Such men often spend more time in isolation, which further increases mental stress.

4. Sleep Disturbance

Depression also disturbs the sleep cycle. Some men suffer from insomnia and cannot sleep at all, while others oversleep but still feel exhausted despite sleeping for long hours.

5. Reckless Behavior

Some men try to escape their inner stress by turning to dangerous activities. They may gamble, drive recklessly, or engage in unsafe sexual practices. These behaviors provide temporary distraction but worsen mental and emotional health in the long run.

6. Alcohol or Drug Abuse

Men with depression also often start using drugs and alcohol to seek mental relief, calling it “self-medication.” According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, men are more likely to adopt this behavior.

7. Social Withdrawal

Because of depression, men start distancing themselves from family and friends, avoid gatherings, and spend most of their time alone, which increases their mental stress.

8. Difficulty in Decision Making

They hesitate to make even small decisions and struggle with choices, which affects their performance and impacts both their professional and personal life, ultimately reducing their motivation even further.

9. Changes in Appetite and Weight

Men suffering from depression either eat excessively or barely eat at all, which affects their weight, causing either weight gain or weight loss, and ultimately harming their overall health.

10. Decreased Efficiency

These symptoms are commonly referred to as “hidden symptoms.” In this condition, men are unable to focus even on routine tasks and experience a lack of motivation, which reduces their interest in everything and affects their daily activities.

11. Loss of Sexual Desire

Depression also lowers sexual desire in men, and without any medical cause, sexual dysfunction appears, which affects marital relationships. This symptom is common but often ignored.

12. Feelings of Worthlessness

Such men constantly criticize themselves, see themselves as useless or a burden on others, which increases their mental stress and lowers their self-esteem, making them feel inferior.

13. Hidden Pain of Depression

Depression is not only a mental struggle but also causes physical discomfort, such as headaches, stomach issues, or muscle tension. Since these have no medical explanation, such symptoms are referred to as psychosomatic symptoms.

14.  Suicidal Thoughts

This is the most dangerous symptom of depression; such thoughts often creep in silently and can become intense. Statistics show that men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women, and in this state, they may also inflict physical harm on themselves.

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How to Support Men with Depression?

• Supporting men with depression requires empathy and understanding.

• Start by encouraging open, judgment-free conversations so they feel safe sharing their feelings.

• Suggest professional help, like therapy or counseling, for proper guidance.

• Promote healthy habits such as exercise, mindfulness, and balanced routines. Above all, provide steady emotional support and patience.

 Mental Health Foundation UK mentions it,

“Just listening without offering solutions can sometimes save a life.”

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Final Thoughts

Depression in men is real, serious, and often hidden. Recognizing these warning signs can help save lives by encouraging early intervention. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember: depression is not a weakness; it is a medical condition that needs care and support.

Noam Shpancer, PhD, highlights it,

“Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.”

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can depression in men look different from that in women?

Yes, men often show anger, irritability, or risky behavior instead of sadness.

Do antidepressants work for men?

Yes, but treatment should always be guided by a mental health professional.

Can men recover fully from depression?

Absolutely, with therapy, medication, and support, recovery is possible.

Is talking about depression helpful for men?

Yes, expressing emotions reduces stigma and encourages healing.

Can lifestyle changes help with depression?

Yes, regular exercise, healthy sleep, and mindfulness can reduce symptoms.

Can depression in men be genetic?

Yes, family history can increase the risk of developing depression.

How long does depression usually last?

Without treatment, it may last for months or even years.

Can men hide depression behind humor?

Yes, many use jokes or sarcasm to mask inner struggles.

Can diet influence depression?

Yes, a balanced diet with omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals supports mental health.