Male depression signs and symptoms

Depression signs and symptoms can differ in men and women. Men also tend to use different coping skills — both healthy and unhealthy — than women do. It isn't clear why men and women may experience depression differently. It likely involves a number of factors, including brain chemistry, hormones and life experiences.

Like women with depression, men with depression may:

• Feel sad, hopeless or empty
• Feel extremely tired
• Have difficulty sleeping or sleep too much
• Not get pleasure from activities usually enjoyed

Other behaviors in men that could be signs of depression — but not recognized as such — include:

• Escapist behavior, such as spending a lot of time at work or on sports
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems and pain
• Problems with alcohol or drug use
• Controlling, violent or abusive behavior
• Irritability or inappropriate anger
• Risky behavior, such as reckless driving

Because these behaviors could be signs of or might overlap with other mental health issues, or may be associated with medical conditions, professional help is the key to an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.