A Happy You

Why is he acting like that?

Anger can be a sign of depression for men

I was called in to help a rather senior executive who had been having some issues with the staff. Specifically, HR shared a few incidents when he had been less-than-kind to some of his team members.

While some may jump to the conclusion “they guy is just a  _______!” I find more often than not there is some alternate underlying reason such behavior.

And in this case, as it is not uncommon, the man was struggling with depression.

While twice as common in women as compared to me, depression affects over 9 million men in the United States.

Diagnostic criteria for depression includes depressed mood or lost of interest in activities that you used to enjoy.  There are other symptoms, too, that are required to actually have a diagnosis of depression.

But, men often do not overly say “I am feeling sad.” And, in fact, men with depression often do not realize that is what is happening. Instead, they experience different symptoms that can be indicators of depression.

Here are the top seven symptoms I see in my male clients who are (often unbeknownst to them) suffering with depression:

1. Anger and Irritability: You know that guy who just keeps losing it? It could very well be depression. That was what was happening with this executive.
2. Substance abuse: Self-medication for the uncomfortable and painful feelings they are having is common in men with depression.
3. Physical symptoms: You know the commercial: “depression hurts.”  Well, it really does. And men are more likely than women to report physical problems such as chronic pain (especially in the back and neck) and digestive disorders.
4. Sexual problems: while sexual problems can cause psychological issues in itself, reduced interest in sex and difficulties with performance can be a sign of underlying depression.
5. Fatigue: reports of exhaustion and or problems getting the energy to do something can be caused by depressed mood
6. Problems with sleep: either an inability to sleep or sleeping excessively (e.g., over 12 hours per night) can be an indicator that something is going on with his emotional health
7. Reduced productivity: depression affects your ability to concentrate and take care of what needs to be done (at work or home). It also reduces decisiveness, making it harder to make decisions necessary for work projects, for example.

While these symptoms do not mean someone is depression, they are red flags to explore a little more as to what is happening.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with depression, talk to a professional.  Depression can be debilitating (emotionally, physically, socially, occupationally). But the good news is: it is also treatable.