Do you care about your husband? How can you spot the clinical signs of depression in men?
Having recently discussed their own experiences of mental health struggles and urged men to talk about their feelings in order to ‘normalise’ them, many have shared that pets are beneficial in helping to overcome depression.
If a man’s mood is very low, not only are they prone to self-harm, but they may also consider ending their lives.
Unfortunately, men are still more reluctant than women to talk about their feelings, perhaps for fear of appearing ‘weak’. While women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression, male depression often goes undiagnosed due to a failure to recognise or an unwillingness to acknowledge symptoms.
If you are concerned that you may be suffering from depression then it can be helpful to ask yourself how long this feeling has lasted. If it’s just for a day or two then it may just be a temporary change in your mood, but if it lasts for weeks or months then it’s important to understand your symptoms so that you can get the right support.
Causes of depression
From grief or redundancy, to relationship breakdown, depression can be triggered by life events and may even spread in families.
It affects men of all ages, and while its prevalence is higher in men in their 20s and 30s, it is also becoming more common in men in their 40s and 50s.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, men are more likely than women to be dependent on alcohol and to use drugs on a regular basis, which can often be a form of ‘self-medication’ for those struggling with mental health issues.
According to the survey, men also have lower levels of life satisfaction than women.