Vilka är tecknen på depression hos män?

Men, women and people of all gender identities can experience depression at some point in their lives. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include feelings of hopelessness and utmattning, withdrawing socially, low självkänsla, and problems with sömn.

However, the symptoms of depression can be affected by a combination of social and biological factors that make it challenging to detect and diagnose in men. For example, they may feel pressured to hide their emotions to fit with maskulina könsnormer.

"While discussions around mentala hälsa seem to be expanding in reach and compassion, there's still some cultural and social stigma around depression, particularly among men," says Alison Sampson, a clinical psychologist at Priory Välbefinnande Centrum Southampton. "Generally, men are socialised by society to hold in their emotions, though we know doing so isn't healthy."

Även om fler kvinnor diagnostiseras med depression², men are more likely to die by självmord³. Detta kan bero på att kvinnor är mer benägna att söka stöd för ett psykiskt hälsoproblem och därför få tillgång till behandling.

Vilka är tecknen på depression hos män?

Bestående låg sinnesstämning och självmordstankar

Although the signs of depression can present uniquely in each individual, there are some symptoms that present more commonly in men compared to women. "These include persistent low mood which can escalate to självmordstankar and feelings," Sampson explains.

"Other symptoms include agitated mood, irritability, feelings of ilska and frustration, appetite changes - either eating significantly more or less - and svårigheter att sova."

Alcohol and drug use

Research has indicated that symptoms of depression in men is more likely to be expressed in ways that differ from the core symptoms of sadness and hopelessness. Appearing 'emotional' is often stigmatised, so depression can lead to unhealthy behaviours such as substans misuse⁴

"Men who experience consistent low mood may turn to drinking alkohol or taking recreational substances as a means of coping with their emotional discomfort," says Dr Natasha Bijlani, consultant psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Roehampton London.

Forskning har dock visat att det finns ett cykliskt samband mellan ohälsosam alkoholkonsumtion och depression⁴. Often, alcohol is used to make someone feel better, but drinking alkohol in excess can trigger or make mentala hälsa problems worse as it is a depressant. Drinking heavily can also increase the likelihood of risky behaviours, such as drink-driving.

Dessa symtom kan vara svårare att känna igen än de mer typiska tecknen på depression, såsom ihållande sorg. De kan ses som separata problem - snarare än som ett tecken på ett djupare psykiskt hälsoproblem.

Ilska

Some men who become depressed may hide their emotions of ledsenhet and low mood and may present instead with anger, irritability or aggression.

"Symtomen på låg sinnesstämning undertrycks ofta av män och uttrycks slutligen genom frustration," säger Sampson. "Kvinnor, å andra sidan, kan vara benägna att uttrycka sin låga sinnesstämning i tårar och ord. Män har ofta socialiserats till att stå ensamma och begränsa sitt känslomässiga uttryck.

"For some men, seeking help is a sign of weakness and they do not feel they require support," she adds. "Depression in men is more likely to go unrecognised by other people and can be seen as external life problems, rather than an internal reaction to stress."

Often, how depression manifests can depend on the individual and the cause(s). Gender stereotypes and social conditioning are known to play key roles, but it can be linked to trauma, stressful events, bereavement, and other experiences too. Ensamhet, födelse och familjehistoria är också riskfaktorer.

Under de senaste åren har forskare börjat utforska potentiella biologiska och genetiska faktorer när det gäller skillnader i symtom mellan könen. År 2018, en studie⁵ proposed that there are molecular differences in the brains of cisgender men and women with depression. However, they concluded that more research was needed to understand the implications of the findings.

Prata med din läkare

If you are struggling with your mental health or mood, it is important to speak to your doctor or a mental health professional. From rådgivning och terapi to medicinering, there are many different ways to manage and treat depression and other mental health problems. You can also söka terapi på egen hand on the NHS.

Prata med betrodda vänner och familj

It's important to prata med betrodda vänner and family members about how you feel. It's not easy, but remember that depression is a common problem and isn't a sign of weakness.

Sök stöd för alkohol- eller drogproblem

If you're worried about your alkohol intake or any substance abuse, speak to your doctor. They will be able to provide non-judgemental advice on support services in your local area. Try to be honest about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you. The charities Drinkaware och Alcohol Change also provide advice and support.

Få hjälp i en kris

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, get help straightaway. You can ring Samaritans UK on 116 123. You can also text "SHOUT" for free to 85258 from all major UK mobile networks. The NHS has local mental health helplines - search online to find one near you.

1. Priory Group: 40% av männen pratar inte om sin mentala hälsa.

2. Albert: Varför är depression vanligare hos kvinnor?

3. Freeman et al: En internationell studie om könsskillnader i självmordsavsikt.

4. Johannessen et al: Symtom på ångest och depression samt alkoholanvändning bland ungdomar - en tvärsnittsstudie av norska gymnasieelever.

5. Seney et al: Motsatta molekylära signaturer av depression hos män och kvinnor.