Researchers have discovered that men often experience depression in ways that are different from women. Men sometimes cope with their symptoms in different ways too. These findings might help explain why even trained mental health professionals frequently overlook or misdiagnose men’s depression.

One of the problems with this classic diagnosis of depression is that researchers are beginning to recognize that men often don’t acknowledge feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or guilt. Researchers and clinicians specializing in helping men are also beginning to recognize symptoms of depression that seem to be unique to men. Unique symptoms of men’s depression include the following.

• Increased anger and conflict with others
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Frustration or irritability
• Violent behavior
• Losing weight without trying
• Isolation from family and friends
• Being easily stressed
• Impulsiveness and taking risks, like reckless driving and extramarital sex
• Feeling discouraged
• Increases in complaints about physical problems
• Ongoing physical symptoms, like headaches, digestion problems or pain
• Problems with concentration and motivation
• Loss of interest in work, hobbies and sex
• Working constantly
• Frustration or irritability
• Misuse of prescription medication
• Increased concerns about productivity and functioning at school or work
• Fatigue
• Experiencing conflict between how you think you should be as a man and how you actually are
• Thoughts of suicide

• Failure to recognize the symptoms of depression: Many men think that feeling sad or emotional is always the main symptom of depression, but for many men that isn't the primary depressive symptom. Instead, headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, irritability or chronic pain may indicate depression. Other common indicators are feeling isolated and seeking distraction to avoid dealing with feelings or relationships.
• Downplaying signs and symptoms of depression. If an effort to get on with your daily life, you may not recognize how much your symptoms are affecting you, and you may not want to admit to yourself or to anyone else that you're depressed. Unfortunately, ignoring, suppressing, or masking depression with unhealthy behaviors won't make it go away.
• Reluctance to discuss depression symptoms. Because some men are uncomfortable discussing their feelings, they resist talking with family, friends, or a health care professional about feeling bad. Many men have learned to place an emphasis on self-control and think it's unmanly to express feelings and emotions associated with depression.
• Resisting mental health treatment. Even if you suspect you have depression, you may resist getting a diagnosis or refuse treatment. Many men and women avoid getting help, worried that the stigma of depression will damage their career or cause family and friends to lose respect.