Columbia Mental Health is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services, or visiting your local emergency room.
The signs of mental health conditions like depression can differ across genders. For example, signs of depression in men are often overlooked because they don’t show up the same way they do in women. Understanding what depression looks like in men is essential. Given that men die by suicide nearly four times as often as women, it’s important to get men the support they need to overcome feelings of depression.
Understanding the full scope of depression treatment and recognizing the unique ways that depression shows up in both men and women is the first step toward healing. At Columbia Mental Health, we provide accessible, personalized treatment throughout the Washington D.C. metro area, including Virginia and Maryland.
The most common signs of depression in men
Men’s mental health concerns can sometimes present differently than they do in women. Unlike the common signs of depression in women, such as obvious signs of sadness like crying, men often exhibit symptoms that can be more difficult to recognize as depression. They may also mask certain feelings with external behavior to avoid vulnerability.
Here are a few common signs or indicators of depression in men:
- Increased irritability, frustration, or anger
- Physical complaints like headaches or digestive issues
- Fatigue or noticeable changes in energy levels
- Risky behavior (e.g., reckless driving, substance use)
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
- Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt
- An abrupt drop in work performance
Men may also lean heavily on alcohol or other substances to self-medicate. This can lead to even more intense symptoms and doesn’t address the root causes of their depression.
Stigma and male depression
When it comes to men acknowledging their need for mental health support, there’s also the added pressure of needing to “hold it together” or “man up.” There’s significant stigma around male depression that often prevents men from seeking help. There are longstanding societal norms that equate masculinity with emotional control and “toughness.”
Ultimately, emotional suppression can lead to deeper struggles with mental health and feelings of hopelessness for men. If you or someone you love is experiencing depression, it’s important to understand that it isn’t about weakness or some personal failure. It’s a legitimate condition, just like breaking a leg or having a heart attack—depression is real. Talking about it with a professional will help you and reduce the stigma that other men feel about getting help.
It takes strength to acknowledge pain.
How Columbia Mental Health supports men’s mental health
Columbia Mental Health understands that depression can impact anyone at any time, and we’re here to help you get the tools you need to manage your symptoms and heal. We have over 30 years of experience providing our clients with excellence in mental health care through a team of highly qualified clinicians.
Our services include:
- Therapy: Therapists specializing in approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), as well as a wide array of other modalities, offer tailored treatment to help men work through emotional barriers and build resilience.
- Psychiatric medication management: Our psychiatric providers collaborate with clients to find medications that support symptom relief.
- Innovative interventional psychiatry: We offer evidence-based alternatives for treatment-resistant depression, such as NeuroStar® TMS and Spravato®.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing any signs of depression, especially for more than two weeks, it’s time to reach out for support. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve long-term outcomes.
Reach out to Columbia Mental Health today for men’s mental health care
There’s no shame in seeking help. It’s a powerful act of self-respect. Call 703.682.8208 today to learn more about our individualized mental health services.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.