Was sind die Anzeichen von Depressionen bei Männern?

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

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 masculine gender norms.

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

Obwohl mehr Frauen mit Depressionen diagnostiziert werden², men are more likely to die by Suizid³. Dies könnte daran liegen, dass Frauen eher Unterstützung bei psychischen Problemen suchen und daher eher eine Behandlung in Anspruch nehmen.

Was sind die Anzeichen von Depressionen bei Männern?

Anhaltende Niedergeschlagenheit und Suizidgedanken

Although the signs of Depressionen 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 suizidale Gedanken and feelings," Sampson explains.

"Other symptoms include agitated mood, irritability, feelings of Wut and frustration, appetite changes - either eating significantly more or less - and Schwierigkeiten beim Schlafen."

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 Substanz 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.

Allerdings hat die Forschung gezeigt, dass es eine zyklische Beziehung zwischen ungesundem Alkoholkonsum und Depression gibt⁴. Often, alcohol is used to make someone feel better, but drinking Alkohol in excess can trigger or make psychisches Gesundheitsproblem problems worse as it is a depressant. Drinking heavily can also increase the likelihood of risky behaviours, such as drink-driving.

Diese Symptome können schwerer zu erkennen sein als die typischeren Anzeichen von Depressionen, wie anhaltende Traurigkeit. Sie werden möglicherweise als separate Probleme angesehen – anstatt als Anzeichen eines tieferliegenden psychischen Gesundheitsproblems.

Wut

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

"„Die Symptome einer niedergeschlagenen Stimmung werden bei Männern oft unterdrückt und äußern sich letztlich in Frustration“, sagt Sampson. „Frauen hingegen neigen dazu, ihre Niedergeschlagenheit in Tränen und Worten auszudrücken. Männer wurden oft dazu sozialisiert, allein zu stehen und ihre emotionale Ausdruckskraft zu begrenzen.“.

"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. Einsamkeit, Geburts- und Familienanamnese sind ebenfalls Risikofaktoren.

In den letzten Jahren haben Forscher begonnen, potenzielle biologische und genetische Faktoren im Zusammenhang mit Unterschieden in den Symptomen zwischen den Geschlechtern zu untersuchen. Im Jahr 2018 wurde eine 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.

Sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt

If you are struggling with your mental health or mood, it is important to speak to your doctor or a mental health professional. From Beratung und Therapie zur Medikation, there are many different ways to manage and treat depression and other mental health problems. You can also selbst an die Therapie wenden on the NHS.

Sprich mit vertrauenswürdigen Freunden und Familienmitgliedern

It's important to Mit vertrauenswürdigen Freunden sprechen 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.

Hilfe bei Alkohol- oder Drogenproblemen suchen

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 und Alcohol Change also provide advice and support.

Hilfe in einer Krise erhalten

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 % der Männer sprechen nicht über ihre psychische Gesundheit.

2. Albert: Warum ist Depression bei Frauen häufiger?

3. Freeman et al: Eine länderübergreifende Studie zu Geschlechterunterschieden bei Suizidabsichten.

4. Johannessen et al: Angst- und Depressionssymptome und Alkoholkonsum bei Jugendlichen – eine Querschnittsstudie norwegischer Sekundarschüler.

5. Seney et al: Gegensätzliche molekulare Signaturen von Depressionen bei Männern und Frauen.