What is depression? Depression is a common mental health condition that causes mood swings, persistent feelings of sadness, apathy and can affect the way you think and behave. The World Health Organization estimates that 264 million people of all ages live with depression worldwide. Depression can interfere with lifestyle and negatively affect physical health, relationships and work. More women are affected by depression than men, but depression in men should not be ignored. Depression is a serious condition that can also look different in men than in women, which can make it difficult to diagnose. What are the symptoms of depression in men? The symptoms of depression in men are often different from the symptoms of depression in women, especially in the early stages of the condition. This is because men are less likely to admit or share feelings of sadness or hopelessness that are commonly associated with depression. Common emotional signs of depression in both women and men include: Feeling sad; Irritability; Anger; Aggression; Feeling of worthlessness; A feeling of hopelessness; Loss of focus on daily activities; Suicidal thoughts Men are also more likely to exhibit behavioral symptoms of depression. Signs of this include: Excessive alcohol consumption; Suicide attempts; Excessive work; Reckless behavior; Frequent outbursts of anger Depression can also manifest itself through physical symptoms. Some of these include: Headache; Physical pain in other parts of the body; Weight loss; Insomnia; Excessive sleeping; Loss of appetite; Decreased Libido The symptoms of depression vary from case to case and affect not only mental health but also physical health. While one man may only experience feelings of sadness and hopelessness, another man may experience weight loss, insomnia, or fatigue. If the condition progresses without adequate treatment, these symptoms may increase. Without adequate treatment, symptoms of depression can last for weeks, months or years. Bibliography: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Men and depression Martin LA, Neighbors HW, Griffith DM. The experience of symptoms of depression in men vs women: analysis of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. JAMA Publishing HH. Recognizing depression in men. Harvard Health Verywell Mind. Depression In Men: What to Know