We all know someone who’s always the life of every party, cracking jokes, and cheering up their friends. But behind the smile and laughs may be someone who is using a joyful facade to hide their struggles with depression. This sentiment is especially true for men, who are more likely to suffer from depression in silence.
The silent battle of depression stems from societal norms and cultural expectations of masculinity that play a significant role in suppressing men’s willingness to discuss their mental health concerns. Feeling the pressure to conform to these expectations can leave men feeling isolated, misunderstood, and disconnected from their psychological state 1 .
However, understanding the unique ways depression manifests in men, recognizing the cultural barriers they face, and exploring available support options can guide individuals on their journey toward healing. Here’s a breakdown of what depression in men looks like and customized approaches to treat this mood disorder.
Reasons For Depression In Men
Depression can affect men of every background, ethnicity, and social class, and causes can stem from biological, environmental, or psychological factors. However, understanding what may make you more vulnerable to developing depression can help you find adequate treatment.
There are various reasons that men can develop depression, including:
- Life events like divorce, loss of a job, death of a loved one, or financial problems.
- Difficult symptoms that come with pre-existing medical conditions, as well as lifestyle changes and a loss of identity that often comes with diagnosis.
- Environmental factors like major life changes or work problems.
- A family history of mental health conditions, which increases your genetic predisposition to developing depression.
- Inability to manage stress with healthy coping skills, or underdeveloped emotional regulation.
- Societal pressure to appear and act “manly,” leading to resistance in receiving a proper diagnosis and support, further worsening of symptoms.
- Self-medicating tendencies with substance abuse, which can lead to a decline in mental health.
It’s important to remember that no single reason can be considered a one-to-one correlation with developing depression. Rather, these factors are guidelines to help you identify personal risk factors and inform your journey to finding support.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men
Depression is a common mental health condition, but it’s one that often has different gendered manifestations — the different ways that mental health issues present differently in men than in women. In 2021, the National Institute of Mental Health data revealed that approximately 6.2% of men in the United States experienced a major depressive episode 2 . Despite this, millions of men tend to struggle with how they express feelings and finding effective treatments.
While feeling sad and negative thinking are universal symptoms of depression, men may express emotional distress through irritability, anger, or engaging in risky behavior. Men may also turn to self-destructive behaviors to cope, such as alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, or compulsive gambling. Other behaviors include tendencies to bury themselves in work, control-seeking, memory loss, or sleep problems.
Physical symptoms of mental health conditions like major depressive disorder include headaches, digestive problems, or chronic pain may accompany male depression, masking the emotional root of their distress. Some men may withdraw or isolate, becoming numb or detached as a way to avoid confronting difficult feelings. Recognizing these nuanced emotional signs is crucial for identifying depression in men and offering support.
Depression in men vs. women: cultural barriers and societal expectations
Traditional masculinity norms often discourage men from showing vulnerability or seeking help. Phrases like “man up” or “boys don’t cry” reinforce the harmful notion that expressing emotions equates to weakness. The shame and fear of being perceived as less than a “real man” can prevent many from addressing their mental health struggles.
Historical gaps in mental health advocacy for men have further contributed to the stigma, due to women with depression being more targeted for mental health support 3 . Generally speaking, women more frequently seek and utilize mental health resources compared to men, which highlights the need for increased outreach and representation.
It’s also critical to note that cultural differences bring another layer to the barriers men face. In many communities of color, mental health challenges remain taboo and seeking therapy is considered unfathomable. These ideas further exacerbate the pressure on men already struggling with mental disorders, so recognizing the weight of these societal and cultural challenges is essential for understanding why the male population often hesitates to seek help.
Additionally, postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can impact both mothers and fathers in the year following the birth of a child, but has gender-specific manifestations and is known as male postpartum depression (mPPD) or paternal postpartum depression when it affects men. Paternal postpartum depression can be triggered by biological factors — such as a decline in testosterone and cortisol — or environmental factors — such as difficult life adjustments associated with raising a new child or relationship conflict emerging from lack of support or uneven distribution of caregiving responsibilities.
The Risks for Men With Depression: Behind the Data
Statistically speaking, men are less likely than women to be diagnosed with depression, yet they are more likely to die by suicide due to untreated mental illness 4 . Certain demographics face heightened risk, including middle-aged men, veterans, men with low-income backgrounds, and those undergoing major life changes.
Depression’s impact reaches far beyond the individual, disrupting relationships, isolating men from loved ones, and causing career challenges. Untreated depression can take a toll on physical health, contributing to cardiovascular strain and chronic illness. The urgency of this issue cannot be stressed enough: One in four men report symptoms of depression, but nearly half never seek psychiatric help 5 . Understanding these risk factors is critical for both individuals experiencing depression and their support systems.
Related: Understanding High Functioning Depression aka Persistent Depressive Disorder
Actionable Steps for Men With Depression: Treatment, Support, and Encouragement
Breaking down the barriers so men can begin to seek professional help starts with reframing mental healthcare. Seeking therapy is a tool for building strength — not a sign of weakness. Therapy can help build a sense of emotional awareness, which offers them the ability to identify and name feelings. When men can recognize and articulate their struggles, they’re better equipped to reach out.
Here are your options for treating depression in men, and how to find support and encouragement.
Treatment for men with depression
Treatment options for depression encompass diverse care and will be tailored to your unique mental health needs, including approaches that range from psychological treatments like depression therapy to mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga. Men’s support networks and helplines specifically geared toward male mental health provide specialized resources for care approaches.
If you’re a man and suspect you may be struggling with depression, treatment options may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Interpersonal therapy.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
- Antidepressant medication, such as Lexapro and bupropion.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.
- Meditation and mindfulness practices.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as improving sleep hygiene, reducing or ceasing substance use, and healthy eating and exercise.
- Support groups and peer support.
- Adopting healthy stress management coping strategies.
TMS therapy for depression in particular may be effective for those who are seeking an alternative treatment approach that doesn’t involve medication. For those hesitant to take the first step, starting with a confidential online assessment or reaching out to a mental health professional can make the therapeutic process feel less daunting. In addition, technology offers discreet, confidential, and accessible support and therapy sessions through online platforms.
Related: What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression? When Standard
Support for men with depression
Friends and family play a crucial role in supporting and helping break down barriers to care, so it’s paramount that loved ones foster a safe and nonjudgmental space to have these conversations. Opening dialogues with questions like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been stressed lately. Want to talk about it?” shows avid concern while minimizing pressure. Additionally, using active listening and patience are essential skills used to hold space.
When encouraging professional help, support networks are encouraged to avoid ultimatums or judgment. Instead, it’s important that they offer ways to make seeking help seem less daunting by offering to look into options together. An outside perspective can be incredibly helpful, and loved ones can model emotional vulnerability by sharing their own feelings and struggles, which can work to normalize the ups and downs of mental health.
In the end, practical support goes a long way. If your loved one is a male struggling with depression, you can provide much-needed encouragement by offering to accompany them to their first therapy appointment, researching potential counselors, or simply checking in over a casual coffee. Seemingly small acts of presence and consistency can help remind struggling men that they do have people in their corner.
Providing encouragement for men with depression
Depression in men is a complex and often hidden challenge, shaped by a myriad of cultural, societal, and personal factors. The distinct ways depression manifests in men, the barriers they face in seeking help, and the sobering statistics all point to the urgent need for increased awareness, empathy, and action.
Regardless, there is still hope. With each conversation we start, each resource we share, and each courageous step taken toward healing, we chip away at the stigma that keeps men suffering in silence. If you’re a man who’s struggled through a long-term battle with depression, know this: You are not alone, help is available, and seeking support is one of the bravest things you can do.
Depression does not diminish your worth or your strength. It’s certainly a challenge, but it’s one that you don’t have to face alone. Whether it’s confiding in a trusted friend, exploring the aforementioned resources, or booking that first appointment — every action, no matter how small, is a powerful declaration of self-compassion and resilience. By seeking support, understanding, and treatment, you can begin your journey toward brighter days and overcome depression.
How Neuro Wellness Spa Can Help Support Men With Depression
At Neuro Wellness Spa, we’re committed to a comprehensive care model for depression that uses psychotherapy practices — such as CBT and DBT — medication management, and wellness practices to holistically address issues faced by those struggling with depression. In addition, we offer TMS therapy and magnetic resonance therapy (MeRT), which are innovative and evidence-based care approaches that have been proven effective in treating men and women with depression alike.
It’s essential to understand how courageous it is to receive the support you need. Remember, with each small step — whether it’s confiding in a friend or booking that first appointment — is a courageous act of self-care. Neuro Wellness Spa’s care team is here when you are ready to take that first step, so call us today to discover your treatment options.
References
- News-Medical. (2024, November 25). The silent struggles of men’s mental health and suicide prevention. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241125/The-silent-struggles-of-mene28099s-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention.aspx
- Depression Statistics – Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. (2024, October 1). Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/depression/statistics/
- Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Depression in men. Signs, Causes, How to Help | Healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression-in-men
- Dillon, K. (2025, February 10). Men are more likely to die by suicide, but less likely to have depression diagnosis. HealthCity. https://healthcity.bmc.org/men-are-more-likely-die-suicide-less-likely-have-depression-diagnosis/
- Men’s Mental Health | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. (n.d.). https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health