Therapists Highlight Misunderstood Depression Symptoms in Men, Urge Early Intervention
Licensed marriage and family therapist Scott Mallon indicates that depression in men often manifests differently than commonly perceived, leading to missed diagnoses. Instead of overt sadness, men frequently exhibit irritability, emotional distance, exhaustion, loss of motivation, numbness, and a feeling of disconnection from life. This aligns with research from the National Institute of Mental Health and the American Psychological Association, which note that men may express depression through anger, fatigue, and loss of interest rather than typical sadness. Mallon explains that societal pressures often encourage men to suppress emotions, leading to anger as a more acceptable outlet for underlying feelings like loneliness, fear, or grief. Common coping mechanisms, such as overworking and increased alcohol consumption, are often socially acceptable but serve to mask deeper emotional pain. Physical symptoms like unexplained fatigue, sleep problems, and aches can also be early indicators of depression, often...
