Sometimes men will put off seeking support because they believe they are supposed to be strong, independent, and capable of managing pain and taking charge of their lives. It can be difficult for men to admit they have health problems, not to mention any that may affect their emotional and social well-being.
Depression is a common and serious mental illness that will not go away on its own. You shouldn’t expect to heal a broken arm, or a deep cut in your foot without professional help. Depression is the same – it is important to get support.
Men are more likely to experience anxiety and depression

One in eight men will suffer from depression, and one in five men will experience anxiety at one time or another.

Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than men. It is also less common for them to discuss it. This increases the chance that their anxiety and depression will go untreated.

Suicide is high when depression is not treated. There are approximately 3,000 suicides in the UK each year. Men account for 75% of those who end their lives, and there are an average of 7 men taking their own lives each day.

It is important to remember that depression and anxiety are not weaknesses. Effective treatments are possible.

Men who experience anxiety symptoms

Anxiety can be more than feeling sweaty palms or butterflies in the stomach. Anxiety symptoms can include persistent feelings of fear, worry, and impending doom. These symptoms can make it difficult to work, maintain relationships, and get a good night’s rest. Anxiety symptoms may include:

pounding or racing heart
Excessive sweating
Tension in the muscles
Restlessness or agitation
Vertigo and dizziness
Shortness of breath, choking sensations
insomnia
Panic attacks.

Anxiety may be expressed as:

Frequent worry about what could go wrong
Feelings of fear
Concentration problems
avoidance
Catastrophic thinking
irritability and edginess
Being overly alert towards danger
Absent-mindedness
Fear of losing control

Depression symptoms in men

Depression is often associated with sadness, hopelessness, and anger. However, it can also manifest itself as irritability, anger, increased alcohol and drug use, and unnecessary risk taking in men.

You may notice the following physical signs of depression:

Loss of energy, fatigue or lethargy
Changes in appetite
Changes in sleeping patterns and restlessness
Loss of sex drive
Alcohol or drug abuse

Depression may be characterized by:

Feeling sad or anxious
Losing interest in or enjoyment from activities
Feeling irritable, angry, or violent
Resigning and becoming isolated
Feeling worthless, guilty, and hopeless
Avoid taking unnecessary risks
Thinking about suicide or death.

Men can get treatment for depression and anxiety

Your doctor can be a great source of information. They can help you determine if you have anxiety or depression. You can also be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist by your doctor. Any one of these professionals can assist you in creating an action plan regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or both.

Depression and anxiety are just like other conditions. There are many ways to manage and treat them.

It is worth making lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating healthy meals. These are all good ways to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.

Cognitive behaviour therapy and other psychological treatments are very effective in treating anxiety or depression. They are usually recommended for those with mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression. For this type of treatment, your doctor might refer you to a psychologist or another counsellor.

Antidepressant medication may also be an option for some people. Both anxiety and depression can be treated with antidepressants. It usually takes at least two weeks for them to start working. Your doctor may take some time to determine the right medication for you.
Make an action plan to combat anxiety and depression

An action plan to combat anxiety and depression can cover many options. You can also include exercises, stress management, and ways to improve your sleep. A psychologist may refer you to help with things such as negative thinking or how to manage relationships.

People think it’s weakness to admit that they are going through difficult times. But if you suffer from anxiety or depression, there is no way to’snap out’ of it or ‘pull oneself together’. It’s not enough to just get through it.

Talking to someone you trust is the best way to get help if you suspect you might have anxiety or depression. Talk to a friend, your partner, a family member, a colleague, or your GP about your situation.

Here are some tips for men who struggle with depression and anxiety.

There are many things you can do for your health and well-being. You can stay active by making plans for the day. These don’t need to be big plans. They can be as simple as going for a run with a friend or making small talk with a friend.

Include hobbies and activities that you enjoy. You may not like them as much at first but if you persist and keep moving, eventually you will enjoy them again.

It is important to take care of your body by being active, eating well and getting enough sleep. To block out what’s happening and how it feels, don’t drink alcohol. This can lead to anxiety and depression that will not improve over time.

It is important to choose the best options and find the right health professionals for you.
Helping someone who is suffering from anxiety or depression

There are many ways you can help someone suffering from anxiety or depression. You might find it helpful to:

Let them know if there has been a change in their behavior.
Spend time with them and share your experiences. Let them know that you are there to listen, but not to judge.
Help them find information on a library, website or community health center.
Recommend they visit a doctor or other health professional and encourage them to schedule an appointment
Offer to accompany them to their appointment. Follow up with them afterward
Encourage them to get enough rest, to exercise, and to eat healthy.
Encourage family and friends to invite you out, and to keep in touch. But don’t force them to take part in any activities.
If they are a danger to themselves or others, contact your doctor immediately.

It is not helpful to:

Put pressure on them and tell them to “snap out” or “get their act together”.
Avoid them or stay away
Tell them that they need to be busy and get out more.
You can pressure them to drink more, or you can use drugs and alcohol to get rid of how they feel.
Assume that the problem will go away.

Talk to your doctor if you or someone you care about needs support.
Stress is not anxiety, or depression

Although stress is not the same thing as anxiety or depression, for some people it can cause anxiety or depression. It can also affect one’s physical and mental health, especially cardiovascular health.

Stress is a feeling that we are upset or anxious about something in our lives. Stress is part of everyday life. It is a normal part of daily life and is intended to help people deal with emergency situations.

Sometimes, stress can be beneficial. While it can be helpful in motivating us to do things, stress can also cause health problems.