June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. If you are reading this you may have come across many articles related to how to improve your physical health. And although it is important to ensure that you are doing everything you can for physical fitness and function, when your mental health is neglected, this too can lead to poor health outcomes, difficulty performing at your best at work, or even your exercise routine, the very activity you are engaging in to optimize your health. In this blog, I thought I would spend time talking about signs of depression that may be specific to men and what you can do about it.
In the National Health Survey in 2015, they found that roughly 9% of men in the US or approximately 1.2 million men are experiencing depression. Yet often depression in men goes undiagnosed or undertreated. A reason for that is some men may misunderstand depression to only be feeling blue or having a depressed mood. Did you know that to meet criteria for depression, you actually do not have to experience a sad or depressed mood. Although a sad or depressed mood can be a symptom of depression, there are many other symptoms of depression and some are unique to men.
Common Signs and Symptoms Of Depression Unique To Men
What are the signs and symptoms of depression that may be unique in men? The following are a list of symptoms that sometimes manifest in men who meet criteria for clinical depression. Different men have different symptoms, but some common depression symptoms include:
Anger or irritability
Feeling restless or on edge while others may notice this
Feeling lethargic and slow while others may notice this
Loss of interest in work, relationships, or previously pleasurable activities
Decreased sex drive/libido and possibly difficulties with performance
Overeating or not wanting to eat at all
Although the occasional sleep disturbance is not considered a clinical diagnosis of insomnia in and of itself, for those who may be experiencing sleep disruption for a period of at least 3 nights per week for at least 3 months, may potentially meet criteria for insomnia.
If you’re concerned that you may be experiencing clinical insomnia or meet criteria for a diagnosis of insomnia, I encourage you to seek the help of a medical professional who can help clarify what you’re experiencing through a formal evaluation. Prior to scheduling clients, I provide a 20 minute free consultation to make sure we are the best fit.
3 Tips If You Are Noticing Signs Of Depression
If you are noticing signs of depression, these 3 tips can give you some guidance on what to do.
1. Recognize that depression is a common condition and is not a sign of weakness.
Unfortunately, in thinking this, some men will tough it out and silently try to deal with the struggles that they are having. Some may even think these symptoms could be a normal part of stress in relation to getting older. Some might feel embarrassed to seek out support or think you may not have time to reach out for help. But in actuality, untreated depression exacerbates levels of functioning and can have serious and ill effects on your physical health.
2. Recognize that depression is very treatable and evidence based clinical recommendations have come a long way.
No worries if you are not quite ready to see a mental health professional. Depression can initially be treated by your primary care provider (PCP). The management of depression for men can happen during a wellness or scheduled visit and this is within the scope of practice of your PCP. Treatment by your PCP often begins with an initiation of medication. Given PCPs have limited time with their clients it is important to track how you are responding to the medication. Self-monitor by noticing your focus, energy, and performance at work and at the gym. If you do not feel you are responding or feel that a brief check with your PCP on how the medication is working is not enough it is reasonable to seek the support of a psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychiatrist, psychologist or another mental health professional. Just like seeking out a sports medicine specialist for a joint that hasn’t quite healed despite efforts from your PCP, the same referral for a mental health professional can be just as valuable.
3. Recognize that by engaging in any kind of physical activity or “behavioral activation,” still counts towards having benefits to your mental and physical health.
By engaging in some form of activity, you can still reap the physical and mental health benefits even if your performance is lacking or there is lack of desire. Instead of being hard on yourself for not getting your workout in at what you have previously been capable of, know that you are still stimulating a release of neurochemicals or neurotransmitters in the brain that can still be helpful for physical and mental health.
As always, I’d like to be clear that this blog post isn’t intended as professional counseling or clinical advice. If you’re in need of support, please consider reaching out to me or another professional for a formal evaluation.
Be well and sleep well,
Greg Roussett NP
* Greg Roussett is a Bay Area based psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He offers cognitive behavioral therapy and medication management to adults experiencing anxiety, depression and insomnia. His primary speciality is working with those that struggle with insomnia or sleep disturbances. Book a complimentary consultation today here.