🌱Societal expectations around masculinity can make it harder for men to express emotions or seek help, resulting in underdiagnosed and undertreated depression.

Understanding these unique patterns is key to providing effective support.

🧠 Common Signs of Depression in Men
Men may display symptoms that are less typical, including:

• Irritability, anger, or aggression
• Increased risk-taking or reckless behaviours
• Withdrawal from social situations or loved ones
• Physical complaints, such as headaches or fatigue
• Substance use as a coping mechanism

Recognising these signs can help friends, family, and professionals intervene early.

😔 Emotional Challenges
Men may struggle with:

• Feeling pressure to “tough it out”
• Believing emotional expression is a weakness
• Difficulty acknowledging sadness or vulnerability
• Fear of stigma affecting work or relationships

These factors can intensify depressive symptoms and delay seeking help.

🚧 Barriers to Seeking Help
Barriers for men include:

• Societal stigma around mental health
• Lack of awareness about atypical depression symptoms
• Reluctance to access therapy or counselling
• Misinterpreting symptoms as anger, stress, or fatigue

Awareness of these barriers allows for compassionate approaches and support strategies.

🫂 Supporting Men Experiencing Depression
Effective support can include:

• Encouraging open dialogue without judgment
• Offering male-friendly mental health resources and support groups
• Promoting healthy routines, exercise, and sleep
• Involving trusted friends, partners, or family in monitoring wellbeing

Even small gestures of understanding can encourage men to seek help.

🌿 Final Thoughts 💞🌈
Male depression is often hidden behind societal expectations and coping behaviours.

Early recognition, patience, and supportive environments can help men address their depression, regain emotional wellbeing, and build resilience.