Men can tend to put off getting any kind of support, because they may think they’re supposed to be tough, self-reliant, and able to manage pain and take charge of situations. This can make it hard for men to acknowledge they have any health issues, let alone any that affect their social and emotional wellbeing.
Depression is a serious and common mental health condition that is unlikely to get better by itself. If you have a broken arm or a deep cut on your foot, you don’t expect that to heal without medical help. It’s the same with depression – it’s important to seek support.
Prevalence of anxiety and depression in men
On average, one in 8 men will have depression and one in 5 men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives.
Men are less likely to experience anxiety and depression than women. They are also less likely to talk about it. This increases the risk of their anxiety or depression going unrecognised and untreated.
Untreated depression is a high risk factor for suicide. In Australia, there are about 3,000 suicides each year. Around 75% of people who take their lives are men, with an average of almost 7 men taking their lives every day.
It’s important to remember that anxiety and depression are conditions, not weaknesses, and effective treatments are available.
Learn the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression – not only for you, but for your friends and family. Visit Beyond Blue to find out more about anxiety and depression in men.
Symptoms of anxiety in men
Anxiety is more than having sweaty palms and butterflies in your stomach. Symptoms of anxiety can include ongoing feelings of worry, fear and impending doom that are so severe they interfere with your ability to work, maintain relationships and get a decent night’s sleep. Physical signs of anxiety may include:
Emotional signs of anxiety may include:
- frequent worry about what could go wrong
- feelings of dread
- concentration problems
- avoidance
- catastrophic thinking
- irritability or edginess
- being overly vigilant towards danger
- absentmindedness
- fear of losing control.
Symptoms of depression in men
While depression is often associated with sadness and hopelessness, it also manifests itself in irritability and anger, unnecessary risk taking, and increased alcohol or drug use in men.
Physical signs of depression may include:
Emotional signs of depression may include:
- feeling sad or nervous
- losing interest or pleasure in activities
- feeling irritable, angry or violent
- becoming withdrawn and isolated
- feeling worthless, guilty, or hopeless
- taking unnecessary risks
- thinking about death or suicide.
‘What’s the point to any of this?’
In the following video, three men discuss their experiences of depression, suicidal thoughts and the impacts of trauma; the things that helped them recognise something didn’t feel right, the steps they took to get support, and what their lives look like now.
Men can tend to put off getting any kind of support, because they may think they’re supposed to be tough, self-reliant, and able to manage pain and take charge of situations. This can make it hard for men to acknowledge they have any health issues, let alone any that affect their social and emotional wellbeing.
Depression is a serious and common mental health condition that is unlikely to get better by itself. If you have a broken arm or a deep cut on your foot, you don’t expect that to heal without medical help. It’s the same with depression – it’s important to seek support.
Prevalence of anxiety and depression in men
On average, one in 8 men will have depression and one in 5 men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives.
Men are less likely to experience anxiety and depression than women. They are also less likely to talk about it. This increases the risk of their anxiety or depression going unrecognised and untreated.
Untreated depression is a high risk factor for suicide. In Australia, there are about 3,000 suicides each year. Around 75% of people who take their lives are men, with an average of almost 7 men taking their lives every day.
It’s important to remember that anxiety and depression are conditions, not weaknesses, and effective treatments are available.
Learn the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression – not only for you, but for your friends and family. Visit Beyond Blue to find out more about anxiety and depression in men.
Symptoms of anxiety in men
Anxiety is more than having sweaty palms and butterflies in your stomach. Symptoms of anxiety can include ongoing feelings of worry, fear and impending doom that are so severe they interfere with your ability to work, maintain relationships and get a decent night’s sleep. Physical signs of anxiety may include:
Emotional signs of anxiety may include:
- frequent worry about what could go wrong
- feelings of dread
- concentration problems
- avoidance
- catastrophic thinking
- irritability or edginess
- being overly vigilant towards danger
- absentmindedness
- fear of losing control.
Symptoms of depression in men
While depression is often associated with sadness and hopelessness, it also manifests itself in irritability and anger, unnecessary risk taking, and increased alcohol or drug use in men.
Physical signs of depression may include:
Emotional signs of depression may include:
- feeling sad or nervous
- losing interest or pleasure in activities
- feeling irritable, angry or violent
- becoming withdrawn and isolated
- feeling worthless, guilty, or hopeless
- taking unnecessary risks
- thinking about death or suicide.
‘What’s the point to any of this?’
In the following video, three men discuss their experiences of depression, suicidal thoughts and the impacts of trauma; the things that helped them recognise something didn’t feel right, the steps they took to get support, and what their lives look like now.
