Quali sono i segni della depressione negli uomini?

Men, women and people of all gender identities can experience depressione at some point in their lives. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include feelings of hopelessness and esaurimento, withdrawing socially, low autostima, and problems with sonno.

However, the symptoms of depression can be affected by a combination of social and biological factors that make it challenging to detect and diagnose in men. For example, they may feel pressured to hide their emotions to fit with norme di genere maschili.

"While discussions around giornata di salute mentale seem to be expanding in reach and compassion, there's still some cultural and social stigma around depressione, particularly among men," says Alison Sampson, a clinical psychologist at Centro del Benessere Priory Southampton. "Generally, men are socialised by society to hold in their emotions, though we know doing so isn't healthy."

Sebbene più donne siano diagnosticate con depressione², men are more likely to die by suicidio³. Questo potrebbe essere perché le donne sono più propense a cercare supporto per un problema di salute mentale e quindi ad accedere al trattamento.

Quali sono i segni della depressione negli uomini?

Umore persistentemente basso e pensieri suicidi

Although the signs of depressione can present uniquely in each individual, there are some symptoms that present more commonly in men compared to women. "These include persistent low mood which can escalate to pensieri suicidi and feelings," Sampson explains.

"Other symptoms include agitated mood, irritability, feelings of rabbia and frustration, appetite changes - either eating significantly more or less - and difficoltà a dormire."

Alcohol and drug use

Research has indicated that symptoms of depression in men is more likely to be expressed in ways that differ from the core symptoms of sadness and hopelessness. Appearing 'emotional' is often stigmatised, so depression can lead to unhealthy behaviours such as abuso di sostanze misuse⁴

"Men who experience consistent low mood may turn to drinking alcol or taking recreational substances as a means of coping with their emotional discomfort," says Dr Natasha Bijlani, consultant psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Roehampton London.

Tuttavia, la ricerca ha dimostrato che esiste una relazione ciclica tra il consumo eccessivo di alcol e la depressione⁴. Often, alcohol is used to make someone feel better, but drinking alcol in excess can trigger or make giornata di salute mentale problems worse as it is a depressant. Drinking heavily can also increase the likelihood of risky behaviours, such as drink-driving.

Questi sintomi possono essere più difficili da riconoscere rispetto ai segni più tipici della depressione, come la tristezza persistente. Possono essere visti come problemi separati, piuttosto che come un segno di un problema di salute mentale più profondo.

Rabbia

Some men who become depressed may hide their emotions of tristezza and low mood and may present instead with anger, irritability or aggression.

"I sintomi di umore basso sono spesso soppressi dagli uomini e alla fine espressi con frustrazione," dice Sampson. "Le donne, d'altra parte, possono essere inclini a esprimere il loro umore basso con lacrime e parole. Gli uomini sono stati spesso socializzati a stare da soli e a limitare la loro espressività emotiva.

"For some men, seeking help is a sign of weakness and they do not feel they require support," she adds. "Depression in men is more likely to go unrecognised by other people and can be seen as external life problems, rather than an internal reaction to lo stress."

Often, how depression manifests can depend on the individual and the cause(s). Gender stereotypes and social conditioning are known to play key roles, but it can be linked to trauma, stressful events, bereavement, and other experiences too. Solitudine, la nascita e la storia familiare sono anche fattori di rischio.

Negli ultimi anni, i ricercatori hanno iniziato a esplorare i potenziali fattori biologici e genetici riguardo alle differenze nei sintomi tra i generi. Nel 2018, uno studio⁵ proposed that there are molecular differences in the brains of cisgender men and women with depression. However, they concluded that more research was needed to understand the implications of the findings.

Parla con il tuo medico

If you are struggling with your mental health or mood, it is important to speak to your doctor or a mental health professional. From consulenza e terapia per farmaci, there are many different ways to manage and treat depression and other mental health problems. You can also autosegnalarti per la terapia on the NHS.

Parla con amici fidati e familiari

It's important to parla con amici fidati and family members about how you feel. It's not easy, but remember that depression is a common problem and isn't a sign of weakness.

Cerca supporto per problemi di alcol o droga

If you're worried about your alcol intake or any substance abuse, speak to your doctor. They will be able to provide non-judgemental advice on support services in your local area. Try to be honest about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you. The charities Drinkaware e Alcohol Change also provide advice and support.

Ottieni aiuto in caso di crisi

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, get help straightaway. You can ring Samaritans UK on 116 123. You can also text "SHOUT" for free to 85258 from all major UK mobile networks. The NHS has local mental health helplines - search online to find one near you.

1. Priory Group: Il 40% degli uomini non parla della propria salute mentale.

2. Albert: Perché la depressione è più diffusa tra le donne?

3. Freeman et al: Uno studio transnazionale sulle differenze di genere nell'intento di suicidio.

4. Johannessen et al: Sintomi di ansia e depressione e consumo di alcol tra gli adolescenti - uno studio trasversale sugli studenti delle scuole secondarie norvegesi.

5. Seney et al: Segni molecolari opposti della depressione negli uomini e nelle donne.