“HeadsUpGuys helped me understand my depression and be able to recognize potential symptoms in others.” – Age 27, Canada
It’s a fact – men experience depression. Depression affects millions of men every year, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide. It’s a serious health issue that can have severe consequences, especially when left untreated.
Depression is a thief
It's an illness that robs us of:
Depression is no less real than any other health issue, like diabetes or high blood pressure. It’s not in our heads and it doesn’t mean we are weak – it’s a very real illness that affects many aspects of our lives (mood, energy, relationships, concentration, etc.) and is experienced by millions of people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances.
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of how strong or resilient we believe ourselves to be. That’s why it’s crucial to be able to recognize the symptoms early and take steps to combat it.
Untreated depression is a leading factor in deaths by suicide, of which men account for 75-80%.[1-5] Yet, with the right support and treatment, we know recovery is not only possible but achievable.
There are many misconceptions about depression that make it difficult for men to recognize it in themselves and even more difficult to seek support and take charge of their health.
Just as a broken bone can cause physical pain and limit our ability to move and function, depression can cause emotional pain and make it hard for us to engage in daily activities and fully enjoy life. Unfortunately, while no one would hesitate to treat a broken bone, many men still hesitate to seek support for their mental health.
Click the boxes to see the reality that debunks common myths that often hold guys back from addressing depression.
MythDepression means weakness.
RealityDepression is a real illness that can affect anyone – It has nothing to do with being tough.
Myth‘Real men’ never feel sad or share their emotions.
RealitySadness is an emotion all humans feel, including men. Even the toughest men feel sad or down. It takes strength to acknowledge & share.
MythA guy with enough willpower should be able to 'snap out of it.'
RealityYou can’t fix a broken arm with sheer willpower. The same is true for depression - getting better requires developing new skills to beat it.
MythMen should not ask for help; they should be able to cope on their own.
RealityTrue strength lies in knowing when to ask for help. Building your team to tackle depression means you're taking control of your health.
These myths can feel like handcuffs, preventing men from reaching out for support until their depression becomes very severe, if at all.
Additional barriers that often prevent men from getting the support they deserve include:
Depression can really mess with our thoughts, and it can interfere with our ability to experience positive emotions and hope.
“I knew something was off with my stress and mood, but I couldn’t sort it out. I wish I had known I was dealing with depression sooner. I waited to hit rock bottom before reaching out. I hope other guys don’t make the same mistakes.” – Age 28, Canada
The symptoms listed below can be part of life’s normal ebbs and flows and don’t always mean we’re depressed. However, the more symptoms we experience, the worse those symptoms are, and the longer they last (over two weeks), the more likely it is that we are dealing with depression.
Depression impacts every part of our lives, often creating a cycle that perpetuates and worsens symptoms. Recognizing depression early is crucial to preventing or stopping it from controlling our lives.
Persistent Sadness and Depressed Mood
Feeling deep emptiness, sadness, or numbness that doesn’t go away. These negative feelings can overshadow moments of joy and seem unrelenting.
Decreased Interest or Pleasure
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy—whether it’s hanging out with friends, going for a jog, or participating in a favorite hobby.
Significant Weight Change or Change in Appetite
Eating too much or too little, as food either loses all appeal or becomes a way to distract or cope with difficult emotions.
Changes in Sleep
Worsening or continued issues with sleep; from sleeping too much to sleeping too little, to not feeling as rested and restored after waking up.
Fatigue or Loss of Energy
Feeling low on energy, even when you haven’t exerted yourself. This fatigue doesn’t get better with rest or sleep.
Changes in Activity
Feeling as if everything (speech, thinking, moving) is slowed, or the opposite, feeling very agitated and almost jumpy (tough to sit still, pacing, and hand-wringing).
Worthlessness, Hopelessness, Helplessness, or Excessive Guilt
Feeling strong and unjustified hopelessness or guilt, like thinking that recovery is impossible or that you don’t deserve love, success, or happiness.
Difficulty Concentrating
Trouble concentrating on tasks, organizing your thoughts, or making decisions.
Thoughts of Suicide
From fantasizing about escaping from life and ending your pain to having a specific plan to take your life — any suicidal thoughts are a signal that you need to reach out for support.
Take our Depression Check to get a better sense of how these most common symptoms may be impacting your life.
Research has found that some men also experience other symptoms that can mask the more common or traditional symptoms of depression described above. These early-onset symptoms, which often go unnoticed and unaddressed, are known as “male-type” depression symptoms, and include: [6]
Reckless Behaviour and Substance Use
“For a short time, substances buried my problems. And then they got worse. So much worse.” – Trevor’s Story
Engaging in escapist, numbing, or risky behaviour, often in an attempt to feel something or nothing, or because you no longer care about your safety. This can include:
Anger, Irritability, and Aggression
“I was finding things to get angry at just because it felt good to be angry and that wasn’t working.” – Michael’s Story
Feeling overly irritable, becoming more sensitive to criticism, or losing your sense of humour. This can include:
Men are more likely to reveal their underlying depression in this way, in comparison to crying or talking about the sadness that they feel. This is partly due to societal factors around which emotions are seen as “acceptable” for men to display.
Our course on Managing Anger and Irritability can help guide you through better understanding and managing these intense emotions.
Physical Pain
“…my emotional state reached such a low point that my entire body was in physical pain.”- Dustin’s Story
Since the mind and body are closely connected, depression can also manifest as physical symptoms (which may not respond to usual treatments). This can include:
Low Libido or Erectile Dysfunction
“… difficulty finding motivation to do anything, a decreased sex drive, and engaging in a variety of negative behaviours that were harmful to myself.” – Matt’s Story
Difficulties with sex drive and performance can include:
The dual emotional and physical nature of these symptoms can be a strong indicator that you might be depressed.
Escapism and Avoidance
“I spent a few months by myself, working a manual labor job for 12-14 hours per day, coming home to eat, and going to the gym for another hour or two – all so that I could avoid having to face myself and my feelings.” – Jake’s Story
Escaping your feelings through actions or behaviors can include:
Escapism is often linked to substance abuse and can mask the usual indicators of depression, making it harder for you and healthcare professionals to recognize.
Withdrawal and Isolation
“I had isolated myself from society…Waking up every day felt like a burden, and I struggled to find any reason to keep going.” – Jordan’s Story
Distancing yourself, often out of shame, embarrassment, or to avoid burdening those around you can manifest as:
Isolation is a serious issue because it makes it harder for others to notice how you are doing. It also means you miss out on opportunities for social connection and support.
Try our Men’s Depression Risk Scale to see how these more specific male symptoms may be impacting your life.
Note that symptoms of depression can also overlap with symptoms of anxiety, which can likewise significantly interfere with your daily life and well-being.
Note that depression affects everyone differently, and symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another. For example, one guy might be chronically suffering from depression but still maintain his day-to-day responsibilities (informally known as high-functioning depression), while another may lack the energy to get out of bed.
Symptoms can also change over time, with regard to intensity, duration, and even the types of symptoms we experience.
“It took hitting complete rock bottom and daily thoughts of suicide for me to acknowledge that the way I was living was not bearable if I ever wanted a future.” – Burke’s Story
Fortunately, more men, including athletes, celebrities, and musicians, are speaking out about their battles with mental health issues and depression, helping to break the stigma. The myths around men’s mental health are fading, making it easier for guys to discuss and tackle depression.
Know that recovery is possible, even in the darkest times. We’ve collected over 100 real stories from men that prove it’s not only possible, but achievable.
I’m just realizing I’ve been fighting depression for most of my life and I didn’t even know it. Now I can take the steps needed to get better.”- Age 35, Canada
Recognizing depression isn’t admitting defeat; it’s about understanding the issue and taking control of your life and happiness.
If you are recognizing symptoms of depression in yourself, it’s time to take action.
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