How Depression Presents in Men vs. Women
When we think of depression, we’re often reminded of the most common presentations of a depressive episode: feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, and tearfulness. However, how often do we think of the ways depression presents differently across different populations?
Several factors can influence how depression presents, including genetic predispositions, environmental stressors, and individual coping mechanisms. Genetic factors may predispose individuals to certain types of depression, while environmental stressors such as trauma or chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms.
Additionally, culture and gender significantly influence how depression is perceived and expressed within different societies. Cultural norms and values shape how individuals interpret and communicate their emotional distress, leading to variations in symptom presentation and help-seeking behaviors. Moreover, gender roles and expectations may influence how depression manifests, with men and women often exhibiting different symptom profiles and coping strategies due to societal norms and pressures.
How might depression look different in female-identifying folx versus male-identifying folx? Read on for three ways depression shows up in men versus women.
Difference #1: Emotional Expression
Men and women often exhibit different symptoms of depression. Women tend to display more typical symptoms such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and guilt. On the other hand, men may be more likely to manifest depression through behaviors such as anger, irritability, aggression, and substance abuse. In fact, men were found to be twice as likely as women to express anger during a depressive episode.
Here are more ways emotional expressions of depression can differ between men and women:
Socially Acceptable Emotional Responses: Due to societal expectations and gender norms, women may feel more comfortable expressing their emotions openly, including sadness and tearfulness, as acceptable responses to depression. In contrast, men may be more inclined to suppress these emotions or express them through anger, irritability, or withdrawal, as these responses are often more socially acceptable within traditional masculine norms.
Coping Mechanisms: Women may tend to seek social support and engage in verbal processing of emotions as coping mechanisms for depression, leading to more overt emotional expressions. Conversely, men may be more likely to engage in activities such as substance use, workaholism, or risky behaviors as means of coping, which may mask or suppress their emotional distress.
Interpersonal Relationships: Women with depression may maintain their social connections and rely on close relationships for emotional support, resulting in more visible emotional expressions within these interactions. In contrast, men may withdraw from social interactions or avoid discussing their emotional struggles, leading to a perception of emotional stoicism or a lack of emotional expression in their relationships.
Difference #2: Physical Expression
Men may experience more physical symptoms associated with depression compared to women. This can lead to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of depression in men, as these physical symptoms may not always be recognized as being related to mental health issues.
Below are some physical differences in the expression of depression:
Somatization: Women may exhibit physical symptoms of depression more prominently through somatic complaints such as headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues. These physical manifestations may serve as a primary mode of expressing emotional distress. In contrast, men may be less likely to acknowledge or recognize the connection between their physical symptoms and underlying depression, leading to underreporting or misinterpretation of these symptoms.
Healthcare Utilization: Women with depression may be more likely to seek medical help for physical symptoms associated with depression, leading to higher rates of healthcare utilization compared to men. This may result in a higher likelihood of receiving a diagnosis and treatment for depression among women. Conversely, men may be less inclined to seek medical attention for physical symptoms or may be more hesitant to disclose emotional concerns during medical appointments, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of depression.
Impact on Daily Functioning: Physical symptoms of depression, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite, can significantly impair daily functioning for both men and women. However, the way these symptoms are perceived and managed may differ based on gender. For example, men may push through physical discomfort and continue to fulfill their responsibilities, whereas women may be more likely to prioritize self-care and seek therapy for depression when experiencing physical symptoms of depression.
Difference #3: Risk Factors
Risk factors refer to circumstances or traits that increase the likelihood that depression will develop. Just a few differences in risk factors include:
Social and Cultural Expectations: Gender-specific social and cultural norms can influence the risk factors associated with depression. For instance, women may face increased risk due to societal pressures related to caregiving responsibilities, body image ideals, and experiences of gender-based violence. Men, on the other hand, may be at higher risk due to expectations of stoicism, financial stressors related to breadwinning roles, and stigma surrounding mental health help-seeking.
Biological and Hormonal Factors: Hormonal fluctuations associated with menstrual cycles, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can increase the risk of depression in women. Additionally, biological differences in brain chemistry and hormone regulation may contribute to variations in the prevalence and presentation of depression between genders. In men, lower levels of testosterone or changes in neurotransmitter functioning may also play a role in increasing vulnerability to depression.
Help-Seeking Behaviors: Gender differences in help-seeking behaviors can also influence the risk factors associated with depression. Women may be more likely to seek social support and mental health services when experiencing emotional distress, potentially mitigating the risk of developing depression or receiving timely intervention. In contrast, men may be less likely to seek help due to concerns about appearing weak or vulnerable, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment of depression. This disparity in help-seeking behaviors can contribute to differences in the prevalence and severity of depression between genders.
In conclusion, men and women may experience depression differently as evidenced by emotional expression, physical presentation, and risk factors for depression. If you need to talk to someone, we’re here for you. At My Time Counseling, we specialize in depression therapy. Reach out to us today to see what we’re about!
