Depression is commonly described as a mental illness that negatively alters a person’s feelings, thinking, and behavior. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it affects over 300 million people worldwide.

It has a higher prevalence rate in women, but this does not mean that depression is exclusively a women’s problem. Men also suffer from depression, but often go unnoticed and untreated. This article will explore the various factors that make men more susceptible to depression.

Gender Norms

Gender norms refer to societal expectations on how men and women should behave. These genders norms play a significant role in men’s susceptibility to depression.

Men are expected to be emotionally strong, hide their emotions, and be tough in the face of adversity. Society often defines masculinity by the ability to control emotions, be independent, and fierce in their endeavors.

These expectations provide little to no allowance for men to show their vulnerabilities, which can lead to the suppression of emotions and feelings of isolation, as they struggle with the pressure to live up to cultural expectations of how men should behave. These behaviors can cause men to perceive depression as a weakness, affecting their willingness to admit their vulnerability and seek help when needed.

Stressful Life Events

Life can be stressful, and some events can tip the balance, pushing men deep into the slump of depression.

Men who experience a significant life change, job loss, loss of a spouse or child, divorce, or other severe forms of stressors are more vulnerable to depression. Men tend to use avoidance as a coping mechanism, which eventually leads to internalizing the trauma and not seeking help.

Men who carry untreated emotional trauma often lead to anxiety and depression, leaving them without proper support to overcome these adverse life-changing events.

Low-Self Esteem

Low self-esteem is a psychological state, commonly described as a lack of self-confidence and self-worth. Men with low self-esteem often struggle with feelings of inadequacy, guilty thoughts, and self-doubt.

They are more susceptible to depression than men with high self-esteem. Often caused by negative life experiences, avoidance of social interactions, and self-doubt, low self-esteem can also cause men to feel helpless and hopeless, which are precursors to depression.

Substance Abuse

Men who abuse drugs or alcohol are more susceptible to depression. Substance abuse, be it alcohol or drugs, creates an altered state of mind that often mimics depression.

Regrettably, when the effects of the substances wear off, it leaves the user more depressed than they were before. Men might also use alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication, try to suppress feelings of stress or anxiety, which only serves to exacerbate the issue.

Genetic Factors

Depression has long been linked to genetics, with genetics playing a role in how a person responds to certain life events. Men with a family history of depression are more susceptible to depression than men with no family history of depression.

For instance, studies have shown that men with a first-degree relative that suffers from depression have an above-average risk of developing depression.

Work-related stress is a common issue among men, often characterized by long work hours, tight deadlines, and limited access to social support.

Men might internalize the stress caused by work to avoid admitting vulnerability, leaving them to bear their burden silently. Long-term exposure to such stress triggers a neurological response that is a risk factor for depression. Men who work in high-pressure environments are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression in later years.

Social Isolation

Men who are socially isolated are more susceptible to depression than men who have a support network of friends and family.

Social isolation is a common issue among men as they grow older, experiencing the loss of friends and loved ones, reduced mobility, and changes to their living situation. Without meaningful connections, men are exposed to the risk of acquiring depression. Studies have shown that men who have few social connections are 2-3 times more at risk of depression than those with active social lives.

Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep is often associated with depression symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and low energy levels.

Men are more susceptible to lack of sleep due to a higher likelihood of experiencing stress, overworking, and the burden of financial responsibility. Lack of sleep has also been shown to increase the risk of depression, especially in men with pre-existing psychological conditions. Adequate sleep is essential for good physical and mental health, and men should prioritize adequate sleeping hours.

Financial Hardship

The burden of financial hardship can induce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Unemployment, overwhelming debt, and insufficient income can worsen these feelings.

Men carry the societal burden of being responsible for providing financial support and security for their families, which can lead to feelings of helplessness, which can ultimately lead to depression.

Conclusion

Depression is a significant health problem, and men are just as susceptible to it as women.

Men’s susceptibility to depression should not be overlooked, and factors that make them susceptible should be addressed to reduce their risk of suffering from depression. By identifying the risk factors men face and addressing them, we can make sure that men get the help they need to battle depression.