Quels sont les signes de la dépression chez les hommes ?

Men, women and people of all gender identities can experience dépression at some point in their lives. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include feelings of hopelessness and épuisement, withdrawing socially, low estime de soi, and problems with sommeil.

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 normes de genre masculines.

"While discussions around santé mentale seem to be expanding in reach and compassion, there's still some cultural and social stigma around dépression, particularly among men," says Alison Sampson, a clinical psychologist at Centre de Bien-être Priory Southampton. "Generally, men are socialised by society to hold in their emotions, though we know doing so isn't healthy."

Bien que davantage de femmes soient diagnostiquées avec la dépression², men are more likely to die by le suicide³. Cela pourrait être dû au fait que les femmes sont plus susceptibles de rechercher un soutien pour un problème de santé mentale et d'accéder ainsi à un traitement.

Quels sont les signes de la dépression chez les hommes ?

Humeur dépressive persistante et pensées suicidaires

Although the signs of dépression 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 des pensées suicidaires and feelings," Sampson explains.

"Other symptoms include agitated mood, irritability, feelings of colère and frustration, appetite changes - either eating significantly more or less - and difficulté à dormir."

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 l'abus misuse⁴

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

Cependant, des recherches ont montré qu'il existe une relation cyclique entre la consommation d'alcool nocive et la dépression⁴. Often, alcohol is used to make someone feel better, but drinking d'alcool in excess can trigger or make santé mentale problems worse as it is a depressant. Drinking heavily can also increase the likelihood of risky behaviours, such as drink-driving.

Ces symptômes peuvent être plus difficiles à reconnaître que les signes plus typiques de la dépression, tels qu'une tristesse persistante. Ils peuvent être considérés comme des problèmes séparés, plutôt que comme un signe d'un problème de santé mentale plus profond.

Colère

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

"« Les symptômes de la dépression sont souvent réprimés par les hommes et finalement exprimés par de la frustration », explique Sampson. « Les femmes, en revanche, peuvent être enclines à exprimer leur humeur dépressive par des pleurs et des mots. Les hommes ont souvent été socialisés pour rester seuls et limiter leur expressivité émotionnelle. ».

"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 niveaux de 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 traumatisme, stressful events, bereavement, and other experiences too. La solitude, la naissance et les antécédents familiaux sont également des facteurs de risque.

Ces dernières années, les chercheurs ont commencé à explorer les facteurs biologiques et génétiques potentiels concernant les différences de symptômes entre les sexes. En 2018, une étude⁵ 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.

Parlez à votre médecin

If you are struggling with your mental health or mood, it is important to speak to your doctor or a mental health professional. From un accompagnement psychologique et la thérapie à médication, there are many different ways to manage and treat depression and other mental health problems. You can also vous référer vous-même pour une thérapie on the NHS.

Parlez à des amis et à la famille de confiance

It's important to parler à des amis de confiance 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.

Rechercher du soutien pour des problèmes d'alcool ou de drogues

If you're worried about your d'alcool 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 et Alcohol Change also provide advice and support.

Obtenez de l'aide en cas de crise

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: 40 % des hommes ne parleront pas de leur santé mentale.

2. Albert: Pourquoi la dépression est-elle plus répandue chez les femmes ?

3. Freeman et al: Une étude transnationale sur les différences de genre dans l'intention suicidaire.

4. Johannessen et al: Symptômes d'anxiété et de dépression et consommation d'alcool chez les adolescents - une étude transversale auprès des élèves du secondaire norvégien.

5. Seney et al: Signatures moléculaires opposées de la dépression chez les hommes et les femmes.