WHAT MAKES DIFFERENT There is a stereotype of what depression looks like. We believe it has to be lots of crying, feelings of worthlessness, reduced appetite, excessive sleeping, isolating and being low all the time. To clarify, Jyotika Aggarwal, DHA Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Dubai discusses the red flags of male depression.
FACTS VERSUS STEREOTYPES According to Aggarwal, there is a stereotype of what depression looks like. “We believe it has to be lots of crying, feelings of worthlessness, reduced appetite, excessive sleeping, isolating and being low all the time.” While these are true and an important part of depression, for men, she explains that depression can look very different and this is the very reason why it may often be missed. She elaborates, “In men, it may manifest with symptoms like increase in fatigue, increased irritability and anger, sometimes they may become abusive in nature, loss
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of interest in work or hobbies, and difficulty in falling asleep.” Research also suggests that men use more substances, possibly as a form of self-medication. This can hide the symptoms of depression, making it harder to detect and treat effectively.
LESS LIKELY TO REACH OUT AND SEEK HELP Research suggests that men are not likely to accept their symptoms as depression hence, less likely to accept or seek help, points out Aggarwal. “Men find it hard to admit that they are going through any sort of difficulty let alone
