Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions globally. This condition doesn’t discriminate and affects all genders, races, ages, and cultures, but when it comes to depression across the sexes, some distinctions exist. Men and women can experience depression differently in their symptoms, risk level, and response.
It’s well-known that depression impacts females at a higher rate. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a 2021 survey found major depressive episodes affected 29.2% of adolescent females but only 11.5% of teen males.
However, that doesn’t mean depression in teen boys and men isn’t an issue. Unfortunately, toxic societal expectations of how males should behave mean that when boys experience depression, they’re less likely to seek help. So, while depression may occur at a lower rate for young men, it’s often deadlier.
Understanding the unique challenges that come with boys’ mental health is critical. This allows them and their loved ones to recognize a problem so professional help can be sought.
Common Signs of Depression in Teen Boys
When it comes to depression symptoms, teenage boys and girls are fairly similar in what they may experience. Common depression symptoms for teens include:
- A negative outlook on life and themselves
- Increased anxiety
- Low energy
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and sadness
- Low self-esteem
- Loss of interest in passions, activities, and hobbies
- Extreme changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Extreme changes in eating (eating too little or overeating)
- Sudden poor performance in school
- Lack of self-care (often seen as poor self-hygiene)
- Isolation from friends and family
- An increase in risky behaviors, such as drugs, alcohol,l and sexual activities
- Suicidal ideation
However, a few nontraditional depression symptoms, such as anger and irritability, are more likely to appear in teen boys versus girls.
The Statistics
Some important — and shocking — depression and suicide facts show just how serious depression in boys and men can really be:
- While women have higher rates of depression, men are more likely to commit suicide. Men account for 75%-80% of deaths by suicide.
- An estimated 60% of the people who commit suicide have major depression.
- In the United States, males commit suicide at a rate four times higher than females.
- Suicide is the second most common cause of death for men under the age of 45.
Depression in Teen Boys: Why It’s So Difficult to Catch
Depression is more challenging to detect in younger men for many reasons. Common factors that prevent boys from addressing their depression are:
Stigma
The biggest challenge for young men is that they often don’t feel comfortable recognizing or addressing their feelings. There’s a widespread toxic societal belief that boys who cry, show emotions, or ask for help are “weak.” Sadly, teenage boys accept this belief and repress their feelings.
Substance Abuse
Men are more likely than women to turn to harmful coping mechanisms, such as drugs and alcohol. These coping mechanisms allow them to lose themselves in substance abuse and avoid addressing the root problem.
Lack of Treatment
Teenage boys are less likely than girls to seek professional help for their mental health issues. One study found that in the year before suicide, only 35% of men sought care from a mental health practitioner.
Physical Symptoms
When men do seek medical attention for their depression, they’re more likely to report their physical symptoms (such as a racing heart, tightened chest, chronic headaches, or digestive issues). They’re less likely to bring up their emotional symptoms, which can lead to a misdiagnosis.
Misunderstood Signs
Young girls are often comfortable displaying their emotions, including feelings of sadness. In comparison, some signs of depression that young men have can be swept aside as “typical teen boy behavior.” Notably, young boys are more likely to display anger, irritation, and frustration, but their loved ones don’t connect these behaviors to depression. Dr. Mai Uchida, a pediatric psychiatrist and director of the Child Depression Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, says, “A lot of times, parents who have boys with depression say that they’re walking on eggshells around them because they don’t know what would set them off.” According to Uchida, even pediatricians and psychiatrists often don’t recognize the warning signs in young men because “they don’t fit the stereotypical image of depression.”
How to Help Young Men Address Their Depression
Many factors that prevent boys (and men) from seeking professional help for their depression relate to societal pressure. Boys are taught from an early age that being a man means being strong. They’re told not to cry and to hide their emotions.
However, when it comes to depression, this is one of the worst courses of action to take. Depression isn’t something that goes away on its own if you ignore it. In fact, depression can often worsen if left unaddressed. Ultimately, this condition is incredibly treatable when people do seek professional help.
The answer to helping teenage boys starts with shifting how people talk about mental health. Open conversations about mental health and the power of seeking professional assistance can help young men feel empowered to take that step when necessary.
If you have a teenage boy in your life, encourage them to have a strong support network. They should feel they have someone they can turn to, whether a family member, a friend, or a partner. When young men do share their feelings, the response should always be one of acceptance and understanding. The stigma around men’s mental health can only be broken down when everyone makes a change.
Depression Treatment for Young Men
The treatment options for depression are the same regardless of gender or age. The most effective treatment is therapy, where the individual can find out more about depression, understand their triggers, and learn coping mechanisms.
In addition to therapy, some people choose to take medication. Antidepressants have been proven to reduce the intensity of depressive symptoms. If you’re unsure about taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor or therapist about this option.
FHE Health Can Help
The young men in your life don’t have to suffer through depression. Getting professional help is the best way to ensure quick and effective depression treatment.
FHE Health is a top-tier mental health facility helping patients turn their lives around. Contact us today to discover how our programs can help you get back to your old self.
