Depression doesn't always look how most people imagine it. It can look like someone struggling to get out of bed, crying often, and feeling generally sad or heavy - but not always. Many men struggling with depression don't relate to the 'typical' way we view depression as a society. Instead, it shows up in hidden, unexpected ways that don't even get recognized as depression.
This is where the distinction between overt depression and covert depression becomes important. If we can learn to recognize and name covert depression more men may not feel like they have to struggle alone.
People are most familiar with overt depression, which can look like:
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Frequent crying or tearfulness
Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
Withdrawal from friends and family
Fatigue and lack of motivation
Changes in weight
There is also covert (or masked depression):
Irritability or frequent anger outbursts
Overworking or using busyness to avoid emotions
Risk-taking behaviors or impulsive decisions
Excessive exercise or pushing the body beyond its limits
Substance use to cope with stress or numb feelings
Physical complaints like headaches, stomach problems, or muscle tension
Feeling “numb” or like life has no real joy, even if everything seems fine on the outside
What we are starting to understand is that men are more likely to struggle with covert depression due to societal norms. If this resonates and you want to learn more about the signs of covert depression and some steps toward change read a more in depth article here.