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Depression is often misunderstood as a condition that only affects women, but the truth is that plenty of men struggle with depression at least once in their lifetime. Recognizing the signs of depression in men is essential to providing them with adequate help and support. Failing to notice the symptoms of this condition may lead to numerous problems in a man’s personal and professional life, including emotional affairs and relationship issues.
If you are worried about a man in your life or concerned about your mental health, it may be a good idea to learn more about male depression and its connection to emotional affairs. Our guide will help you understand the unique symptoms of male depression, explain what an emotional affair is, and describe the relationship between these two matters.
Understanding Male Depression
While men and women may feel differently when they are depressed, this condition is, at its core, the same mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness and despair. Depression may affect the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves, leading to various physical and emotional problems.
It is estimated that at least 10% of men in the United States struggle with depression. Sadly, this illness often goes undiagnosed in men—in many cultures, men are supposed to be “strong” and should not show their feelings, so they fail to open up about their struggles and receive the help they need.
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What Is an Emotional Affair
Unlike a physical affair that implies intimate physical contact with a person outside of a committed relationship, an emotional affair revolves around a non-physical connection and bond. When a person engages in a close friendship, shares their innermost thoughts, and receives understanding and support from someone who is not their partner, it may be considered an emotional affair.
In most cases, an emotional affair is just as hurtful as a physical affair—a betrayed partner feels blindsided and jealous when they find out their spouse or significant other has a deep connection with someone else. Emotional infidelity may lead to the dissolution of the relationship.
Symptoms of Male Depression
Here are some of the main signs of depression in men you should be on the lookout for:
Men may react to their depression with anger and irritability, directing their frustration at the people around them. If you have noticed that a normally calm and composed individual has started to lose their temper, there might be a mental health-related reason behind it.
It is not uncommon for a depressed person to lose interest in activities that used to bring them joy—for men, this may mean poor performance at work and withdrawal from sports and hobbies they used to love.
Sometimes, depression is accompanied by unexplained physical troubles—a man may start complaining about constant headaches, feel tired all the time, and suffer from digestive issues.
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How Depression Can Lead to Emotional Affairs
Feeling emotionally disconnected from your partner—If a man does not feel supported at home, he may look for a person who will listen to him and understand his feelings, further deepening the mental health struggles.
Building Self-Esteem—A depressed individual may feel worthless and inadequate; however, when they develop a friendship with a person who appreciates them and lifts them up, they may start feeling better about themselves.
Seeking Validation—It is common to deal with negative thoughts when you suffer from depression; sadly, when this condition is not addressed, a person may look for approval from people outside of their usual environment.
Ways to Support Men With Depression
Here are a few things you can do to help a man who struggles with depression:
Listen to Them—Let your loved one know you are there for them. Talk to them, encourage them to open up, and remind them that their feelings are normal and valid.
Avoid judging them for their feelings and behaviors—the last thing a depressed person needs is to be told they are acting crazy or irrational. Be patient—your support and understanding may do wonders for their recovery.
Instead of dealing with male depression on your own, it is best to reach out to a professional equipped to help you. A therapist will be able to diagnose the condition and give the man in your care tools to cope with depression.
FAQs
Is Depression in Males Different?
Men and women may display different symptoms of depression—for instance, males are more likely to react to this condition with anger and aggression.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Male Depression?
The symptoms of male depression include irritability, loss of interest, difficulty concentrating, changes in the sleeping routine, and unexplained physical issues.
What Triggers an Emotional Affair?
A person may engage in an emotional affair when they feel lonely and unappreciated in their relationship—they will look for an empathetic listener outside of their union.
Can Depression Cause Emotional Infidelity?
Depressed men may seek validation and support from people other than their partners, especially if their friends are there for them to listen to their struggles.
How to Help a Depressed Man?
You can support a depressed man by being there for him, recognizing the symptoms of this mental health disorder, and bringing him to a therapist for counseling.
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Addressing Male Depression and Emotional Affairs
We hope that our guide was useful and that you have learned the specifics of male depression and its connection to emotional affairs. Failing to notice the symptoms of depression in men may lead to various adverse consequences for their personal and professional lives, and in case you have spotted any of the signs we have listed, you may want to talk to the person you care about and bring them to a therapist.
Reach out to Dallas Mental Health to get the assistance you need—our mental health professionals will be able to diagnose depression in men and provide you with personalized guidance to help you support your loved one.
