Tag: Anger

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10 Signs You Need Anger Management and How to Find Help

Anger serves as a functional human emotion in the right circumstances, however, experiencing this in everyday life is not healthy. Anger can act as an outlet for deeper emotions such as shame, stress, and sadness1, and, when not regulated, strains work, personal life, and overall life satisfaction. Anger is usually rooted in stress, unresolved trauma, mental health conditions, and emotional dysregulation.

Anger management can help you navigate these emotions, leading to less explosive reactions. Addressing your anger can help you feel more fulfilled in all facets of your life, including your own internal world and well-being. If you exhibit some or all of these signs, anger management may be right for you.

1. Mood Swings

Experiencing and expressing extreme emotional highs and lows can be a product of anger. When someone has intense mood swings, they may react disproportionately to minor frustrations, leading to sudden outbursts. 

Frequent outbursts of anger can signal emotional regulation challenges and difficulty identifying and processing deeper feelings like hurt, sadness, or fear. Friends, family, and peers may distance themselves for fear of an unpredictable outburst. 

2. Easily Triggered

When someone is easily triggered, even minor hindrances or seemingly insignificant events can provoke an intense and disproportionately angry reaction. Their heightened sensitivity often reflects unresolved emotional struggles, stress, or trauma, where certain situations act as emotional “triggers” that activate feelings of anger.

Triggers vary by person and can include anything from perceived criticism, unfulfilled expectations, or reminders of past negative experiences. For those with anger issues, these triggers can cause them to quickly lose control, responding impulsively rather than processing the situation calmly. Sometimes, they do not fully understand why certain situations set them off, which can create a cycle of frustration and repeated outbursts. 

3. Short Temper

People with a short temper are quick to anger and react impulsively to situations that can be handled with patience and calmness. For example, someone with a short temper may lash out at a restaurant worker for getting their order wrong or be angry about typical traffic. These quick outbursts can occur over small annoyances due to a low threshold for frustration.

A short temper is often a sign that someone is struggling with underlying emotional regulation difficulties, which could be due to chronic stress, unresolved trauma, or mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. Lacking the ability to step back and process emotions before reacting leads to a pattern of frustration quickly turning into anger.

4. Frequent Outbursts

Without emotional control, anger results in outbursts, meaning frustration, stress, or emotional distress builds up and releases through sudden, intense reactions that are excessive given the situation.

Many individuals who struggle with anger issues may not have effective coping mechanisms to handle stress, disappointment, and conflict. Instead, they quickly resort to anger as a way of expressing these underlying feelings. These outbursts can also be a response to stress or mental health conditions, where anger becomes the default emotional response. 

5. Blaming Others

Someone with anger issues may blame others for their frustrations or difficulties as a defense mechanism to deflect from guilt, inadequacy, or vulnerability. By shifting the blame, they avoid confronting the underlying issues that contribute to their anger, such as anxiety, insecurity, or emotional pain.

Blaming others can be a way to justify angry outbursts or aggressive behavior, too, as the person feels that their reactions are warranted by someone else’s actions. For example, they might say, “I wouldn’t be so angry if you hadn’t done this,” which shifts the focus away from their out-of-control temper. This habit of blaming others prevents them from developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, as they fail to recognize their own role in the situation or their responsibility for managing their emotions.

6. Trouble Calming Down

If someone struggles to calm down after an angry outburst, their anger may not just be an immediate reaction but a sustained emotional state. Being unable to return to a balanced state after anger indicates their body and mind remain in a heightened state of tension or agitation, making it harder to move on from the trigger. This usually stems from a lack of emotional regulation skills or coping mechanisms to de-escalate the intensity of their anger. 

In some cases, the person ruminates on the cause of their anger, mentally replaying the situation and fueling their frustration. Deeper psychological issues, such as trauma and chronic stress, often create a lower threshold for emotional distress (meaning once they become angry, it’s hard to self-soothe). 

7. Verbal or Physical Aggression

When anger escalates to the point of aggression, whether through hurtful words or violent actions, it indicates that the person is overwhelmed by their emotions and cannot express or process them constructively.

Verbal aggression, including yelling, insults, name-calling, threats, and using intimidating language, arises when the person feels emotionally out of control, leading them to lash out in frustration. Although verbal aggression doesn’t cause physical harm, it can be emotionally damaging, causing lasting harm to relationships. Resorting to verbal attacks to express anger shows a need for better communication skills.

When anger leads to physical aggression, such as hitting, pushing, throwing objects, or causing property damage, the person has likely lost control of their emotions entirely, turning to violent behaviors as an outlet. Physical aggression is specifically concerning because it can result in harm to others or oneself, legal consequences, and long-term emotional and psychological damage.

8. Emotional Dysregulation

Emotional dysregulation involves difficulty in managing or controlling intense emotions2, including anger. For someone with anger issues, even minor stressors can trigger an intense and uncontrollable surge of anger, often leading to outbursts or aggressive behavior.

When a person experiences emotional dysregulation, they find it hard to pause, reflect, and respond calmly. Instead, their emotional response to a situation is disproportionate to the actual event. For example, they might become extremely angry over a small comment that wasn’t meant to be a criticism, reacting as if they need to defend against an attack. 

Emotional dysregulation is often associated with underlying conditions such as anxiety, depression3, trauma, or personality disorders. For anger, emotional dysregulation prevents the individual from using healthy coping mechanisms, such as calming themselves down or communicating their feelings constructively. Instead, their emotions rapidly escalate, making it difficult for them to manage the situation on their own.

9. Difficulty Managing Stress

When a person struggles to cope with stress, it can leave them vulnerable to frustration, irritability, and anger. Stress enhances emotional sensitivity and lowers the threshold for triggers, meaning they are more likely to react angrily to situations when stress levels are high.

People with difficulty managing stress often feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities, challenges, or environment, making it hard to stay calm or rational in frustrating situations. Instead of responding to stressors with problem-solving or healthy coping strategies, they lash out or express anger as a way to release the built-up tension. In this context, anger becomes a default reaction to stress because it provides a temporary outlet for emotions that feel unmanageable.

10. Strained Relationships

When someone struggles with anger management, they can lash out at loved ones, friends, or colleagues in moments of frustration or stress, creating a cycle of hurt and mistrust where others feel unsafe and disrespected. In romantic relationships, this constant tension results in arguments, miscommunications, and emotional distancing, as the partner feels they need to protect themselves from the person’s unpredictable and hurtful anger.

For those with anger issues, their emotional reactions can feel justified in the heat of the moment, but the long-term effects can lead to deep resentment and isolation. Partners, friends, or family members might avoid difficult conversations or distance from the relationship to prevent triggering an angry response.

Additionally, in professional environments, anger issues can lead to strained relationships with coworkers. Angry outbursts can result in a lack of respect and career setbacks as colleagues avoid working with the person for fear of conflict.

What Causes Anger Issues?

Anger issues often stem from various underlying emotional, psychological, and environmental factors. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly contribute to irritability and anger4. Feeling overwhelmed or frustrated while grappling with these mental health symptoms can cause anger to be an unhealthy emotional release. 

Past trauma and grief are also major contributors, as unresolved trauma and losses can manifest as anger5—acting as a defense mechanism or part of the grieving process. People with PTSD may be easily triggered, leading to angry outbursts when reminded of previous traumatic events.

Chronic stress from work, relationships, or ongoing life challenges can lower emotional tolerance and make it harder to manage anger (without emotional regulation strategies). Substance use, physical health issues, or even lack of sleep can also aggravate these tendencies by impairing impulse control and judgment.

Those with a naturally pessimistic or realist mindset may struggle with anger, too. Seeing situations in black-and-white terms or believing that others’ actions are personally directed at them causes frustration and defensiveness, leading to anger. Low self-esteem or insecurity further fuels anger, often as a defense mechanism to mask vulnerability. In some cases, anger can be a learned behavior from childhood, when anger was the primary form of communication. Understanding these underlying causes is essential for addressing and managing anger in a healthy, constructive way.

Try this guided meditation and visualization to find the root cause of your anger.  

Do I Need Anger Management?

If you came to this article, you may need some guidance. If your anger spirals out of control, there are ways to live happier. You may notice adverse effects on your relationships (especially romantic ones) and work life and decide enough is enough. Fortunately, there are solutions available—through personal growth and professional help. 

A general practitioner can be a good first point of contact when asking for directions. They can perform an initial assessment to evaluate potential care options. You can ask questions like:

  1. Is my anger related to an underlying mental health issue?
  2. ​​Could my anger be associated with any physical health issues?
  3. Are there medications that could help with my anger issues?
  4. How can I better manage stress or anxiety that are contributing to my anger?

They can refer you to specialists and programs that best suit your needs.

Finding Help to Manage Anger

Finding help to manage anger can be an empowering step toward improving emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. 

Therapy is one of the most effective tools for anger management. A therapist can help you address your anger and co-occurring trauma, grief, or mental health conditions. You can explore different types of therapy, like:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This helps you understand the thoughts and behaviors contributing to your anger and teaches coping strategies.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Particularly useful if your anger is related to emotional regulation issues, DBT focuses on mindfulness and distress tolerance.
  • Individual counseling: A therapist can help you identify triggers, develop emotional regulation techniques, and work through past trauma that may fuel anger.
  • Family or couples therapy: If anger affects your relationships, involving loved ones in therapy can improve communication and resolve conflicts.

Joining an anger management support group allows you to share your experiences with others facing similar struggles. These groups provide a sense of community, accountability, and encouragement. Some organizations, such as Mental Health America or Rageaholics Anonymous, offer in-person or online support groups for anger management.

Many anger management apps and online resources provide guidance on the go. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer mindfulness exercises, while others like Quit Anger provide tailored anger control tools.

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Managing Anger With CBT 

Anger is a normal human emotion, but when it becomes overwhelming or uncontrollable, it can interfere with your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers an effective approach to managing anger by identifying negative thought patterns and teaching healthier coping skills.

Learning more about how your anger works and what you can do to change your responses can help you regain control of your emotions, your relationships, and your life. This guide explores core CBT techniques for anger management, practical steps for changing behaviors around anger, and the benefits of getting professional support. 

Understanding Anger and Its Impact

What Is Anger?

Anger is a complex emotion that can manifest both physically and psychologically. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anger1 as “an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong.”

Physiologically, anger can trigger a fight-or-flight response, raising your heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Psychologically, it can make you feel frustrated, irritable, or hostile. While anger itself is a normal human emotion, it’s how we manage and express it that determines its impact on our lives.

The Impact of Anger on Life and Relationships 

Unmanaged anger can significantly impact your personal and professional life. Frequent outbursts or an inability to control your anger can strain relationships with your friends, family, and colleagues as conflicts damage trust and create more social isolation. In the workplace, anger issues might hinder your job satisfaction or career goals. Prolonged anger can also lead to physical health problems.

Why Anger Management Is Important 

Benefits of Managing Anger

Effectively managing anger can have a hugely positive impact on your day-to-day life. Reduced stress and anxiety and improved relationships, both personal and professional, are common outcomes. Anger management skills can also boost your self-esteem as you gain confidence in your ability to handle life as it comes.

Anger can be a good thing. It can give you a way to express negative feelings, for example, or motivate you to find solutions to problems. And it’s a normal and healthy response to someone violating your boundaries. “Healthy anger is in the moment,”2 says physician and trauma expert Gabor Mate. “It protects your boundaries, and then it’s gone.” 

The problems come in when anger is chronic, disproportionate, or out of control. Then it can interfere with your life. In this case, learning to manage your anger can improve your mood, your self-image, and your ability to build and maintain healthy relationships that support you throughout life. 

Consequences of Unmanaged Anger 

Uncontrolled anger can have far-reaching consequences. “Excessive anger can cause problems,”3 says the APA. “Increased blood pressure and other physical changes associated with anger make it difficult to think straight and harm your physical and mental health.” Over time, the chronic stress of unchecked anger can lead to heart disease4 and weakened immune function. Emotionally, it increases your risk of anxiety and depression. Frequent conflict stresses your social and romantic relationships. And in severe cases, unmanaged anger can lead to violence and related legal issues. 

Anger issues are often a result of unresolved childhood trauma. That’s because people who aren’t taught to express this emotion as a child often have trouble doing so appropriately as an adult. “If your boundaries were infringed as a child and you weren’t able to express [anger], it doesn’t disappear,” says Mate. “It gets suppressed. It becomes almost like a volcano that’s gurgling and bubbling inside you, but it’s had no expression.” 

If you’re in an abusive situation as a child, suppressing your rage is a survival mechanism. But that doesn’t mean the rage goes away. “What happens is then later on as an adult something triggers you and also it just explodes out of you and you have no control over it. Now it’s no longer a response a healthy response to the present moment, but a response to the past,” says Mate. That’s why a person’s rage can be triggered by something seemingly minor, but express itself as an explosive response. 

So how can CBT help?

Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

To understand how CBT can help manage anger, let’s look at the core principles of this therapeutic approach.

What Is CBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a type of psychotherapy that addresses the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Treatment usually takes place over a set number of sessions. You don’t need a mental health diagnosis to benefit from CBT5—the techniques it teaches can help anyone manage stressful situations.

This structured therapy is designed to help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. CBT is a practical approach that teaches problem-solving strategies to manage stress.

CBT is based on these core principles:6

  • “Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
  • Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
  • People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.”

CBT is often used to manage anger7 because it “targets deficits in emotion regulation and social problem-solving that are associated with aggressive behavior.”

How CBT Can Help You Manage Anger 

CBT can help you identify the thoughts and beliefs that trigger your anger. By understanding these patterns, you can then challenge and replace anger-inducing thinking with more balanced perspectives. 

CBT is the most commonly studied treatment for anger,8 and a wide body of evidence proves that it’s effective. One meta-study on 20 years of research into the benefits of CBT for anger management9 finds that “the average CBT recipient was better off than 76%of untreated subjects in terms of anger reduction.” Another study shows that CBT-based interventions reduced relapses into anger issues10 by 23% generally, and 28% for anger issues involving violence.  

The type of cognitive behavioral therapy used may also determine its effectiveness. According to research on CBT for anger in children and adolescents,

Skills training and multimodal treatments were more effective in reducing aggressive behavior and improving social skills. However, problem-solving treatments were more effective in reducing subjective anger experiences. 

CBT also teaches practical techniques to cope with frustrating situations in the moment. Through regular practice, your can develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the frequency and intensity of anger outbursts.

Key CBT Techniques for Anger Management

A range of practical tools and techniques can help you effectively manage anger with CBT: 

Cognitive Restructuring 

Cognitive restructuring11 involves challenging the negative beliefs that trigger anger. By examining these thoughts, you can replace them with more helpful, realistic ones. For example, if you tend to assume someone is intentionally trying to upset you, cognitive restructuring helps you consider alternative explanations. This helps you reframe situations in a less triggering, more positive light.

Relaxation Techniques

Anger often triggers physical tension. CBT uses relaxation techniques12 to counteract this. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation help calm the mind and body. By focusing on the present moment and releasing physical tension, you can reduce the intensity of anger and reduce the chance that you’ll react impulsively. 

Problem-Solving Skills

Effective problem-solving is a key part of successfully managing anger. CBT teaches you to break down challenging situations into smaller, manageable steps: 

  1. Analyzing the problem 
  2. Generating potential solutions
  3. Evaluating their outcomes 

These can help you respond to triggers in a proactive, solution-oriented way. 

Mindfulness Techniques 

Simply suppressing anger doesn’t always work. “There are ways of working with it through the body that doesn’t involve either suppressing it or acting it out, but experiencing it,” explains Mate. 

One of these is the RAIN meditation13 created by meditation teacher Tara Brach. This technique takes you through sequential steps of recognizing, allowing, investigating, and nurturing your emotions to process them in a healthy way.

Practical Steps to Implement CBT for Anger Management 

There are also steps you can take on your own to put CBT into practice in your daily life.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting achievable goals makes addressing anger issues feel a lot more manageable. Start small by identifying specific situations that trigger your anger, focusing on one challenging situation at a time. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, instead of aiming to eliminate all anger, focus on reducing the intensity or duration of outbursts. 

Keeping an Anger Diary

An anger diary14 can be a great tool to grow your self-awareness and understand your relationship with anger. By tracking your triggers, warning signs, reactions, and outcomes, you can identify recurring patterns and develop effective coping strategies. Regular journaling helps you recognize situations that commonly provoke anger and develop healthier responses. 

Overcoming Common Challenges 

Anger management is a journey, and success requires you to overcome challenges and stay focused on your treatment goals.

Identifying and Addressing Obstacles

Managing anger can be a challenge. At times you might feel like you’re losing motivation, having trouble identifying your triggers, or just feeling overwhelmed by the process. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to stay on track when the going gets tough: 

  • Break down goals into smaller steps
  • Ask for extra support from your therapist or support network 
  • Practice being compassionate and kind toward yourself  

You don’t have to be perfect. What’s important is that you maintain a general direction toward growth and stay committed to your anger management process.

Completing Treatment 

When it comes to making life changes, commitment is key. How long people attend therapy for anger management and whether or not they complete their treatment course matters. One study on group CBT for anger found that “patients referred with anger problems often do not attend for treatment,” and that their attendance had a major impact on their treatment outcomes:

  • Only 9% of those referred for therapy attended the full CBT course.
  • 29% of patients had at least one session of CBT, while 56% didn’t go at all.
  • Patients who attended for some or all of the CBT had less frequent and less intense anger outbursts, and saw a reduction in their anger traits. 

Another study on the effectiveness of CBT for anger management in adult mental health services found that completing CBT for anger management improved patients’ self-esteem:15

Those who drop out of the group have higher initial depression and poorer self-esteem compared to those who remain in the group. In addition, those who complete the anger management group show improvements in anger control and have improved self-esteem.

Staying Motivated

A long-term commitment to anger management is clearly beneficial—but motivation can wane at times. To keep your head in the game, 

  • Revisit your reasons for taking on this process.
  • Remind yourself of how much better life will be when you have more ability to regulate your emotions.
  • Visualize your long-term goals and how managing anger contributes to achieving them.  
  • Seek support from your therapist, family, or friends to stay accountable.
  • Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it seems.

Progress takes time and setbacks are normal. Stay persistent and keep taking one step forward at a time.

Seeking Professional Support

While there’s plenty you can do to implement CBT techniques on your own, it’s ideal to start off with a set number of sessions with a therapist.

The Importance of Professional Help

Self-help strategies can help, but professional guidance is often necessary to address underlying issues and learn how to effectively manage anger. A therapist experienced in anger management can provide personalized support, tailored strategies, and accountability. They can help you uncover the deep-rooted causes that contribute to your anger and develop long-term coping strategies. You can even attend a residential anger management program for a more comprehensive treatment experience. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you’re struggling to manage anger on your own.

Finding the Right Therapist

To find a qualified therapist who specializes in anger management, you can start by asking for referrals from your friends, family, or healthcare provider. You can also use an online platform or reputable directory to search for therapists in your area. Consider the therapist’s experience, credentials, and whether their treatment approach aligns with your personal values. It’s important that you feel comfortable and connected with your therapist.

The Role of Support Networks

Building a strong support network can support your anger management recovery process as you invest in your personal growth.

Building a Supportive Network

A strong support system can help you through many life challenges, including learning to manage anger. Surround yourself with understanding and supportive friends and family, or look for support groups16 in your area or online. These sources of strength can offer encouragement, empathy, and even practical help. Opening up to people you trust about what you’re going through can help you feel more grounded, connected, and optimistic about your healing journey. 

Sharing Your Story

Sharing your experiences with anger can be incredibly empowering. By talking openly about your struggles, you not only validate your own feelings, but learn from and inspire others. Connecting with others who face similar challenges can help you feel less isolated and more seen and understood. 

Discussing your deeply held feelings is vulnerable work, so be sure to do this in a safe space.

Embracing the Process of Change

Trusting process can help you see this important journey to completion. 

Understand That Change Takes Time 

Learning to manage anger is a journey with its share of ups and downs. Progress takes time, and setbacks are normal. As you gradually gain coping skills and create new habits, be patient with yourself and give yourself credit for the work you’ve done. Lasting change requires consistent effort—and plenty of self-compassion along the way.

Take Small Steps Towards Change

Big changes often start with small steps. Try making incremental adjustments to your daily routine. For example, try incorporating short relaxation techniques17 or mindful breathing exercises into your daily routine. Over time, these small changes will build momentum and grow your confidence in your ability to manage anger effectively.

Celebrate Each Achievement

Each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your anger management goals. Reward yourself for learning new ways of navigating challenging situations. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in helping you maintain your motivation! If you need help to manage your anger, reaching out is the first step. Look for anger management programs and speak to a professional about making a treatment plan today.

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Depression in Men: Recognizing and Treating a Hidden Condition

Depression can be difficult for anyone to discuss, as sufferers have to deal with not only their condition but also the stigma associated with it. This challenge can be even more profound for men. Many men who struggle with depression suffer silently for years, compounding their feelings of sadness with the frustration, anger, and guilt of seeming weak. And unfortunately, these feelings often hinder men from seeking treatment for their depression.

While the symptoms are similar across genders, there are some key differences in how depression manifests in men. For example, when men are depressed, they may tend to appear aggressive or angry instead of sad. Also, while women can often be more in tune with their emotions and recognize depression for what it is, it can be harder for men to identify it in themselves. They may be more likely to ignore or suppress their feelings, or to attribute them to something else.

Depression can disrupt men’s daily lives and negatively impact their physical health, interpersonal relationships, and careers. It can also be life-threatening, as depressed men are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women.1 That’s why we need to understand the signs and sometimes unique symptoms of male depression.


In this article, we’ll explore how depression presents in men. We’ll also dive into the reasons why men and those around them often fail to recognize that they’re suffering from depression and the consequences this can have, as well as how to find effective treatment.

Signs of Male Depression

Men face a set of cultural expectations as to how they’re supposed to display (or not display) emotion. As such, they’re more prone to hide certain feelings for fear of being criticized or rejected. Whereas depression may show up in women as sadness, some men may be less comfortable with this expression. Men might express feelings of sadness as anger or aggression—which in turn makes depression harder to identify.

Physical Symptoms

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, what we go through mentally and emotionally can affect us physically. Men may notice the physical effects of depression2 first, and are more likely to go to the doctor for physical problems than emotional ones.

These are some of the most common physical indicators of depression in men:

  • Headaches
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Erectile dysfunction or loss of libido

These symptoms may occur due to changes in brain function caused by depression, or they may result from other disruptions depression can bring, such as changes in eating habits or sleep. Fortunately, getting treatment for depression can provide relief from its physical and psychological effects.

Behavioral Symptoms

Early indicators of depression in men3 might include anger, aggression, irritability, and frustration. Since feelings lead to actions, behavioral signs might also appear:

  • Increased drug or alcohol use
  • Becoming controlling or abusive in relationships
  • Working more without taking breaks
  • Participating in high-risk activities, such as dangerous sports or unsafe sex
  • Falling behind on work or family duties

According to one survey analysis published in the medical journal JAMA Psychiatry, these self-destructive reactions are often the consequence of men lashing out in an attempt to hide their depression.4

What Causes Depression?

A combination of factors can cause depression in men:

Stress

Financial difficulties, the death of a loved one, relationship problems, major life changes, professional challenges, or any other stressful circumstance may trigger depression in certain men. Likewise, lacking the skills to cope successfully with stressors can worsen their emotional state.

Illness

Depression can result from medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease. It can also exacerbate these issues, and vice versa. Medications used to treat these conditions might sometimes have adverse effects that induce or aggravate depression symptoms.

Genetics

Men with a family history of depression may be more prone to develop the condition.

Isolation

Loneliness can be harmful to your mental health if it lasts for a long period of time. Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep disorders, and stress.

Childhood Trauma

Men who incurred abuse or trauma during childhood may experience severe depression as adults.

Substance Abuse

Men who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse may be at risk for developing severe depression. Depression is also a risk factor for substance abuse, as sufferers may self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. This combination of depression and substance abuse is known as a co-occurring disorder and requires specialized treatment. In this case, it’s best to seek comprehensive therapy that addresses both issues.

The possible causes of male depression are as unique as each individual. There are also a number of reasons why men or their loved ones may not recognize their depression.

Why Does Men’s Depression So Often Go Unrecognized?

The reasons men may ignore, hide, or simply be unable to see their depression for what it is can be complex. Emotional or behavioral indicators of depression in males might be misinterpreted as negative personality attributes. And because men are culturally conditioned to believe that expressing emotions connected with depression is wrong, many therefore strive to repress them. Even those who do recognize they’re depressed may avoid seeking treatment for fear of damaging their reputation among colleagues, family, or friends.

Co-Occurring Depression and Substance Abuse

As mentioned earlier, men often use alcohol or drugs to escape from their daily struggles or to cope with overwhelming symptoms of depression.

Co-occurring substance abuse can add to the challenge of treating men with depression. The two conditions can fuel each other’s negative cycles, ramping up behavioral consequences like aggression and risk-taking. This, in turn, can cause significant negative results in a man’s relationships, employment, and physical health.

Risks of Untreated Depression in Men

Effectively treating male depression can be lifesaving. Depression can cause people to feel powerless and hopeless, putting some at a dangerous risk for suicide.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for confidential assistance from a trained counselor. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911.

Untreated depression can last for months or years. And in addition to the day-to-day suffering it brings, it can also put men at risk of serious, long-term consequences.

According to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, scientists have known for many years that there’s a link between depression and heart disease.5 Depression affects at least a quarter of all cardiac patients, and people with depression are more likely to develop heart disease.

In addition, depression and stress damage the immune system,6 and as mentioned earlier, can lead to several other physical ailments.

Families are profoundly affected when a loved one suffers from untreated depression. Family members may carry guilt around the situation, believing they did something to cause it or could have done more to help. They might also feel fearful about their loved one’s wellbeing, or anxious because they’re empathizing with his pain. Or, they might feel like they’re walking on eggshells due to his unpredictable moods.

Those struggling with severe depression might find intensive treatment at a residential depression treatment center to be helpful.

Inpatient Depression Treatment

Many residential rehab centers treat not only addiction, but also mental health issues like depression. If depression impairs your ability to function in daily life, you may find relief in a residential rehab‘s higher level of care. Inpatient depression treatment allows you to devote your full attention to your recovery for an extended period. In inpatient treatment, you’ll receive treatment in an immersive therapeutic setting, with 24/7 access to staff. Most rehabs also offer aftercare programming to help you transition to life back home and maintain your progress and lifestyle changes after inpatient care.

Gender-Specific Care

Some rehabs offer gender-specific programming, which can help with a few aspects of treatment:

  • Increasing comfort levels: Men may feel freer to open up about their experiences (for example, they may be less apt to self-censor during group sessions), allowing them to get more out of the treatment process.
  • Avoiding distraction: Early recovery is a vulnerable time, when emotions are often running high. Without the added pressure of women in the treatment setting, some men might feel better able to focus on their work of healing.
  • Forming bonds: Learning from shared experiences and finding commonalities with others can help men feel they’re not alone.

Centers Offering Men-Only Treatment Programs

Following are a few examples of depression rehabs with programs designed specifically for men:

Soberman’s Estate

This men-only residential center in Cave Creek, Arizona serves men between the ages of 30 and 80, and happily accommodates executive clientele. Their depression treatment program focuses on the emotional challenges that men, in particular, face. Their campus in the “shadow of the saguaro” offers expansive natural beauty and amenities such as a putting green, fire pit, and farm-to-table meals to help men rediscover their appreciation for life’s simple joys.

Peaks Recovery

This dual-diagnosis treatment center in Colorado Springs, Colorado offers a men’s inpatient program aimed at allowing clients to address gender-specific issues while strengthening bonds between peers. Clients live in one of 3 separate homes on their 12.5-acre campus, surrounded by Rocky Mountain scenery that inspires self-connection.

Taking Steps Towards Relief

Depression is a serious, life-altering disorder. It’s critical to understand that this persistent sadness is not a sign of weakness. It’s a real illness, and it requires proper treatment.

Recognizing the signs of depression, learning more about your condition and what you can do to treat it, and reaching out to a facility for an assessment are the first steps toward taking back your life.

Learn more about depression treatment facilities here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Male Depression

How is depression in men different from depression in women?

While the symptoms of depression are similar across genders, there are some key differences in how it manifests in men. Men may tend to exhibit aggression or anger rather than sadness when depressed. They may also have difficulty identifying their own depression and ignore or suppress their feelings. Understanding these differences is important for addressing male depression effectively.

What are the treatment options for male depression?

Effective treatment options for male depression include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support from loved ones. Individual therapy can help men explore and address underlying issues contributing to their depression. Medication (prescribed by a healthcare professional) may be used to manage symptoms. Making positive lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, eating well, and managing stress can also support mental wellness.

Are there specialized treatment programs for men with depression?

Yes, there are specialized treatment programs available specifically designed to address the unique needs of men with depression. Some luxury rehabs offer gender-specific programming, creating a safe and supportive environment where men can openly discuss their experiences and find commonalities with peers. These programs aim to increase comfort levels, avoid distractions, and foster bonds among participants. Examples of such programs include Soberman’s Estate in Arizona and Peaks Recovery in Colorado.