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BROS & DEPRESSION

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

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Men tend to be less adept at recognising symptoms of depression than women. Us Bros are more likely to deny our feelings, hide them from ourselves and others, or try to mask them with other behaviours. While blokes may experience classic symptoms of depression such as despondent mood, loss of interest in work or hobbies, weight and sleep disturbances, fatigue, impatience, aggression, and concentration problems, we are more likely than women to experience “stealth” depression symptoms such as anger, substance abuse, and agitation.

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The three most commonly overlooked signs of depression in men are:

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  • Physical pain. Sometimes depression in men shows up as physical symptoms—such as backache, frequent headaches, sleep problems, sexual dysfunction, or digestive disorders—that don’t respond to normal treatment;​

  • Anger. This could range from irritability, sensitivity to criticism, or a loss of your sense of humour to road rage, a short temper, or even violence. Some men become abusive or controlling;​

  • Reckless behaviour. A man suffering from depression may exhibit escapist or risky behaviour such as pursuing dangerous sports, driving recklessly, or engaging in unsafe sex. You might drink too much, abuse drugs, or gamble compulsively.

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How to know if you’re depressed

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Bro, if you identify with several of the following, you may be suffering from depression.

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  • You feel hopeless and helpless

  • You’ve lost interest in friends, activities, and things you used to enjoy

  • You’re much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual

  • You’re consuming more alcohol, engaging in reckless behaviour, or self-medicating

  • You feel restless and agitated

  • Your sleep and appetite has changed

  • You can’t concentrate or your productivity at work has declined

  • You can’t control your negative thoughts

  • Your sex drive has dropped

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Online Self-Assessment

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You can access a simple self-assessment checklist called the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). This aims to measure whether you may have been affected by depression and anxiety during the past four weeks. The higher your score, the more likely you are to be experiencing depression and/or anxiety.  Click here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10

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You can also access the HeadsUpGuys Checklist here; https://headsupguys.org/mens-depression/self-check

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CONTACT

Thanks for getting in touch with me! I will respond to you within 24 hours.

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BROS GLOBAL acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia as the first inhabitants of this nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we are established.

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BROS GLOBAL recognises diverse communities who, through their lived experiences, help to guide our research, resources and training development for men's mental health, wellbeing and personal development.

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BROS GLOBAL respectfully acknowledges those who have died or have been affected by suicide or intentional self-harm. We are committed to ensuring our work continues to inform improvements in both community awareness and prevention of suicide and self-harm.

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