Symptoms of depression in men: causes and methods of treatment.

Many representatives of the stronger sex develop depression. Symptoms in men vary. With this mental disorder, the mood sharply worsens. A man becomes unable to perform his usual work due to severe motor retardation. In addition, the characteristics of thinking change: it is characterized by pessimism.

Male long-term depression: main causes

Representatives of the stronger sex are less emotional compared to women. The work of their brain can be called more straightforward. But various mental disorders do not affect the male half of the population.

Depression occurs due to the following reasons:

Alzheimer's disease;
excessive load on the brain during prolonged stress;
alcohol abuse;
psychological trauma;
climatic factors;
long-term use of medications;
head injuries;
separation from a loved one;
procrastination;
excessive physical activity.

There may be no obvious causes of depression in men. In such situations, there is often a disruption of normally occurring neurochemical functions in the brain.

Causes of depression in men

Identifying the specific causes of this pathology is problematic. This is a whole complex of various factors that occur in the life of every person. But, unlike girls, for men to develop depression there must be a specific trigger. A woman can become depressed from bad weather or negative memories.

Modern realities are such that society imposes stereotypical concepts on young people: men should not cry, show emotions, share problems and experiences. Such a load, in combination with causative factors, will undoubtedly lead to a depressive state. At the same time, the causes of pathology differ depending on the age group:

20-25 years old - lack of personal life, problems in studies, lack of professional employment, housing problem, serious illness (men, relatives), birth of the first child.
30-40 years - divorce, lack of career growth, problems at work, goals not achieved by this age, bankruptcy, moving, death of a loved one, dismissal.
45-50 years old - low social activity, retirement, health problems, potency, loneliness.

Men are not used to sharing their experiences with friends and family. And psychologists have proven that any exciting situation needs to be talked through in order to remove this burden. Thus, various difficulties and the loss of a loved one often provoke a depressive state. Young people are very susceptible to depression due to injuries and serious illnesses that do not allow them to engage in active work and social activities.

Thus, even a minimal dropout from society depresses the male psyche and leads to complete apathy. If the disease has led to disability, depression cannot be avoided. A condition such as postpartum depression is usually attributed only to the female gender. But few people know that about 4-5% of the entire male population are also susceptible to depression after the birth of a child, especially the first. Postpartum depression in men is associated with a complete change in the usual lifestyle, the appearance of the spouse, and her constant preoccupation with the baby.

Other common causes of male depression include:

Frequent stress;
Mental and physical fatigue;
Avitaminosis;
Heredity;
Chronic fatigue syndrome;
Hormonal disbalance;
Dysfunction of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland;
Excessive amounts of cortisol;
Head injuries;
Neoplasms of the brain;
Diabetes;
Alzheimer's disease;
Alcoholism, drug addiction.

Main manifestations

All symptoms of a mental disorder are divided into primary and secondary. The main signs of depression include:

hypothymia (deterioration of mood);
motor retardation. The man has everything “falling out of his hands”, he feels an acute lack of strength;
deterioration in concentration. It becomes difficult for a man to assimilate new information and make informed decisions.

Additional signs of depression include:

decreased interest in things that previously captivated a man’s attention;
difficulty falling asleep;
weight loss;
the emergence of feelings of guilt or self-condemnation;
a sharp decrease in self-esteem;
noticeable weakening of sexual desire.

How can a man get out of depression on his own after 30 years?

To fully process the information received during the day, you need to sleep at least 8 hours a day. It is recommended to deal with sleep problems using “improvised” methods. Drinking alcoholic beverages to help you fall asleep is not recommended. You should only resort to sleeping pills in emergency cases.

It is worth explaining how to deal with depression for a man with sleep problems:

You should try to go to bed at a strictly defined time. This habit is the key to good, restful sleep. It is recommended to go to bed at 9-10 pm. During these hours, a higher recovery capacity of the brain is observed.
If you have problems falling asleep, it is recommended to take a warm bath before bed, ventilate the room well, and drink a cup of warm milk with honey.
Before going to bed, a man does not need to watch creepy thrillers or horror films that carry negative emotions. This approach prevents the occurrence of nightmares.
It is not recommended to eat heavily before going to bed. A too rich dinner and good sleep are practically incompatible.

Daily walks in the fresh air help saturate the body with oxygen and normalize metabolism. Therefore, a man needs to rest as much time as possible in this way.

How to get a guy out of depression:

Get to know the problem better

To fight depression, loved ones of a sick person need to get to know the “enemy” better. To do this, it is recommended to take some time to study this condition. There are a sufficient number of books and Internet resources that simply and clearly present proven advanced information about the types of depression, its course and symptoms. If you know how the disease manifests itself and how a depressed person behaves, then you can make life easier not only for him, but also for yourself.

Separate the disease from the person

A depressed person literally changes beyond recognition. He can suddenly lose or gain weight, turn from the “soul” of the company into a withdrawn and unsociable person, from a guy dressed to the nines become a person who doesn’t give a damn about his appearance.

It is important for girls to understand that a depressed guy does not want to go to the cinema or does not shower her with compliments not because he has fallen out of love, but because his psycho-emotional state does not allow him to think about joyful moments and make people around him happy. People in prolonged depression cease to rejoice, sympathize, empathize and lose the ability to please others.

This approach will avoid resentment and misunderstandings in relationships, strengthen the connection and become an important factor in recovery.

Ask questions

A depressed person tries to hide from the world: he avoids contact with others in every possible way, refuses entertainment and communication. According to some psychologists, in the soul, every person who withdraws into himself dreams of being listened to, supported, and relieved of this suffering.

The patient should be left alone with the person as little as possible, especially if his condition is accompanied by suicidal thoughts. You need to try to be close, not to go too far, so as not to seem too intrusive, you need to try by any means to lift the person’s mood, to warm him with your spiritual warmth. If the guy accepts help and agrees to talk, you need to try to find out from him what led him to this state and whether it is possible to somehow correct the situation.

Examples of questions to ask:

When was the first time you felt this way?
Are there things, words or topics that make your condition worse?
Are there any problems you want to talk about?
Would you like to try to solve these problems together?
Do you have suicidal thoughts?
Is there anything that helps you feel better?

See a doctor together

There are several types of depression. There are situations when this term is used to describe the usual autumn blues. If a person has symptoms characteristic of depression for more than two weeks, it is recommended to consult a doctor who will suggest the right solutions and prescribe therapy. This is especially important in the most severe form of the condition—major depression. Men do not like to go to doctors, and some of them find it difficult to overcome the psychological barrier and go for a consultation. In patients, apathy can be so strong that even recovery does not become an incentive, so it is worth taking care and going with your boyfriend to a specialist.

Reasons why you need to accompany a patient to a consultation with a specialist:

A depressed person can be silent and secretive. It will be difficult for the doctor to get answers from him and without an assistant he will not be able to form the correct clinical picture.
In the presence of a loved one, it will be easier for the patient to trust the doctor.
After listening to the doctor’s recommendations, you can begin to control the therapeutic process without letting it take its course.

In addition, the patient may not be able to adequately assess the situation, and therefore will not be able to find a good specialist for himself. This is exactly why you need a loved one who can help you start treatment.

Maximize your understanding

If a guy is depressed, it is necessary to treat his condition with understanding, since the disease can cause a serious blow to a person’s psychological and physical health. There is no need to reproach a guy for his tendency to drama and excessive emotions, laugh at his tearfulness, irritability, or mock his appearance. This behavior leads to the opposite effect, and the person withdraws into himself and becomes fixated on his problems.

What should be done:

Accept the fact that for a depressed guy, his experiences are absolutely real, important and valid.
Control your speech, especially when discussing sensitive topics.
Do not dismiss the patient’s problems and be attentive if he decides to discuss his experiences.

No to artificial fun

If previously a guy enjoyed attending noisy parties, loved meeting with friends, going to the movies or cafes, then in depression such entertainment can further aggravate his condition. To support a person and give him pleasant emotions, it is recommended:

Ask the patient what he would like, what activity could please him at the moment.
Most likely, a depressed guy will answer that he is not interested in anything. In such a situation, it is necessary to give up pressure. If he doesn't want to go somewhere, there is no need to insist.
Try to take into account the person’s condition when inviting him to go out somewhere. If the depression has subsided a little, then there is a high chance that the guy will agree to go for a walk or meet with friends.

Add a little romance to life

If a guy has a girlfriend, then she should be more romantic during such a difficult period for a guy as depression. For example, you can invite your lover to the cinema or theater, to a cafe, to a restaurant, or just for a walk under the starry sky. You can have a small candlelit dinner if the guy doesn’t want to leave the house. If this does not impress him, then it is recommended to tell him compliments and pleasant words more often. The main thing is that everything said is sincere and comes from the heart.

Maintain your identity

For a person in a depressed state, the most important healers are close and beloved people. It is they who, with their warmth, affection, care, and patience, gradually help a person to get out of this swamp. But helpers also have emotions and patience can also come to an end. Staying next to a depressed person for most of the day will cripple anyone. As a result, you can find yourself at the bottom next to the victim.

How can a man get out of depression on his own after 40?

The modern rhythm of life is such that people have practically stopped walking. They travel mainly by car or public transport.

Men who do mental work at work also do little physical work at home. Household appliances, which significantly simplify our lives, help us cope with household chores without much effort. Therefore, by the end of the day, a man feels more emotional fatigue than physical fatigue.

How can a man get out of depression on his own with low physical activity? At least twice a week you need to devote enough time to intense physical activity. A man can go jogging in the morning, attend classes in the gym, and start working in his garden.

If a representative of the stronger sex has recently experienced a divorce, one must not give up hope of building another, more durable relationship. When receiving news of a fatal illness of a relative, a man should try to maintain composure. In such a situation, it is necessary to enjoy every moment spent with a loved one.

Not a girl's disease at all

And yet, in spite of everything, this disease is most often attributed to the female half of humanity. It is generally accepted that vulnerable and sensitive girls are prone to mental trauma and stress. And, as a result, they are the ones who are susceptible to depression. But if you look at this situation from the other side, you can understand that men also have to fight the disease, and it is much more difficult for them.

We must not forget that in society it is generally accepted that guys should not give in to their emotions, follow the lead of circumstances and simply relax and cry from fatigue. With all this, if you look at it in detail, the male half of humanity is influenced by many more factors in the form of stress at work, family conflicts and problems with the female sex.

Work with a specialist

How to get a man out of depression if the problem lies in misunderstanding on the part of the woman he loves? In this case, the married couple should try to find a compromise. In words, this is quite simple to do. But in reality, when establishing relationships with your other half, great difficulties can arise.

If there are problems in the relationship between spouses, the best option is to seek advice from a psychologist. Few people want to talk about their mutual grievances in the presence of a stranger, but to save the family it is worth deciding on such a difficult step.

In the 21st century, you can even make an appointment with a psychologist remotely, for example, with Nikita Valerievich Baturin. It will help get rid of depression and fears, restore self-confidence and psychological health.

Basic principles of treating depression

Once you are convinced of the presence of a disease and have correctly determined what type of ailment this case is, you can begin to help the patient. It is noteworthy that the type of help will depend on which variant of the disease your case belongs to.

How to help a man get out of depression if his illness is of psychogenic origin? First of all, the patient needs the support of loved ones and, of course, the woman he loves. No one can raise a guy's self-esteem as much as a girl who holds a special place in his heart. If a man returns every day to a home where he is welcome and always ready to support him, then his state of mind will gradually recover.

If you are thinking about how to help your husband get out of depression, first of all pay attention to your own behavior. You must be loyal and gentle to your spouse. Not only should he be a support and support for you, you should also create conditions for support and comfort for him. Depression in men after 40 years is the so-called midlife crisis. Refers specifically to the psychogenic type. Treated with care and attention.

In case of endogenous depression, the help of a specialist is necessary. Only a professional can tell you how to overcome the disease. Of course, help and support from the family are also necessary in this scenario. But it is simply impossible to fight genes at home.

How to overcome depression of the somatogenic type? First of all, it is worthwhile to cure the physical illness that caused the development of the pathology.

How to treat depression in men with medications?

Medications may only be used under the supervision of a specialist. Signs of depression in men can be eliminated by:

antidepressants. The choice of such medicines is quite large. Antidepressants help improve your mood. Such drugs help normalize sleep and appetite;
tranquilizers. They are used in the treatment of depression only in short courses. The prescription of tranquilizers is indicated in the presence of anxiety and signs of insomnia in the patient. The effect of taking such medications occurs after approximately 10 days;
mood stabilizers. Such drugs are indicated for use in patients with cyclothymia and bipolar disorder. Drugs belonging to this group help stabilize mood;
vitamins and restorative drugs. The nervous system needs B vitamins and beneficial microelements. There are many vitamin and mineral complexes that contain all the substances necessary for proper brain function in an optimal ratio.

Symptoms of depression in men

The classic trinity of depressive syndrome:

volitional and motor retardation;
hypotomic decrease in mood (the intensity of all mental processes decreases);
decline in intellectual skills and activity.

However, this is already a clinical picture, which is often associated with other disorders. And yet, this is approximately how depression is detected in women (apathy, indifference, lack of feelings of joy, sadness). In men, depression does not always take the classic form.

Most often, men simply do not recognize emotional problems, and then powerful defense mechanisms come to the rescue, completely changing the picture of depression. Basically, these are antisocial manifestations and aggression.

In principle, signals about the development of a depressive state can be:

increasing irritability and nervousness;
outbursts of aggression and anger;
sudden and frequent mood swings (dangerous symptom);
disturbance of sleep-wake rhythms;
somatic symptoms (various pains and ailments);
weakening of sexual desire, neurotic loss of erection;
sudden emergence of extreme hobbies;
gambling (ludomania) - a pathological tendency to gamble;
development of chemical dependencies (alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking);
total abandonment to work.

Still, it is worth noting some ambiguity in several symptoms. Extreme sports also perform other functions that have nothing to do with depression. What is important here is the very fact of the sudden appearance of strange hobbies: for example, a person who was afraid of heights begins to jump with a parachute. In such cases, it may simply be an attempt to beat the growing depression, or a kind of imitation of suicide.

In general, such symptoms serve as a disguise: the fact of weakness is hidden not only from the environment, but also from oneself.

Application of herbal medicine

Nowadays, many people are accustomed to trusting products of natural origin. Herbal medicine is not an independent treatment for depression. But products made from medicinal herbs are actively used as part of complex therapy for the disease.

Depression that occurs in men may be accompanied by suicidal ideation or other overt psychotic symptoms. In this case, the use of herbal remedies is contraindicated. You need to immediately contact a specialist so as not to waste valuable time.

Depression observed in men requires the use of herbal medicines in the following cases:

the use of such drugs is effective when a man complains of sudden mood swings, lethargy in the morning, sleep disturbance, irritability (in the absence of other more serious symptoms);
herbal medicine is carried out if there is masked depression, which often occurs in men. It manifests itself as depression, muscle tension, and weakness. Men may also complain about the appearance of spots before their eyes, unsteady gait, and difficulties in perceiving new information. With masked depression observed in men, a thorough examination of the patient is necessary. It helps to exclude the presence of neurological diseases that provoke the occurrence of similar symptoms;
herbal remedies can be used in combination with traditional medications;
medicinal herbs are actively used in the treatment of elderly patients who do not tolerate psychotropic medications well. Herbal medicine can also be carried out when depression is combined with brain failure of an organic nature.

Herbal remedies can be divided into sedative and stimulant. Sedatives help eliminate irritability and anxiety. They are effective for worsening mood and sleep disturbances. The most common remedies include tinctures of valerian, motherwort, hawthorn, heather, and passionflower.

Medicinal plants with a stimulating effect are used for the following symptoms of emotional distress:

loss of strength;
decreased physical activity;
exhaustion;
feeling of loss of energy.

Extracts of Eleutherococcus, Echinococcus, chamomile, and a tincture made from Schisandra have a pronounced stimulating effect. To eliminate anxiety and depression, and sleep disorders, Deprim and Novo-Passit are used. Such drugs do not have such a pronounced effect as antidepressants. But the likelihood of side effects when using them is relatively low.

A simple conclusion can be drawn: the use of medicinal herbs is justified only in the presence of a mild depressive disorder or in combination with psychotropic drugs.

Effective folk remedies

How to help your husband get out of depression using folk remedies? You can use lavender essential oil. It is used to enrich the composition of oils, sprays and lotions. The unusual aroma of lavender helps eliminate anxiety and induces sleep. Essential oil is not addictive. A man who periodically experiences anxiety is recommended to add 5-7 drops of aroma oil to the bath.

Chamomile helps reduce anxiety and irritability. The medicinal plant is effective even for generalized anxiety disorder. Such conclusions were made during one of the studies.

Chamomile-based products help reduce anxiety and irritability.

The bath solution should be prepared according to the following recipe:

You need to take 20 grams of mint and chamomile.
Medicinal herbs are poured into 1 liter of boiling water.
The resulting mixture is cooked over low heat for 5 minutes.
After this time, the product is infused for 50 minutes and poured into the bath.

Valerian is considered to be a mild antidepressant. The medicinal plant helps improve sleep and eliminate anxiety. Valerian is present in so-called “sleepy” teas. The medicinal plant helps cope with anxiety. However, products with valerian should not be used simultaneously with alcoholic beverages or taken with antidepressants.

At home you can prepare the following remedy:

Combine 20 grams of motherwort, 15 grams of St. John's wort, 1 teaspoon of hawthorn, 1 tablespoon each of valerian root and lemon balm leaves.
All ingredients are poured into 200 ml of boiling water and the resulting mixture is infused for 5 minutes.
The finished product must be filtered through a sieve. The resulting tea is consumed warm.

Adaptogen herbs are also effective in treating depression. Their prominent representative is Rhodiola rosea. The medicinal plant helps increase the body's resistance to stress. Rhodiola rosea has a tonic effect in cases of decreased attention and fatigue.

Note! In 2007, the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry published a study on the results of taking Rhodiola rosea extract for mild to moderate depression. When using the product, side effects such as a feeling of dry mouth and dizziness may occur.

Men's problems

For example, a man has a family and a wife who demands that he earn more money. He also has a job where the boss, a tyrant and despot, makes life unbearable every day. Let's add to this successful friends, against whom the guy looks like a loser and not successful in society. In conclusion, a man who is under pressure from many of the above factors cannot simply come home, drink a cup of coffee and, relax, complain to his wife about how tired he is of everything. It is also unlikely that if a guy becomes limp in the company of friends, he will be understood and supported. It is worth recognizing that there are very few wives and friends who are able to understand and accept a loved one in any condition.

Based on this difficult situation, a man is left day after day to accumulate in himself all the indignation, grief, anxiety, fatigue and irritation. As a result, the human body becomes depleted. And after it, the mental and mental state is depressed. What are the consequences of such stress for the body and psyche? Of course, the result of all this can be depression. It is this that often leads to nervous breakdowns, suicides, mental disorders, etc. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify the disease in time and begin treatment. But how can you help a man get out of depression if it manifests itself extremely rarely? Let's look at this difficult issue in more detail.

Alcoholic depression as a separate type of mental disorder

Alcoholic depression in men is quite common. This mental disorder often requires serious medical intervention.

Alcoholic depression in men is one of the most common causes of suicide due to alcohol abuse. It leads to problems in men in terms of social and family adaptation.

A representative of the stronger sex who abuses alcohol does not enjoy respect in society. Excessive addiction to alcohol also causes frequent conflicts in the family. People under the power of the green serpent are often subject to sudden mood swings. The reluctance of an alcohol-dependent person to seriously change anything in his life significantly strains the situation in the family.

Alcoholic depression in men in some cases is difficult to treat with psychotropic medications. The pathology may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

worsening mood;
retardation of movements;
deterioration of mental activity;
the occurrence of anxiety and hypochondria.

During abstinence (withdrawal of alcoholic beverages), such depression in men may be accompanied by severe depression. At the same time, depressive symptoms intensify.

A moderately severe mental disorder that occurs during the period of withdrawal from alcoholic beverages can go away without the use of antidepressants, on its own. As toxic metabolites formed during the exchange of ethyl alcohol are removed from the body, the man’s well-being (psychologically) will begin to improve.

If alcoholic depression that occurs in male drinkers is accompanied by depression and suicidal tendencies, tricyclic antidepressants are actively used. Such drugs include:

"Imipramine";
"Amitriptyline."

Tricyclic antidepressants help improve mood. A separate advantage of such drugs is the possibility of their administration intravenously or intramuscularly. Therefore, depression is alleviated quite quickly, and the adverse symptoms that occur in men who drink become less pronounced.

To eliminate anxiety, medications such as Sertraline or Fluvoxamine may be prescribed. If a man is low-sensitivity to the effects of drugs, a combination of Citalopram with other antidepressants can be used.

Main signs and symptoms of depression in men

First of all, it is necessary to analyze the man’s behavior and, after conducting a deep analysis, try to understand whether it is really depression or something completely different. Nowadays it is not difficult to find tests that can be used to determine the presence of depression in the first steps. But what if a person is skeptical about such methods and denies the existence of problems? Analyze. Below is a list of the main and most obvious signs of depression in men.

The patient’s behavior is the main indicator of the presence of a disorder.

1. During depression, almost everyone can experience a sharp decrease in appetite. Even those foods and products that most recently were among your favorite delicacies do not make you want to eat.

2. When depressed, a person is prone to frequent mood swings. He may suddenly and without reason flare up, shout, or even react aggressively to a situation that usually does not cause him much emotion.

3. Unexpected decrease in performance. Rapid onset of fatigue and increased fatigue. During depression, not only your mental state suffers. Damage is also caused to physical health. Therefore, do not be surprised if your man begins to sleep more, forgets some important things, gets lost in dates and times, and also complains about fatigue - all this is a clear sign that he has depression.

4. A frequent and, perhaps, the most tragic consequence of such a violation is suicide. Therefore, if a man starts talking about how he sees no meaning in life, is tired of it and doesn’t know why he should live, immediately contact a specialist. Thoughts of suicide and loss of interest in everything around you are a sign of advanced depression, which can cause suicide.

5. Often, during depression, a man behaves aloofly even with close friends. She locks herself at home and doesn’t communicate for several days. Loses interest in favorite activities, hobbies and sports. Things that made him happy just recently cease to arouse any interest.

6. Another common indicator of depression in men is problems with potency. Often during this illness a person’s self-esteem drops sharply. For men, this primarily causes problems in bed.

So, if, after observing the guy’s behavior, you find at least a few similar points to those listed above, you need to take action immediately.

Experiences after breaking up with the woman you love

For many men, life after the woman they love seems devoid of color. Very negative thoughts can creep into your head.

If separation is inevitable, you can try to protect yourself from mental anguish. The following recommendations can help minimize the consequences of the destruction of a long-term relationship:

you need to write down on paper both the positive and negative qualities of the woman you love. At the same time, especially close attention is paid to negative character traits;
There is no need to accumulate mental pain. A man needs to speak out, tell someone about his experiences;
It is necessary to create a tight work schedule. If you need to put in a lot of effort to implement your plans, there is practically no time left for worries;
You should not refuse to communicate with a person with whom your close relationship has outlived its usefulness. It is much better to try to look at him with a different, more intent look. Perhaps this woman is not worth your worries at all.

Breaking up is not the end of the world. This is not a reason to give up the joys of life. Trials toughen a person. After suffering, the gifts of fate become more valuable and bring a full range of feelings.

You can alleviate depression that occurs after breaking up with the woman you love in various ways:

walks with the dog. To get rid of depression and feelings of emptiness in your soul, you can get a pet. Regular walks with your dog help relieve stress. A man will spend more time in the fresh air, which has a relaxing effect. In addition, while walking with your pet, you can make a new acquaintance with a lady;
change in a measured lifestyle. Positive changes in your daily routine can help you put yourself on a happier note;
showing initiative in communicating with friends. They should be invited more often to concerts, to cafes or to an interesting film;
volunteering activities. Selfless help to other people helps expand the sphere of communication and brings sincere pleasure. For many men, volunteering helps change their lives for the better;
making new acquaintances. You can expand your usual circle of friends using VKontakte groups based on interests;
walking, swimming, dancing, martial arts or running. They help the stronger sex to concentrate on their own feelings. And group classes provide powerful motivation for self-development, improve communication skills with other people;
mastering any new type of activity (parachute jumping, scuba diving);
going on a long business trip abroad;
increasing self-esteem through active promotion up the career ladder.

How to get out of depression for a man: variety in diet

How to overcome symptoms of depression in men: is there any advice from doctors on how to get out of it? Representatives of the stronger sex are advised to eat a diet high in vegetables and fruits. This diet saturates the body with beneficial nutrients that regulate mood.

Fruits, which contain a lot of folic acid, improve metabolic processes in the body. The main sources of vitamin B9 are:

avocado;
pomegranate juice;
beets;
broccoli;
strawberries

The body needs food rich in antioxidants. It helps fight biochemical changes that occur during stress. Foods enriched with antioxidants include:

cranberry;
blackberry;
grape;
blueberry;
Goji berries.

A man is recommended to consume less refined carbohydrates and sugar. The amount of products containing Omega-3 fatty acids is limited as much as possible. To improve a man’s emotional state, he can take B vitamins and magnesium.

In depression, a decrease in the concentration of zinc in the blood serum is often observed. Normalizing the content of this mineral helps reduce the severity of depression.

Note! Chromium is especially useful for atypical and chronic depression. It helps to increase sexual desire if the decrease in its concentration is due to the psychological state of the man.

In order for food to have a richer and more intense taste, you can use a variety of spices. Rosemary leaves are present in a large number of seasonings. The spice adds a pleasant aroma to meat or potato dishes. Rosemary is considered to be a natural antidepressant. The medicinal plant is endowed with pronounced anxiolytic properties. Rosemary helps relieve anxiety and emotional stress. The spice gives a great taste to dishes made from veal, lamb, peas and fish.

Thyme contains large amounts of tryptophan and lithium. In small quantities, the seasoning can be used as a sedative. Thyme combined with rosemary is an excellent seasoning for roasts or eggplant dishes.

How to treat depression in men

Effective ways to treat depression in men.

No pills

If you do not believe in the power of drug treatment or do not want to resort to such treatment for other reasons, study the recommendations of psychologists. By following simple rules, you can gradually get out of a depressive state.

Basic recommendations

Learn to distinguish between a simple failure and a big problem.
Consciously try to think about the positive aspects of life.
Allocate more time for proper rest.
Don’t forget about sports, even if it seems like you have no energy for it.
Change your environment often.
Don't forget to praise yourself even for small successes.

Your mood will improve after any muscular activity - do not ignore this fact. The point is not only that this way you are distracted from problems (although this is important) - when muscle tone increases, the brain begins to produce endorphins. In their action, these natural substances are similar to antipsychotics and antidepressants. Additional benefits of playing sports: self-esteem rises, appearance improves. Having a positive attitude towards yourself is very important to combat depression.

Don't ignore work - it's what can save you. It is important to be among people more often, to have a list of your own responsibilities. Depression in men causes different feelings, and one of them is to isolate yourself from everyone, quit your usual activities, sit in front of the TV or computer. You cannot give in to this desire, even with very great temptation.

A common symptom accompanying the disease: insomnia. Opponents of drug treatment should pay attention to infusions of medicinal herbs: motherwort, peony, valerian. For mild depression, they can normalize the situation, at least with sleep. Herbs can be used not only in infusions. Place a gauze bag with crushed valerian root under your pillow or hang by your bed: its smell has a slight soporific effect.

Don't discount the power of art. During depression, classical music is very effective: attend a concert, or just listen to famous compositions at home.

Medications

Antidepressants are considered effective medications in the treatment of depression. The choice of funds in this group is quite extensive. It is believed that antidepressants simply improve mood, but their spectrum of action is much broader. They improve sleep, appetite, and eliminate anxiety.

Sometimes depressive disorders are treated with tranquilizers, but they are used only for short courses, in the initial stages of therapy. Recommended for patients with insomnia and severe anxiety. They can be considered a replacement for antidepressants, since they begin to act immediately and eliminate at least some of the symptoms of depression. Antidepressants have a broader effect, but their effect begins only after a couple of weeks from the moment you start taking them.

Patients with cyclothymia and bipolar disorder are often prescribed mood stabilizers for prevention and treatment. This refers to a group of drugs that contribute not so much to the elimination of depressive disorders, but to the stabilization of the general condition. Thanks to these drugs, pronounced mood swings disappear, which can be dangerous with the mentioned diagnoses.

Many people believe that vitamins are needed only for beautiful skin and strong nails, but their effect, of course, is broader. The nervous system of any person needs microelements and vitamins. Focus on foods with B vitamins.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is also called "talk therapy" - the patient receives help by talking with a specialist or with a group of people with similar problems. There are various methods of psychotherapy that are effective in treating depression.

For example, cognitive behavioral therapy: a short-term therapy that allows you to replace unproductive and negative thinking patterns with more positive ones. Treatments focus on taking specific steps to help manage and reduce symptoms.

Interpersonal Talk Therapy: A targeted therapy that focuses on solutions to interpersonal problems. Provides symptomatic recovery.

Psychologists also often use “problem-based therapy,” which helps people learn ways to effectively manage the negative consequences of stressful life circumstances.

Let's list the benefits of psychotherapy

Help for people suffering from depression.
Overcoming the crisis.
Identifying negative beliefs and replacing them.
Exploring relationships, creating positive connections.
Finding adaptive ways to solve difficulties.
Identification of problems influencing the formation of depression.
Search for new realistic goals.
Development of stress resistance.

What should you not do?

Sadness, excessive self-criticism, a feeling of hopelessness of what is happening, a crushing feeling of guilt and a lack of interest in life - all these can be signs of depression in a man. In this case, not only the stronger sex suffers, but also the people around her.

To overcome depression, you don't need to do the following things:

talk about how beautiful the world around is. A man can develop a long list of things that make life unfair to him and the world imperfect. It is difficult for a woman who is not in a depressed state to understand this. But statements about the beauty of the things around a man, as a rule, do not have the desired impact. Therefore, a woman needs to learn to listen carefully to her partner, and not try to convince him of something;
accuse a man of deliberately trying to draw attention to his experiences;
offer professional help in an intemperate manner, in the style of “It’s high time you got treatment.” This approach will only worsen the man’s condition. A conversation about the need for professional help should be carefully thought out and balanced.

Symptoms of depression in men who are looking for meaning in life

Real severe and deep male depression occurs only in representatives of the sound vector. These people are natural introverts, focused on themselves, immersed in their thoughts. And the questions that they are trying to comprehend have nothing to do with the material world.

Who am I? What is the meaning of my life? What is the purpose of human existence on earth? These are the questions the sound engineer asks.

Even with a well-paid job and a good family, a sound engineer does not get joy until answers to the most secret questions in life are found. Male depression increases gradually but inexorably in a sound worker, even if he tries to work while depressed and maintain his usual way of life. Headaches and sleep disturbances can be very disturbing. The sound person withdraws even more into himself, does not call his family or communicate with friends.

Life begins to be perceived by him as painful and meaningless, with a gray series of monotonous days. Stops worrying about his own appearance and what he eats. Treatment of depression in a man with a sound vector with the help of medications is usually prescribed by specialists when depressive states become his constant companion.

However, the pain of the soul cannot be treated with pills. We enjoy life only when we realize our natural desires and aspirations. For a sound artist, this is knowledge of oneself and the structure of the universe. Sound engineers manage to realize this aspiration in its entirety at the training on system-vector psychology by Yuri Burlan.

Preventive measures

There are the following measures to prevent depression:

maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It includes a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and giving up bad habits. A proper lifestyle has a beneficial effect on a man’s mental state;
protecting yourself from stressful situations;
simpler attitude to life. Don't get hung up on difficult life situations. In this case, the likelihood of disappointment in the people around you is significantly reduced;
caring attitude towards friends and family. In pursuit of illusory values, we quite often forget about the importance of family ties and friendly support.

IMPORTANT! Informational article! Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Types and benefits of vitamins for depression

Of course, deep depression in men cannot be treated with simple vitamins. But you can still try. After all, many people ask the question: “How to treat depression with vitamins?” The answer is very simple: you need to drink the prescribed course. It is extremely undesirable to resort to even such seemingly harmless self-medication. The course and period of taking vitamins must be agreed with a specialist. Due to the fact that the causes of depression in men can be very different, and we have already discussed some of them, the necessary treatment will also differ.

Often, specialists prescribe the following common vitamin complexes to treat depression:

"Neuromultivitis".
"Vitrum Superstress".
"Dopelhertz Active Magnesium".
"Invigorates."

Correct intake of such complexes leads to improved memory, restoration of healthy sleep and general well-being. Due to these factors, the body moves more confidently towards recovery. Of course, finding and purchasing vitamins for depression for men will not be difficult, but you should still not self-medicate. The fact is that even the most harmless effect on the body can both sharply push towards recovery, and just as sharply give a negative result.