• By Laurel Kelly

Consumer Health: Understanding male depression

November 20, 2020
a young Black man sitting at table with a coffee and a computer, looking stressed, worried, sad and holding his head with his hands, struggling with perhaps a headache

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave, and it can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

Depression can affect men and women differently. When depression occurs in men, it may be masked by unhealthy coping behavior. For a number of reasons, male depression often goes undiagnosed, and it can have devastating consequences when left untreated.

Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression, and male depression usually improves with treatment.

Learn the signs and symptoms, so you know how to help yourself or a loved one.