Differences Between Male and Female Depression

Both men and women get depression. But men experience depression very differently. The following grid outlines some of the differences!

Differences Between Male and Female Depression

Women with depression:

Blame themselves

Feel sad, apathetic and worthless

Feel anxious and scared

Avoid conflicts at all costs

Always try to be “nice”

Withdraw when feeling hurt

Have trouble with self-respect

Feel they were born to fail

Feel lethargic

Can be a chronic procrastinator

Sleep too much

Have trouble setting boundaries

Feel guilty for what they do

Feel uncomfortable receiving praise

Find it easy to talk about weaknesses and doubts

Have a strong fear of success

Need to "blend in" to feel safe

Use food, friends and "love" to self-medicate

Believe problems could be solved only if they could be a better spouse, co-worker, parent, friend

Constantly wondering, "Am I lovable enough?"

Men with depression:

Feel others are to blame

Feel angry, irritable and ego-inflated

Feel suspicious and guarded

Create conflicts

May act overtly or covertly hostile

Attack when feeling hurt

Demand respect from others

Feel the world set them up to fail

Feel restless and agitated

Can be a compulsive time-keeper

Sleep too little

Must be in control at all costs

Feel ashamed for who they are

Feel frustrated if not praised enough

Feel terrified to talk about weaknesses and doubts

Have a strong fear of failure

Need to be "top dog" to feel safe

Use alcohol, TV, sports and sex to self-medicate

Believe problems could be solved only if their spouse, co-worker, parent, a friend would treat them better

Constantly wondering, "Am I being loved enough?"