Depression in Men: How Families Can Support Veterans

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. It can vary from person to person, and even differ between men and women. Many men, especially veterans, experience depression as anger, fatigue or withdrawal rather than tears. Because of this, it can be easy for family and friends to miss the early warning signs that indicate their loved one is struggling.

Families can have a big impact on a service member’s life simply by learning to recognize the subtle signs of depression and encouraging professional care. Understanding what’s behind these symptoms and how to respond can be the catalyst that helps someone begin their recovery journey. Psychiatry Treatment Centers offers innovative treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mental health conditions. In this article, we’ll highlight the common signs of depression for men and how you can support the military service members in your life.

7 signs of depression in men

Researchers are still learning why depression seems to affect men and women differently. Some research shows that certain biological patterns and differences in coping styles may play a role, but social norms, environmental aspects and personal experiences may also be contributing factors. The common signs of depression in men include:

Relationship issues with friends, partners and others
Escapist behavior, like spending more time away from home or doing specific activities
Headaches, digestive problems, body aches and other physical symptoms
Irritability, anger or aggression
Controlling, violent or abusive behavior
Increased alcohol or drug use
Risk-taking behavior

Symptoms of depression that can affect both men and women include:

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness or anxiety
Loss of interest in the activities they usually enjoy
Difficulty concentrating, remembering things or making decisions
Eating more or less than usual
Sleeping more or less than usual
Low energy or fatigue
Thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide

How families can support veterans living with depression

For military service members, it can be hard to cope with trauma, live with chronic stress, or be away from family and friends while deployed overseas. It can also be challenging for many service members to transition from military life to civilian life. Here are some of the things you can do to provide support:

Talk to your loved one

Discussing your concerns can help open the door to more conversations about how they’re feeling. You can encourage them to be more forthcoming about their symptoms and express that you’re someone they can turn to whenever they need help. Here are some tips for navigating these conversations:

Use “I” statements to explain what you’ve noticed lately.
Let them know that you’ll listen without judgment about how they’re feeling.
Offer to help them figure out how to get the help they need.

Create a supportive environment

A healthy living environment can help your veteran feel more grounded as they work toward managing their symptoms. You can gently encourage them to stick to healthier routines, exercise regularly and get enough rest at night.

Encourage professional help

Many people with depression benefit from a combination of psychotherapy and medication alone. However, this isn’t always the case. If it seems like your service member is still struggling, remind them that mental health care is a personal process. It can take some time to find the solutions that work for them, and advanced treatment is available. This includes cutting-edge, FDA-approved therapies like:

Spravato® (esketamine) — Spravato® nasal spray helps increase the levels of a certain protein in the brain called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) that supports neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to learn and adapt).

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) — TMS therapy is a noninvasive approach that stimulates the part of the brain associated with mood regulation.

Recognize crisis signs

As a support person, it’s important to also recognize the signs that indicate your veteran is in crisis. If your loved one expresses suicidal thoughts or despair, seek professional help as soon as possible.

Resources for veterans and their families

Veterans and their families have a variety of support systems available. The organizations below offer comprehensive services to help guide you and your loved one throughout this process:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — NAMI Homefront has a collection of online mental health resources for military service members, veterans, caregivers and their families.

Wounded Warrior Project — The Wounded Warrior Project offers interactive programs, mental health workshops and other resources for military families.

U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs — VA mental health services can connect you to mental health support, even if you’re not already using VA medical services.

Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 (and press 1), chat online or text 838255 to receive confidential, 24/7 support in a mental health emergency.

Take your next steps with Psychiatry Treatment Centers

Depression in men — especially among military service members — is both common and treatable. Recognizing the signs early and exploring effective therapies can make a life-changing difference in their path toward recovery. At Psychiatry Treatment Centers, every member of our team is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful space where patients feel heard, valued and truly cared for. We can help you and your service member explore leading therapies, such as TMS, Spravato® and more.

For more information about depression treatment or to schedule an initial appointment, reach out to our team by phone today. You can also book an appointment online now.