Signs of depression in men
Depression in men often looks like irritability, anger, pulling away from people, drinking more, taking risks, working all hours or constant tiredness, alongside the classic low mood and loss of interest. If several signs last two weeks or more, talk to a doctor. For thoughts of suicide, yours or someone else's, the 988 line takes calls and texts in the US at any hour.
About 15 minutes to learnSafety critical: tightly scoped, know when to call a professional
Mark it once you can do it without this page open.
How to do it
- Notice changes that last two weeks or more: low mood, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling numb.
- Watch for the signs men often show: short temper, anger, withdrawing, more drinking, reckless driving, or burying yourself in work.
- Notice physical signs too: poor sleep or sleeping too much, appetite changes, headaches, stomach problems and exhaustion.
- Say to one person you trust how the last few weeks have really been.
- Book a doctor's appointment and say the words: I think I might be depressed.
- Keep the basics going: regular sleep, some movement, meals and time outside.
- Save 988 in your phone; call or text it if things get dark.
Stop and call a professional if
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 in the US now; if someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Signs have lasted two weeks or more, or are affecting work or relationships: see a doctor or a licensed therapist.
- This page explains what to watch for; it cannot tell you what is wrong. Only a clinician who examines you can.
Common mistakes
- Treating anger or drinking as the problem instead of a possible sign.
- Waiting it out for months.
- Thinking asking for help is weakness.
- Stopping a treatment as soon as you feel a bit better without talking to the doctor.
Quick self-check
Three questions. Your last score is kept in this browser.
Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: Signs of depression in men
What to say
Depression in men often looks like irritability, anger, pulling away from people, drinking more, taking risks, working all hours or constant tiredness, alongside the classic low mood and loss of interest. If several signs last two weeks or more, talk to a doctor. For thoughts of suicide, yours or someone else's, the 988 line takes calls and texts in the US at any hour.
What to show, in order
- Notice changes that last two weeks or more: low mood, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling numb.
- Watch for the signs men often show: short temper, anger, withdrawing, more drinking, reckless driving, or burying yourself in work.
- Notice physical signs too: poor sleep or sleeping too much, appetite changes, headaches, stomach problems and exhaustion.
- Say to one person you trust how the last few weeks have really been.
- Book a doctor's appointment and say the words: I think I might be depressed.
- Keep the basics going: regular sleep, some movement, meals and time outside.
- Save 988 in your phone; call or text it if things get dark.
When to stop and call a professional
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 in the US now; if someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Signs have lasted two weeks or more, or are affecting work or relationships: see a doctor or a licensed therapist.
- This page explains what to watch for; it cannot tell you what is wrong. Only a clinician who examines you can.
The check question
Ask: Which can be a sign of depression in men?
Related skills
- How to check on a friend who seems off
- How to ask for help
- How to sleep better
- Every skill in Health and Body Upkeep
Sources
- National mental health institute guidance on depression, current edition. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .