March 6th, 2026
All too often, depression in men goes undiagnosed and untreated. Given the impact untreated depression can have on a person’s wellbeing and overall quality of life, this is a serious issue. High rates of male suicide paired with low rates of men seeking mental health support make it clear: it’s time to talk about depression in men.
Identifying the signs of depression in men can be your first step toward getting the help you need. Treatment for depression can help you overcome symptoms of the condition, leading to benefits such as better physical and mental health, relationships, and life satisfaction.
Whether you’re concerned about a man in your life or believe that you might be experiencing depression yourself, it’s important to know the facts. Let's explore everything from symptoms of depression in men, possible causes, where to get depression treatment in Chicago, and more.
Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. While many symptoms overlap across genders, some signs of depression may show up differently in men. For example, instead of openly expressing sadness, depression symptoms in men may appear as irritability, frustration, or changes in behavior.
Although experiences can vary from person to person, there are certain signs research shows are more common among men.[1]
Some signs of depression in men may include:
Knowing the symptoms of depression in men and taking them seriously matters. Getting help for depression can help you avoid the serious repercussions that can come with a lack of diagnosis and treatment.
Statistically, women are more likely to have a depression diagnosis compared to men. However, this does not necessarily equate to how many men actually have depression. Moreso, it likely speaks to the fact that men with depression often go undiagnosed. This can be attributed to causes such as:
Even if you don’t feel ready to share with everyone, opening up to one trusted person, whether that’s a therapist, psychiatrist, or close loved one, can make a meaningful difference.
Anyone can develop depression. However, there are certain risk factors for depression in men. These include:[2]
Of course, other common culprits can be influential, too. Things like family history of mental health conditions, low social support, and certain work environments can raise your chances of developing a depressive disorder.
One more factor that could be at play? The link between low testosterone and depression in men. Hormones like testosterone are essential chemical messengers in the body that can influence overall well-being, including your mental health.[3] Testosterone levels can fluctuate for various reasons, such as age, lifestyle, and medical conditions.
When testosterone levels are too high, some men may feel more irritable or quick to anger. When levels are too low, it can look a lot like depression — low energy, fatigue, sadness, reduced motivation, and even decreased sex drive.
The challenge is that low testosterone and depression can share similar symptoms. For example, someone with depression may report ongoing back or neck pain, low energy, or difficulty concentrating. At the same time, low testosterone can also cause fatigue, mood changes, and physical symptoms.
Low testosterone can also worsen existing mental health conditions. Hormones like testosterone act as regulators in the body. When levels shift up or down, they can affect mood, energy, sleep, and physical health. And because hormones work together, a change in one can influence others. When these systems fall out of balance, both physical and emotional symptoms can appear.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, especially alongside low energy or changes in sexual health, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider about checking your testosterone levels. If levels are low, treatment options are available. And if your levels are normal, testing can still provide clarity and help guide the right mental health treatment plan.
Depression in men is often misunderstood or overlooked, and unfortunately this can have serious consequences. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women.[4] At the same time, research shows that women attempt suicide more often.
So why are men more likely to die from suicide? In many cases, it comes down to a combination of factors.
Many men grow up with the message that they should handle problems on their own, stay strong, or avoid showing vulnerability. Because of this, some men may be less likely to talk openly about emotional struggles or seek help when they’re feeling overwhelmed. As a result, their distress may go unnoticed by friends, family members, or colleagues.
Research also shows that men are more likely to:
These factors can make it especially important to take signs of depression in men seriously. Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or emotionally drained is not something anyone should have to handle alone. Reaching out for support, whether from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional is encouraged and can make a meaningful difference.
There is always hope. New depression treatments are rapidly emerging, and even when things feel overwhelming, know that there is a way forward and real support is available.
Unfortunately, many male celebrity deaths are largely attributed to depression and related concerns, such as:
Seeking help can prevent further tragedies. Thankfully, more men with public platforms are starting to speak up about depression. With increased awareness and reduced stigma, we hope to see more men get the help they need.
Many famous men who have battled depression–such as Winston Churchill, Michael Phelps, Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson, Jim Carrey, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Davidson, and Billie Joe Armstrong– are amongst those speaking up, sharing their stories, and providing crucial representation on the importance of mental health care for men.
We know that for many men, "pushing through" feels like the only option. But it’s important to know that there are many ways you can get support. There is no need for you to endure difficult mental health challenges alone.
Depression is highly treatable, and the first step is to seek support. Once you establish care with a mental health professional, they will work with you to determine the best treatment plan.
Everyone is different and can respond differently towards treatment options. What works best for someone might not be as effective for someone else. However, popular treatment options for depression often include medication and therapy.
Depression treatment can involve any combination of:
There are different types of depression. For example, major depressive disorder (MDD) vs. persistent depressive disorder (PDD). Depressive episodes can also be attributed to other conditions, like bipolar disorder. The type of depression you have might impact what treatment looks like for you.
One of the best things that you can do to help a man struggling with depression is to normalize seeking support and talking about mental health. While everyone is unique, here are some tips for supporting men in your life who have or might have depression.
Self-compassion can play an important role in helping men feel more comfortable seeking support for depression.[5] For many boys and men, feelings of shame or pressure to “handle things on their own” can make it difficult to ask for help. Encouraging self-compassion and reminding them that struggling does not mean they are weak can help lower those barriers.
It can also help to encourage them to seek mental health care in whatever way feels most comfortable to them. Like we mentioned, some men may feel more comfortable speaking with a male therapist instead of a female therapist. Additionally, some men may feel more open to seeking help through online therapy rather than in-person therapy.
If you’re looking for a depression specialist in Chicago, Clarity Clinic provides the expertise and support you need to move forward. Our team offers comprehensive evaluations and treatment services specifically tailored for men. Because finding the right fit is essential, we feature a diverse range of therapists and psychiatrists, ensuring you connect with a provider who understands your perspective.
We offer a full spectrum of care, ranging from traditional psychiatry and therapy to structured programs and advanced options like TMS therapy. To fit your schedule, we make care accessible through both in-person and online appointments.
You can visit us at one of our convenient Chicagoland locations:
If you’re ready to take the next step toward feeling better, our team is here to support you. Call Clarity Clinic at (312) 815-9660 or book an appointment online today. We accept most major insurance plans and are committed to helping you access compassionate, high-quality mental health care.
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore or delay seeking professional help due to information found here.
References
[1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Men and Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
[2] Can low testosterone cause anxiety and depression?. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). https://health.clevelandclinic.org/low-testosterone-and-mental-health
[3] Men’s Mental Health. (n.d.). https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health
[4] Affleck, W., Carmichael, V., & Whitley, R. (2018). Men’s Mental Health: Social Determinants and implications for services. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 63(9), 581–589. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743718762388
[5] Sheikh, A., Payne-Cook, C., Lisk, S., Carter, B., & Brown, J. S. L. (2025, February). Why do young men not seek help for affective mental health issues? A systematic review of perceived barriers and facilitators among adolescent boys and young men. European child & adolescent psychiatry. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11868194/
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