Depression goes beyond just feeling down—it's a persistent condition that affects your mood, energy, and outlook on life.  According to a recent study from Denver Public Health, one in eight residents experiences clinical depression. While often portrayed as sadness, depression can manifest differently in men.

How Depression Shows Up in Men's Lives

For men, depression often disguises itself as:

• Increasing irritability and anger—snapping at small things that never bothered you before

• A growing sense of emotional numbness or disconnection from people you care about

• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring satisfaction

• Performance issues at work despite putting in more hours

• Sleep disturbances—either unable to sleep or sleeping too much

• Physical complaints: persistent headaches, digestive issues, or unexplained pain

• Risky behaviors: increased drinking, reckless driving, or sexual risk-taking

• Difficulty making decisions that once came easily

• Withdrawing from social connections and isolating yourself

• Excess work, gaming, or fitness as escape mechanisms

Society teaches men to "power through" or "tough it out," making depression particularly dangerous—men often don't recognize their symptoms as depression until relationships crumble, careers suffer, or health deteriorates. This delayed recognition explains why men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, despite lower reported rates of depression.

How Therapy Effectively Addresses Men's Depression

Therapy offers concrete approaches to overcome depression rather than just "talking about feelings." Through structured work together, you'll:

• Identify the specific type of depression you're experiencing and its root causes

• Recognize your personal warning signs and triggers

• Develop practical strategies to break the cycle of negative thinking

• Build sustainable daily habits that naturally combat depression

• Address unresolved issues that fuel your current symptoms

• Reconnect with your core values and what gives life meaning

• Create a personalized toolbox of techniques for when symptoms return

As a therapist, I frequently work with men who are trying to move out of depression. I help men build practical tools and strategies that can be applied immediately. Whether your depression has been present for weeks or years, we'll work efficiently toward reconnecting you with your strength, purpose, and the version of yourself that existed before depression took hold.