A leading psychiatrist has issued a crucial warning about the often-missed symptoms of depression in men, highlighting a dangerous gap between diagnosis and suicide rates.
Dr. Emmanuel Abayomi, a psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta, shared these insights following a presentation on navigating depression in men.
Dr. Abayomi pointed to a critical global disparity: while women are diagnosed with depression twice as often as men, the reported rate of suicide is four times higher among men.
“That suggests there’s a disconnect,” he stated. “It is very likely that a good number of men who suffer from depression are not identified.”
He emphasized that since up to 90% of people who commit suicide have a background mental illness—with depression being the most common—the question becomes: where are these men?
“Today’s talk really is to help shed light on how depression presents amongst men that makes us not identify them,” Dr. Abayomi explained.
The key message, however, is one of hope. “Depression… is easily treatable. Men who have depression can get treatment and can get back to leading their normal lives.”
Spotting the Subtle Symptoms of Depression
For the public, Dr. Abayomi outlined critical warning signs that should prompt seeking professional mental health help.
He cautioned that symptoms can often be opposite of common expectations.
- Sleep Changes: Significantly reduced sleep or sleeping much longer than usual.
- Appetite Fluctuations: Notable loss of appetite and weight or increased appetite and weight gain.
- Mood Shifts: Persistent sadness, a loss of interest in activities, or increased irritability, anger, and aggression.
“When you see these symptoms… it’s important that you help them seek help,” Dr. Abayomi urged.
His advice aims to bridge the gap in men’s mental health awareness, encouraging earlier intervention and treatment for depression in Nigerian men and beyond.
