Being a man means being strong and silent in the face of adversity. Unfortunately, such an unrealistic standard means that many men are poorly equipped to cope with depression.

The truth is anyone can become depressed, but men often express it differently than women, attempting to hide or blame others for it.

A few signs of depression in men may include:

Fatigue
Irritability
Anger (sometimes abusive)
Loss of interest in work or hobbies
Sleep disturbances (insomnia, oversleeping)
Overwork
Risky behavior
Substance abuse
Persistent sadness
Anxiety
Loss of concentration
Difficulty making decisions
Poor memory
Appetite or weight changes
Persistent physical problems (pain, nausea, headaches)

On the plus side depression is treatable. You are not a wimp—and you are not alone. If you think you may be depressed, your first positive step should be to see your doctor, who can rule out other illnesses that may be causing a change in your mood or outlook. She/He may prescribe an anti-depressant, or refer you to a mental health professional for counseling.

But bare in mind, there are things you can do on your own, as well. Research has shown that getting regular exercise is helpful in controlling depression. So is sticking to a regular sleep schedule, eating a nutritious, healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol. Each of these steps may lift your mood and make you feel more positive about yourself and life.