Online Therapy for Depression
Take back control of your life. Speak to a therapist specializing in men’s issues.
Male depression often goes undiagnosed, because it often doesn’t look like depression at first glance.
While about a third of depressed men present with symptoms you’d typically associate with depression (sadness, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities), most men present with what author and therapist Terry Real calls “covert depression.” For many men, this takes the form of compulsive behaviors, substance abuse, angry outbursts, or isolation — these are often unconscious maneuvers men make to avoid depressive thoughts.
Depression affects the whole body, not just the mind. Many men experience physical ailments, including digestive issues and trouble sleeping, as a result of a depressive disorder. Treatment can help increase energy levels, sex drive, and productivity.
Momentum is online therapy built for men.
Each session is confidential and personalized to your goals. We guarantee that you aren’t the only man battling the symptoms of depression. Our licensed therapists help you find practical, healthy coping mechanisms to reclaim the things you love.
Do I Have Depression?
Depression affects men and women differently. Both sexes may feel lonely, hopeless, or removed from activities they used to enjoy. Yet these feelings don’t present the same way in men.
Clinical depression, sometimes called major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition that impacts your emotional processing. It’s characterized as a persistent low mood and loss of energy and drive. For many men, this might not feel like sadness. Instead, you might feel constantly tired or like you always have a headache. You may be short-tempered or apathetic about things you used to find important.
Covert male depression is often, but not always, associated with escapist behaviors such as increased alcohol consumption, spending hours on video games or watching television, or even taking voluntary overtime at work just to stay busy. You also may feel drawn to risky or reckless behaviors.
Depression can also make relationships frustrating. Your spouse, partner, or friends might ask, “Are you okay?” just about every time they see you — and it might drive you crazy when they do.
Why Do I Feel Depressed?
Depression is complicated, and it’s usually the result of multiple causes mixed together. While stressful or traumatic life events may trigger depressive symptoms, a person’s genetics and medical history also contribute to the risk of depression.
One of the biggest misconceptions around depression is that it’s binary — you’re either clinically depressed or you’re fine. In reality, this is rarely the case. Many men will downplay or ignore symptoms of mild depression because they don’t want the stigma of having a mental health disorder. Some men are willing to seek treatment but logistically have trouble fitting counseling around their work and family obligations.
Online therapy for depression helps men overcome many of these hurdles. Appointments are flexible and virtual, making scheduling convenient. Therapy can hone in on specific symptoms and identify practical strategies to mitigate their effects.
You might have hesitations about whether or not online therapy will work for you. We get it. The first session is about seeing if we’re a good fit for each other, and then you can decide how you want to move forward.
Depression Treatment Options
When thinking of depression treatment, your mind may go straight to medication. Prescription antidepressants may be helpful for some people and less so for others. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. If you’re considering medication, it’s best to talk to your primary healthcare provider.
Therapy is another way to address your mood and biochemistry. The brain is malleable — medically, this is known as neuroplasticity — meaning that you may be able to alter any unhealthy thoughts and behaviors contributing to your depression. A licensed therapist can help you identify the triggers that worsen your depressive symptoms and equip you with strategies to overcome them.
Move Forward With Momentum
Momentum is personalized, measurement-based, online therapy for men. If you’ve wanted to talk about your depression but feel like nobody in your life will really listen, we’re here for you. Or maybe you hate talking about this stuff and just want to get unstuck so you can move on. We can help with that too.
Our therapists specialize in identifying and treating the unique and often overlooked symptoms of male depression. We can help you identify goals that can help you move forward and equip you with tools that track your progress toward those goals.
Reach out today to take the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is depression common in men?
Yes. While many studies indicate that depression is about equally common in men and women, women are nearly twice as likely to receive a diagnosis. This is due in part to the fact that men are more likely to downplay or cover up their symptoms of depression to avoid having to talk about it. Unfortunately, ignoring depression can make feelings of isolation and hopelessness even worse.
Is depression a mental illness?
Depression is recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is the classification standard used by the American Psychiatric Association. If you experience the symptoms of depression, it can be helpful to recognize that there is something wrong — not something wrong with you as a person, but something off in your emotional response that can improve with treatment.
What is a mental breakdown in men?
While many men may carry depressive symptoms while successfully managing their work and personal lives, sometimes a period of intense emotional distress will make it impossible to fulfill normal responsibilities. It’s important to note that mental breakdown is not a clinical diagnosis. If depression is making it hard to function in your daily life, seeking therapy can help.
How do I know if my husband or boyfriend is depressed?
If you notice that your partner is withdrawing more or seems less interested in activities that he once enjoyed, depression may be the cause. He may seem lethargic, have less of an appetite, or be less interested in sex. At the same time, you may find that he’s irritable or more critical of himself and others than he used to be. While it may seem that he’s intentionally avoiding you, he may not be consciously aware that he’s depressed and that his depression is affecting your relationship.
Take the first step toward the life that you want.
You can overcome the challenges that are holding you back. Our therapists are here to support you.