Men and Depression
Depression is a serious but treatable health condition that affects more than six million American men. Depression can touch every part of a man's life - eating, sleeping, working, studying and free time. It also affects all the people who care about a man - spouses, partners, parents, children, friends and co-workers. However, depression can be managed and overcome. It's a health condition and like other health issues, it can be treated. The first step is getting help.
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Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression has a number of signs and symptoms. Sometimes men or those closest to them, may not see the signs. Men are each affected in different ways, but three of the most common signs are pain, risk taking, and anger.
Pain
Depression may show up as physical signs like constant headaches, stomach problems, or pain that doesn't seem to be from other causes or that doesn't respond to normal treatments.
Risk Taking
Sometimes depressed men will start taking risks like dangerous sports, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, and casual sex.
Anger
Anger can show itself in different ways like road rage, having a short temper, being easily upset by criticism, and even violence.
" People just felt like
I was ready to snap.
I remember being a
teenager and tearing
apart my room.
I remember people
saying,
'Why are you
so angry?'"
~ Allen -
Men Get Depression
Other common signs include:
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Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
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Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
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Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
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Loss in pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
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Restlessness, irritability
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Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as digestive disorders)
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Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
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Fatigue or loss of energy
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Feeling guilty, helpless or worthless
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Thoughts of death or suicide
If you have five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you could have depression and should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional for help.
Click here to take a free, confidential mental health screening.
Types of Depression
Depression
Dysthymia
Bipolar Disorder
Causes of Depression
Research hasn't found any one cause for depression. But, both genetics and environment seem to play a role in changing the brain chemistry that affects our mood. In some cases, depression can run in the family, but people with no family history can experience depression too.
Other Risk Factors for Depression include:
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Stress
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Situational Factors (i.e. loss of a loved one, losing/changing a job, divorce)
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Other medical conditions (i.e. diabetes, stroke/heart attack, alcohol/drug abuse)
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Medications
To learn more about the causes of depression, click here.
Getting Help
If you think you may be depressed, seeing a professional can help you figure out if you really are or not.
And, if you are a professional can work with you to develop a treatment plan. Here are some professionals that you can talk to:
"We actually went through several medications
before we found one that was both effective
and didn't have side effects I couldn't tolerate."
~ John Head - Men Get Depression
Resources for Friends and Family Members
"I didn't think John was depressed.
It was just difficult for him to hear
it and it was difficult for me to say
it in a way that was effective,
because clearly nagging wouldn't
be helpful."
~ Claire Broome - John Head's Wife
Men Get Depression
Mental Illness and the Family
Mental Illness in the Family: Part I Recognizing the Warning Signs and Learning
Supporting a Loved One with a Mental Illness
Additional Resources
