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.

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.

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Other common signs include:

Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss in pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as digestive disorders)
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feeling guilty, helpless or worthless
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.

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:

Stress

Situational Factors (i.e. loss of a loved one, losing/changing a job, divorce)

Other medical conditions (i.e. diabetes, stroke/heart attack, alcohol/drug abuse)

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:

Family doctor or primary care physician
Mental Health Professionals
- Click here, to search for Mental Health Care Provider in Southeastern Wisconsin.
- Click here, for a list of Wisconsin certified mental health and substance abuse treatment providers by city and county.

Other resources for getting help include:

Your health plan or employee assistance program (EAP)
Community mental health centers
Social service agencies
Private clinics
Local Support Groups
- Click here for a list of support groups in the Milwaukee Area
Religious or Spiritual settings