Understanding Depression in Men

While many films and TV shows might associate depression with women, the truth is that men are just as likely to suffer from this affliction. Depression is not restricted by gender, and statistics for depression in men have been placed at over 6 million with each experiencing one major episode of heavy depression in a year. This is an alarming figure and the more we know about it, the better we can prevent our husband, father, or a friend from falling into a state of melancholy.

Depression symptoms for men and women are different, as men and women cope differently with depressing events or situations. As men are not naturally more emotional, they tend to isolate themselves and restrain some of the visible symptoms of depression such as crying or verbally becoming more abusive and aggressive. Depression in men are more subtle and thus even harder to identify, a depressed man can still function normally but may show signs of disengagement, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, decreased sex drive and alcohol abuse.

For these reasons, even healthcare professionals can fail to identify depression in men. Add to the fact that a good number of them most likely will not discuss these depressive feelings and not seek a doctor’s help or be open to a mental health test. Men who don’t recognize and accept that they are experiencing a depressive disorder can lead to more damage. An astounding 75% of reported suicide cases in America are male who sadly failed to overcome or treat this disorder.

Understanding the male psyche is key to help identify and cure this disease. As men are raised to be the dominant and the stronger sex, they are constantly faced with the pressure to be able to live up to this image or expectation, and failing to do so causes a big lash on their ego causing them to get more depressed. As men get older, more factors add on to their depression, loss of a job or retirement, children getting married or death of a loved one are all contributors.

The silver lining is that depression is in fact curable, regardless of gender. Treatment options are available depending upon the severity of your condition and the recommendations of your doctor. The first step is to accept that you have a disease, seek the support and help of your loved ones and get the right help from a professional.