Depression is an illness also quite common with men. Though because depression is largely seen as a disease that affect women, their signs and symptoms in men often goes undetected and untreated.
According to statistics, more than 6 million men in U.S. have depression each year. And in general, one in six men will experience depression in their adult lives.
It is important that more people learn about
depression in men because if untreated it can have devastating consequences. The CDC in it reports states that men in U.S. are about four times more likely than women to commit suicide. In percentage, 75% to 80% of all the people who commit suicide in the U.S. are men.
Though there are more women that attempt suicide, but more men are actually successful with it.
Depression is a disease that affect both sexes, and it’s time we become more observant of the men in our lives, or the men in our friends lives, so that it can be quickly diagnosed and proper action taken.
The symptoms of depression in men and women doesn’t differ, except that both sexes express their symptoms differently.
The common symptoms of depression include:
Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Change in appetite
Apathy
Depression disrupts relationships and interferes with work and daily activities. And it is more likely to cause women to feel sad and worthless. But in the case of men depression, depression is more likely to cause them to become agitated, irritable, aggressive, and hostile.
Some Causes and Risk Factors of Depression in Men
The factors below can cause or increase the chances of men having depression.
Addict to drugs and alcohol
Failure to find a job to earn a living
Sudden bankruptcy perhaps as a result of bad investment
Relationship or marital problems
Separation or divorce
Social isolation
Serious health problems that result in men being incapacitated.
Reasons Men Depression Often Go Undetected
Men tend to deny having problems often because they want to guide their pride. The pride of being able to handle situations, being in charge. Men don’t want to be seen as weak, so even when they have serious problems, they insist to friends and family members who suspect a problem, that they are fine.
There is also the cultural factor. Expressing emotion in most cultures is regarded as a feminine trait. Hence men are less likely to talk about the emotional part such as feeling ‘low’, and more likely to talk about the physical part such as being tired and/or losing weight.
To deal with depression, men are more likely to indulge in alcohol intake, or drug abuse and/or risky and violent behaviors.
Men with depression will often not accept that they are depressed, rather you’ll hear them always complain of having problem sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and show a lack of interest in their work or hobbies.
For these reasons depression in men are often not picked up by the sufferers or by others including professional doctors.
Depression in Elderly Men
The more we live, the more difficult times we experience. And the older we get, the weaker our bodies become.
This doesn’t mean depression is normal for aging people nor does it mean that all aging people are or will be depressed.
But older people who don’t have a support system in place are more likely to become depressed.
Factors that can cause or increase the chances of depression in elderly men or older people are :
Bereavement
Loss of independence
Health issues
Loneliness
Depression in older adults is dangerous and treatment is very important.
Treatment for Depression in Men
Men in depression can be treated successfully with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both treatment.
The first thing to do if you think you or a friend have depression is to talk to someone who can help. You can start with your doctor, if he or she can’t help at least you’ll be referred to professionals such as psychiatrist or psychologist, who will get you through your problem.
More than 80% of all form of depression can be treated. So there’s no need to panic. And depression is nothing to be ashamed of either. Most often depression in men is more of an illness than it is a sign of weakness. Anyone can be in that situation. So immediately you think you or a loved one have depression, see a health professional. With the proper treatment most people recover from depression.
Related Articles
Signs of Depression in Men
Depression in Women
Physical Symptoms of Depression
Go back to
Coping with depression Home
