Depression in Men - Understanding Depression In Men And Getting Help
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Men And Depression
Is Depression In Men Different Than In Women?
Symptoms of Clinical Depression
Depression In Men
- Low self esteem
- loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities,
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite (increased or decreased appetite)
- Apathy
- Loss of interest in sex,
- Difficulty with concentration and sustaining attention,
- Thoughts of self harm
- Suicidal thoughts
Many psychologists now recognise people with what they term "smiling depression" because these people are so afraid of their intense feelings of despair that they hide them even from themselves.
Recognizing Depression In Men
- Often men deny having problems. This is most likely because historically, and often culturally, men have been brought up to be tough, strong, successful, in control, macho, and as a result are less likely to express their emotions. Men are less likely to show typical signs of depression, such as crying, sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, or verbally expressing thoughts of suicide. In fact, often expression of feeling is seen as an inherently feminine trait. The result of this is that, men who are actually depressed are more likely to talk about the physical symptoms of their depression, such as feeling tired, rather than those related to their emotions. Keeping their true feelings hidden can often lead to frustration, irritability and sometimes even aggression.
- Men often are unwilling to admit to problems with their sexuality-mistakenly feeling that the problems are related to their manhood, when in fact they are caused by a medical problem such as depression.
- Because they feel unable to openly express their feelings, many men deal with grief by taking on more activities, such as working overtime or going on business trips to occupy their time. Some men may become involved in risk-taking behavior, such as dangerous sports or compulsive sexual activity. Some addictive behaviors, such as alcohol or other drug abuse, can escalate as the result of suppressed grief.
- Men generally have a harder time dealing with the stigma of depression.
- The physical symptoms of depression can include increased cholesterol levels, ulcers, high blood pressure and pain.
For these reasons, many men-as well as doctors and other health care professionals-fail to recognize the problem as depression. Some mental health care professionals suggest that if the symptoms of depression were expanded to include anger, blame, lashing out, and abuse of alcohol, more men might be diagnosed with depression and treated appropriately.
Can Depression In Men Be Treated?
Important Message Men and Depression
If you are having suicidal thoughts please get help immediately. Remember that the way you are thinking is being severely affected by your mood and depression can be very successfully treated or certainly improved. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Helpful Contact Numbers And Websites
Many private facilities and clinics specialize in mental health issues.
Community mental health centers and social or family organizations can also offer help and advice.
http://www.aware.ie/support.htm - Aware Ireland
http://www.nami.org/ - Nami.org USA
www.mentalhealthireland.ie - Mental Health Ireland
www.samaritans.org/Support - The Samaritans Ireland and UK.
In an emergency if you are feeling suicidal or believe a member of your family or a friends life is at risk call the police.
Check your local yellow pages for additional contact addresses and telephone numbers.
Recommended Helpful Book On Depression
I Don't Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 12/15/2009)![]()
List Price: $16.00
Used Price: $1.84
More Views On Depression In Men
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- richybird richybird Nov 28, 2009 @ 12:53 am
- excellent lens!
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- How2ConquerStressAndDepression How2ConquerStressAndDepression Aug 8, 2009 @ 4:17 am
- good job! nice lens!
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- davidstillwagon davidstillwagon May 22, 2009 @ 10:06 pm
- good lens I'll give it a 5
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- DrStephanie DrStephanie Apr 29, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
- You did a terrific job with a sensitive issue. I gave 5 stars, too.
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- GeminiSky GeminiSky Apr 20, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
- Nice lens! I'm glad you'e addressing that men have depression problems too.
Great Job...I gave you five stars!
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