Men and Depression

It might be summer, but are family and friends telling you that your mood seems cold and gray? Have friends or loved ones been telling you that you seem angry, irritable, or withdrawn? Do you find yourself working too long, drinking too much, or taking serious risks, such as reckless driving or extramarital sex? If so, you may be depressed.

In both men and women, common signs and symptoms of depression include sleeping poorly and feeling sad, guilty, and worthless. Women tend to get tearful when they’re depressed, but a Mayo Clinic report states that, “depressed men are more likely to become angry and frustrated; behave violently; take serious risks, such as reckless driving and extramarital sex; avoid family, friends, and pleasurable activities; complain of fatigue; lose interest in work, hobbies, and sex.”

A history of alcohol or drug abuse is also common among men with depression, although there’s debate over whether substance abuse is a cause or result of being depressed. Substance abuse can definitely mask depression, making the condition more difficult to diagnose.

Men also tend to focus on the physical symptoms that can accompany depression. They often seek medical attention for headaches, digestive problems, or recurrent pain syndromes. These ailments are often treated but the underlying issue may be a depressed mood.

Although women are twice as likely to have depression, men are four times as likely to suffer its worst consequence: suicide. More than 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a history of depression or another mental or substance-abuse disorder. Starting in adolescence, men are far more likely than women to take their own lives. Older men, particularly white men over age 85, have the highest suicide rate. Although women attempt suicide three times as often as men, they are far less likely to complete it. Men’s greater likelihood of using lethal means, such as firearms, accounts for part of the difference, but other factors also are involved.

Sadly, many barriers prevent men from seeking help for depression. Men tend to be socialized to think that it’s unmanly to express pain, weakness, helplessness, and sadness. Other factors, such as lack of sick leave or insurance, may be barriers for some men. The first step to getting help is honestly asking yourself, “Could I be depressed?”

If you or a loved one might be depressed, call your doctor today. Make an appointment about a “personal issue”if you don’t want to talk about it over the phone. If you don’t have insurance or a doctor, call your local health department and ask about community mental health. Lastly, if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, it’s important to get emergency care immediately.

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