Depression Learning

Male Depression Overview

Traditionally less men suffer from the illness of depression then women. Recent studies though confirm that more and more men are being diagnosed and treated for this serious and disabling illness. In the United States it between 3 million and 6 million men are affected by depression in one form or another and it is still on the increase. One theory held for this continuing trend is that the role reversals of men and female over the past few years has put more of a stain on the males. Where women have fit in and accepted the changes men are still feeling threatened by it. Man is now not only no longer the head of the household but often not even the main wage earner as women become more and more successful in the working world.

Some Facts About Males and Depression

• Largely due to upbringing males have been taught and fortified with peer pressure from an early age to be strong, not cry and not show emotion which allows depression to flourish. Instead of going for help they instead take on a “suck it up” attitude for fear of showing weakness.
• More men than women will turn to alcohol and drugs to try and self medicate
• Men and women do experience depression differently with different symptom and also tend to employ different coping strategies
• Just by the fact of being born male men are cast into a dominant or strong role

Again as most men will deny or resist admitting to depression they do not receive treatment and suffer alone keeping to themselves and eventually withdrawing from society and loved ones even further. This often increases stress levels leading to heart, blood pressure and cholesterol (overindulgence) problems in time. Although more women attempt suicide then men more men are successful at it then women.

The Symptoms and Signs of Male Depression

• Some unique symptoms of male depression include not only the normal signs but also:
• A feeling that they have been set up by the world to take a fall
• Lost interest in work, poor concentration, elevated fear of failure and need for constant approval
• Strong but often irrational moods of anger, agitation or irritation
• An unexplainable sense of shame of who they are
• Laying blame for problems and failures on marriage
• A need to externalize or hide feelings of depression
• Abusing alcohol, drugs, TV, Sports, or sex as a means to self medicate for a quick “feel good” cure

Treatments for Male Depression

Early diagnosis is especially important in treating males who have depression and gives a better chance for successful treatment which might include the following:

• Psychotherapy and counseling either individually or group and family counseling
• Medications such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers
• Male depression support groups
• Improved lifestyle choices in diet and exercise
• Self help courses in anger management, coping skills, relationships etc.

In extreme cases and when the depression is severe electro convulsive therapy where small charges of electricity are pulsed through to electrodes to stimulate brain activity may also be prescribed.

Related Depression Posts

• Top 15 Things that Increase the Risk of Depression in Women
• Top 15 Questions about Depression
• Stress and anxiety
• Depression Effects and Treatment
• How to Reduce Stress and Depression during a Recession?
• Depression Side Effects
• What is the Hormonal Effect of Depression in Men and Women?