Depression in Men

Depression affects more than 11 million Americans every year. Out of 80% of people who seek medication and therapy for depression, a majority of them are women. However, this does not mean that men do not suffer from depression. Men account for only 1 in 10 diagnosed cases of depression, apart from that 5 out of every 10 men suffer from depression but do not seek any treatment or therapy for it.

According to official statistics, around 6 million American men suffer from depression.

Men and Depression

Depression in men can be extremely devastating. An unpublished CDC report shows that men in the US are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. And although more women attempt suicide, men are more successful at actually ending their lives as they are inclined to use more lethal methods such as a gun rather than taking an overdose.

Most of the experts feel that the reason behind the high suicide rate in men is that depression in most men remains undiagnosed. Men consider depression to be a ‘woman’s disease’ and link it to hormonal changes or PMS. Another reason is that men are raised to believe that expressing feelings, emotions or sentiments is a ‘female’ thing.

The biggest hurdle for treating depression in men, according to doctors, is the social stigma and taboo attached with it. Men do not express their causes or extent of depression and go on suffering silently, till it becomes unbearable and finally results in some drastic action such as suicide or an attack on someone else.

Signs of Depression in Men

Signs and symptoms of male depression often include:

• Anger and frustration
• Violent behavior
• Loss of weight 
• Taking risks, such as reckless driving and extramarital sex
• Loss of concentration
• Isolation from family and friends
• Avoiding pleasurable activities
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest in work, hobbies and sex
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Misuse of prescription medication
• Suicidal thoughts

Men refrain from showing symptoms of depression like crying, sadness, loss of will, or suicidal tendencies. As a result, men who are depressed show more physical symptoms of their depression, such as fatigue, rather emotions responses.

Causes of Depression in Men

Some of the causes of depression might include:

• Problems at work
• Family problems
• Gambling
• Financial problems
• Excessive work at office
• Lack of time to spend with family
• Lack of job security
• Conflict with family members or co-workers

Men are brought up to keep their feelings hidden and so they are less likely to share their problems with their family members and friends. They believe that by showing their worry or tension about something, they will become weak and vulnerable and thus this unresolved worry and tension eventually leads to depression.  This stereotyping of depression as a female condition prevents many men from seeking appropriate treatment.

Depression is a life long struggle, however, with treatment more than 80% people who suffer from depression, both men and women, can be successfully treated and the quality of their lives can be improved. It is advised that men suffering from depression should seek immediate help so as to find a solution to their problem and live a normal life.