Depression in Men
Women report depression significantly more than do men, but that doesn't mean that they suffer more from it. Men are significantly more likely to commit suicide and succeed. This comparison leads me to think that many more men suffer from depression than we know, but that it manifests itself differently in men than in women.
New research supports this theory. Men who are depressed don't collapse in tears nor reveal their feelings of despondency. Most men are averse to analyzing their feelings or relationships.
Instead, many men who are depressed will act out their feelings, showing irritability and anger towards their loved ones or even themselves. They may abuse alcohol or drugs in an effort to self-medicate and alleviate their pain.
Common triggers for depression are problems in their personal relationships or employment status.
If you know someone who may be depressed, do your best to get them to treatment. A good place to start is his general practitioner, who can rule out any medical problems and make the proper mental health referral.
New research supports this theory. Men who are depressed don't collapse in tears nor reveal their feelings of despondency. Most men are averse to analyzing their feelings or relationships.
Instead, many men who are depressed will act out their feelings, showing irritability and anger towards their loved ones or even themselves. They may abuse alcohol or drugs in an effort to self-medicate and alleviate their pain.
Common triggers for depression are problems in their personal relationships or employment status.
If you know someone who may be depressed, do your best to get them to treatment. A good place to start is his general practitioner, who can rule out any medical problems and make the proper mental health referral.
posted by Dr. Spiegel at
5:20 PM
4 Comments:
My brother committed suicide and we always feel bad that we didn't know how sick he was.
By
Anonymous, at Wednesday, December 27, 2006
I'm so sorry for you and your family.
Suicide and suffering are the tragedies that we hope to avoid by informing people about depression and its various manifestations.
By
Dr. Spiegel, at Thursday, December 28, 2006
The Jan.07 Readers Digest has an article about men and depression, "The Big Secret Men Won't Admit"
By
Anonymous, at Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Thank you. I did see the article and, in fact, it spurred me on to do more research on the topic. I intend to devote one of my upcoming newsletters to it.
By
Dr. Spiegel, at Tuesday, January 02, 2007
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