Depression in Men
Most of us think of major depression as living in a rabbit hole and not being able to get out of bed. And that is true for a great many of us, especially the women. Men? Could be a different story. Could be almost the opposite-anger.
Ali Dabaja, MD describes it this way:
- It looks different.
Instead of becoming sad or withdrawn, men who are depressed might come off as angry, irritable and aggressive, abusive: develop physical symptoms, including back pain, headaches, sleep problems.
- It’s often missed.
A lot of men don’t like to discuss their feelings, so it’s no wonder depression among them is so easily overlooked.
- It’s often tied to sex.
Men with sexual problems are more likely to suffer from depression
- Men are three to four times more likely to commit suicide than women. (Dr. Ali Dabaja, 7 Things to know about men and depression, Detroit Free Press, 6:48 a.m. EDT July 19, 2016. Dr. Ali Dabajais a urologist specializing in men’s health, reproductive medicine and sexual health with the Henry Ford Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System).
Professor Andrew Reiner tells the story, “Last semester, a student in the masculinity course I teach showed a video clip she had found online of a toddler getting what appeared to be his first vaccinations. Off camera, we hear his father’s voice. “I’ll hold your hand, O.K.?” Then, as his son becomes increasingly agitated: “Don’t cry!… Aw, big boy! High five, high five! Say you’re a man: ‘I’m a man!’ ” The video ends with the whimpering toddler screwing up his face in anger and pounding his chest. “I’m a man!” he barks through tears and gritted teeth”.
“The home video was right on point, illustrating the takeaway for the course: how boys are taught, sometimes with the best of intentions, to mutate their emotional suffering into anger”.
(By ANDREW REINER, Teaching Men to Be Emotionally Honest, NY Times, APRIL 4, 2016 Andrew Reiner teaches writing, literature and cultural studies at Towson University).
“The diagnosis of depression doesn’t have to isolate you”.
“Once diagnosed, there are plenty of things you can do together with your trusted mental health professional to successfully manage depression and start living life on your terms once again”. (Op. cit. Dabaja)
This where Counseling on Demand comes in. We are on-line at CounselingonDemand.com where men can talk with a counselor in private and confidence away from prying eyes.
Men, we can help you:
Improve lifestyle strategies, including exercise, sleep and support which will go a long way toward helping you feel better.
As fellow practitioner, Dabaja agrees, if you’re feeling depressed, overwhelmed or anxious, get the help you need before your symptoms get worse. There’s no shame in sharing feelings of despair. It could be the first step to helping you feel better.
We are only a click away.
