Depression in Men
Did you know that depression was considered once a woman's condition? Depression in men is not really different than depression in women, the main difference is that men don't fully recognize they have this illness. In America only one in 10 cases is a case of male depression.
Nowadays, we know that depression can affect pretty much everyone,leaving serious damages in our relationships, our work and family.
Symptoms of Depression in Men
The symptoms of male depression are the same as in women:
Feeling sad and hopeless.
Loss of interest and motivation.
Fatigue
Weight changes.
Sleeping problems.
Sexual problems,etc.
But the distinction comes when it is time to express these symptoms. This happens because of the society's look at men. As you know men need to “be strong” according to most standards, so when a men feels sad, he shuts down his emotions to avoid feeling girly. He will talk more about the physical symptoms instead of the emotional symptoms.
Since depression can involve sexual problems, men do not express these symptoms, in fact they tend to enter a phase of denial that can frustrate any attempt to overcome depression. Also, studies show that men don't let show the emotional symptoms like crying, so stay on the lookout for “manly” symptoms such as an increased irritability and aggressiveness.
These differences are what ultimately can make or break a successful treatment. Doctors can't observe well a man's symptoms of depression and need to resort to other considerations such as drug and alcohol abuse, blame and anger in order to determine the depression.
How Can This Affect Men?
Since men are not properly diagnosed and treated, they go on living with depression – a dangerous thing to do. Most suicide case sin US are of men, men who felt depressed and never got any type of treatment.
On the other hand, remember that this illness can be treated. When talking to a psychologist don't be afraid to to let him/her know your emotions, there's nothing girly about it and it cans ave your life.