Depression and The Male of the Species

It is estimated that there are over three million men in the united states alone that suffer from depression. However, only a minor percentage of those men are ever likely to disclose the fact that they are depressed. The problem is tied up with the male image of Western culture. The man is said to be "the rock" upon which others depend on, and any sign of weakness is likely to be interpreted in terms of 'femininity'. Healing starts when men conceive that suffering from depression doesn't make them any less of a man.

For many generations men have worked on perfecting their techniques for covering up their feelings. Perhaps this has been born of the need to be able to get on with their work in any event dispite the pressure they might be under. Men also quickly turn to drugs, alcohol, sex, or more work, moreso than women, as mechanisms for avoiding having to face annoying feelings They think that they can get over their depression by trying to give themselves something else to ponder on. This cannot, of course, really solve the issue.

Men are less probable than women to search for treatment for their depression, though women are often just as improbable to declare that there is a problem. This is why the support of family and fiends is so essential in the recovery process.

Men can cover their depression well. Unlike women, they really do want to be left alone and not for purposes of reaching out eventually in good time. Men will hide their depression because they feel humiliation and worry. Many of those who are near to a man who has committed suicide will say that they didn't have a clue - a disastrous indication of the power of some men to hide their feelings. Such men fight silently and alone against their depression until it entirely overwhelms them.

A man's friends need to be aware of the signs of depression. Does it seem like he is attempting to change to much? Is he oversleeping, not sleeping at all, displaying persistent tension or stress, and even anger. Exploring these issues with a male partner or family member can be demanding. If a man is genuinely battling depression, you may need to tread slowly.

Be careful not to push too hard or too quickly when it comes to finding help, as you may be greeted with anger and denial. In the early stage of depression, the subject is in pain but generally truly does not know why. People will blame circumstances. Adolescents will blame their home lives, and married men will generally blame their wives. Be aware while the man may recongise that their pain is not normal, this does not mean that they will be instantaneously open to the idea of therapy.

If you want to help someone seek treatment, they are going to have to make that choice themselves. All you can do is tell them that you are worried about them. Do more listening than talking. Show your support by telling them that you love or care for them. Ideally, make them feel that this is something that the two of you are going to take on together, and that they are not alone.

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