The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is reaching out
to educate the public about depression in men through its Real Men.
Real Depression. campaign.
Men and Depression
Researchers estimate that more than six million men in the United
States have a depressive disorder—about one-third of all adults
living with depression in any given year.
However, men are less likely than women to recognize, acknowledge,
and seek treatment for their depression. In addition, their loved
ones and even their physicians may not always detect depressive
symptoms in men.
Depression is a serious medical condition that can affect both men
and women. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue
mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can
be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot
merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without
treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years.
Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer
from depression.
Research and clinical findings reveal that while both men and women
can develop the standard symptoms of depression, they often
experience depression differently and may have different ways of
coping with the symptoms. Men may be more willing to acknowledge
fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and
sleep disturbances rather than feelings of sadness, worthlessness,
and excessive guilt, which are commonly associated with depression
in women. Men may turn to alcohol or street drugs when they are
depressed instead of seeking appropriate medical treatment. Men
with depression may become frustrated, discouraged, angry,
irritable and, sometimes, violently abusive. Some men may deal with
depression by throwing themselves compulsively into their work;
others may respond to depression by engaging in reckless behavior,
taking risks, and putting themselves in harm's way. Depression is a
risk factor for suicide, and there is an alarming rate of completed
suicide among men in the U.S. - particularly older, white men and
younger, black men.