Depression is serious but treatable medical condition that can strike anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Mostly, the depression goes unrecognized by those who have it, by their kith and kins and even by their physicians. Although both women and men suffer from depression, men are most unlikely to admit to depressive symptoms because, socially, men are “supposed to be strong”. Most men don’t like to admit that they feel fragile or vulnerable, and so they less likely to talk about their feelings to the loved ones. This may be the reason that they don’t ask for help when they feel depressed. This has lead to increased suicide cases in men although the attempts for suicide are higher in case on females.
However not taking proper advice at the right time may prove to be quite harmful for a man’s physical and mental health. Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:
• Feeling sad or unhappy
• High levels of anxiety
• Low energy
• Difficulty in concentration
• Pessimistic feelings
• Losing interest in activities or people
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of sex drive
• Lapses in personal hygiene such as not bathing and shaving regularly
• Thoughts of suicide.
Sometimes the symptoms may include extreme opposites to the aforesaid points like gain of weight, etc.
Instead of talking about themselves depressed men may try to make themselves feel better by using alcohol or drugs. But these usually make things go worse in the long run. Many men with depression donot obtain adequate diagnosis and treatment, which may be life saving.
Depression is a treatable disease and majority of men with depressive disorders improve when they receive appropriate treatment and concern. Family members, friends and employee assistance professionals in the workplace can play significant roles in recognizing depressive symptoms in men and helping them get treatment.