 |
Learn how to keep a mood chart, manage your anxiety, |
|
| Home | Articles | Resources | About us | Quick Tips | Educational materials |
|
Add this site to your Favorites or Bookmarks. Talk to your doctor The content of Moodletter is for informational purposes only. You should consult with your professional health care provider about your diagnosis and treatment. Moodletter content may not be reprinted without express written permission and credit. ©2006-2012
|
Real Men - Real
Depression |
Moodletter provides information, hope and help to people living with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder and those who care for them. Order helpful Mental Health Tip Sheets Buy a pretty pill organizer to help you stay on track with your meds!
|
|||||||||
|
An estimated six million men in the United States have a depressive disorder - major depression, dysthymia (chronic, less severe depression), or bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) - every year. Although these illnesses are highly treatable, many men do not recognize, acknowledge, or seek help for their depression. While both men and women may develop the standard symptoms of depression, they often experience depression differently and may have different ways of coping. Men may be more willing to report 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. Also, tragically, four times as many men as women die by suicide, even though women make more suicide attempts during their lives. The truth is, depression is a real and treatable illness. It can strike at any age, from childhood into late life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of men with depression can be helped. What makes depression
different from the blues? Depressive illnesses can make routine tasks unbearably difficult. Pleasures that make life worth living -- watching a football game, playing with children, even making love -- can be drained of joy. Depression brings pain and disruption not only to the person who has it, but also to his family and others who care about him.
|
You may also: sleep more or less than usual; eat more or less than usual; have persistent headaches, stomachaches or chronic pain; have trouble concentrating, remembering things or making decisions; lose interest in work or hobbies; or lose interest in sex. If you are feeling depressed, tell someone about your symptoms. Speak with a doctor, psychologist, social worker or employee assistance professional. Depression is a real, medical illness that can be successfully treated, most often with medication, psychotherapy ("talk" therapy), or a combination of both. Support from family and friends plays an important role as well. It takes courage to ask for help.
Related
articles Source: Page updated May 1, 2010
|
||||||||||
If you are experiencing
some of the following symptoms, you may have a depressive illness. Ask
yourself if you are feeling: sad or "empty"; irritable or angry; guilty
or worthless; pessimistic or hopeless; tired or "slowed down"; restless
or agitated; like no one cares about you; or like life is not worth living.