Depression And Men
Depression and Men
A man can experience depression in many different ways. He may be grumpy or irritable, or have lost his sense of humor. He might drink too much or abuse drugs. It may be that he physically or verbally abuses his wife and his kids. He might work all the time, or compulsively seek thrills in high risk behavior. Or, he may seem isolated, withdrawn, and no longer interested in the people or activities he used to enjoy.
Perhaps this man sounds like you. If so, it is important to understand that there is a brain disorder called depression that may be underlying these feelings and behaviors. Its real: scientists have developed sensitive imaging devices that enable us to see depression in the brain. And its treatable: more than 80 percent of those suffering from depression respond to existing treatments, and new ones are continually becoming available and helping more people. Talk to a healthcare provider about how you are feeling, and ask for help.
Or perhaps this man sound like someone you care about. Try to talk to him, or to someone who has a chance of getting through to him. Help him to understand that depression is a common illness among men and is nothing to be ashamed about. Encourage him to see a doctor and get an evaluation for depression.
For most men with depression, life doesnt have to be so dark and hopeless. Life is hard enough as it is; and treating depression can free up vital resources to cope with lifes challenges effectively. When a man is depressed, hes not the only one who suffers. His depression also darkens the lives of his family, his friends, virtually everyone close to him. Getting him into treatment can send ripples of healing and hope into all of those lives.
Depression is a real illness; it is treatable; and men can have it. It takes courage to ask for help, but help can make all the difference.
In men, common problems include reduced sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, and delayed ejaculation.
Alternatively, two mental health professionals may collaborate in the treatment of a person with depression; for example, a psychiatrist or other physician, such as a family doctor, may prescribe medication while a nonmedical therapist provides ongoing psychotherapy.
NIMH: Depression
Reducing the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior
WebMD Depression Health Center - Find depression information and ...
An estimated 19 million American adults are living with major depression. Here you'll find in-depth ... Depression Overview. From symptoms to treatment options, find in-depth news and information to ...
Clinical and Manic Depression Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, and ...
Learn depression signs, treatment, symptoms, diagnosis, medications, causes, statistics, facts and ... Depression. Medical Author: Peter J. Panzarino Jr., MD, FAPA Previous Medical Editor: Leslie J.
Clinical depression - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clinical depression (also called severe depressive disorder, major depressive disorder) is a state of intense sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive to an ...
Other Depression Article Snippets:
Antidepressant Medications
"John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), an herb used extensively in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in Europe, has recently aroused interest in the United States."
How To Help Yourself If You Are Depressed
"A good diagnostic evaluation will include a complete history of symptoms, when they started, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, whether the patient had them before and, if so, whether the symptoms were treated and what treatment was given."
How Family And Friends Can Help
"Although depression itself can lower libido and impair sexual performance, SSRIs and some other antidepressants can provoke sexual dysfunction."
Childhood Depression
"We still do not know if depression is truly less common among men, or if men are just less likely than women to recognize, acknowledge, and seek help for depression."