Men and depression
In the U.S. 6 million men suffer from depression. It is well known that the rate in men suffering from this depression is a lot lower than the rate in women. For men it is less likely to admit to depression or to be presumed by doctors to have depression. The rate of suicide in men is 4 times higher than in women not counting the failed attempts –a chapter which is lead by women – and is increasing with old age.
A man's physical health is also affected by depression, but in a different way than a woman's. New research shows that although both men and women present increased risk for coronary heart disease, the rate of death is high only in men's case.
Men will usually hide depression behind alcohol, drugs or the socially accepted habit of excessive work. Depressed men are not hopeless or helpless but they show signs of irritation, agitation, anger and discouragement. Even when a man realizes his depression, he is not willing to admit it and to seek help. The difference is often made by someone close, in the family or close friend, who is concerned by his problem and guides him to medical help. In addition, the illness and its treatment will be easier accepted if through the help of support groups, workplace health professionals or programs or employee assistance professionals.