Psychotherapy & Male Depression
Don't ignore the symptoms…
Depression often develops differently in men than in women. Untreated, it can be life-threatening. Recognizing and treating the condition can save a man's life.
Ineffective coping strategies may include abusive alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, casual sex or shutting off from the world. None of these will work indefinitely. Depression is a serious problem. It darkens thoughts, undermines one's personal and professional life, and increases the risk of other illnesses. Most disturbing, the risk of death from suicide is four times greater for depressed men than for depressed women.
Compare female and male depression symptoms...
Often undiagnosed…
Many men learn to overvalue independence and self-control during childhood. They're taught that it's unmanly to express pain, weakness, uncertainty, helplessness and sadness. They tend to see illness — especially emotional illness — as a threat to their masculinity. So they deny or hide their problems until a partner's insistence or a catastrophic event forces them to seek help.
Because men are generally less likely to consult doctors, a great deal of male depression may go undiagnosed. When they do ask for help, depressed men are more likely to focus on physical complaints — headaches, digestive problems or chronic pain than on emotional suffering. Depressed men and their doctors may not make the connection between such symptoms and depression.
Characteristics…
Most men are trained to focus on achievement and success, so they feel under constant pressure to perform well. But if they experience setbacks at home or in the workplace they may keep their distress to themselves. Women — including those who focus on achievement and success — usually feel free to seek help. Male depression is therefore often more covert than overt.This may account for the lingering perception that depression is primarily a "women's disease."
To discuss how you or a loved one can get a handle on male depression, contact Jason Phelps, Psychotherapist.