Food for Thought: Depression in men

Every year depression affects more than 11 million Americans, but men account for only one in ten diagnosed cases.

Because of this, depression was once considered a “women’s disease“ linked to hormones. The lingering stereotype of depression being a female condition may prevent some men from recognizing its symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment.

Research reveals while men and women both can develop the standard symptoms of depression, men often experience depression differently and may have different ways of coping with the symptoms.

Men are less likely to show “typical” symptoms of depression such as crying, sadness, loss of interest in activities, or verbally expressing feelings of suicide. Instead, men are more likely to keep their feelings hidden, but may become more aggressive and irritable.

They are more likely to talk about the physical symptoms of depression such as feeling tired rather than those related to emotions. Depression can also affect sexual desire and performance. Men are often unwilling to admit to their problems of sexuality - mistakenly feeling that the problem is related to their manhood, when in fact it is caused by depression.

Instead of seeking treatment, acknowledging feelings, or asking for help, men turn to drugs or alcohol and their behavior is often classified as antisocial. Some men when they are depressed become frustrated, angry or abusive.

Others deal with depression by throwing themselves compulsively into their work, engaging in reckless behavior or taking high risks.

Why Is Depression Different In Men?

Understanding how men in our society are brought up is important in identifying and treating their depression. Men are supposed to restrain their emotions and must be in control.

These cultural expectations can mask some of the true symptoms of depression, forcing men to express anger and aggression. To them tough guy behavior is more acceptable than showing emotions.

In addition, men have a harder time dealing with the stigma of depression - the “women’s disease.”

They tend to deal with their symptoms with a macho attitude or with drugs and alcohol. Men are taught that “toughness” means putting up with physical pain and admitting to emotional distress is taboo. Rather than seek help, which means that what they perceive as a weakness, men are more likely to deal with their depression by drinking heavily, drugs or committing suicide.

Depression In Boys And Adolescent Males

Depression is not just found in adult men. Research shows that depression is occurring earlier in life than in past decades. Depression in young people frequently co-occurs with anxiety, disruptive behavior or substance abuse.

The depressed young child may say he is sick, refuse to go to school or worry that a parent may die. The depressed older child may sulk, get into trouble in school or feel misunderstood. Depression in children and adolescents is associated with a high risk of suicidal behavior.

This risk is magnified if the depression is accompanied by a conduct disorder or substance abuse. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among males age 10 to 24.

More research is needed to understand all aspects of depression in males. In the mean time, parents, family friends, doctors, professionals and employers can play an important role in recognizing depression in men and helping them get treatment.

Dr. Leta A. Livoti Ph.D, LCSW. LCPC is a psychotherapist practicing in Thompson Falls. She can be contacted at 827-0700.