 | Jason Scheck is a Clinical Social Worker and Director of Mental Health Emergency Services at COMCARE of Sedgwick County. COMCARE is the licensed Community Mental Health Center for residents of Sedgwick County. To talk with a professional confidentially, please call 316-660-7540. Help is available. |
Health & Wellness
2010-07-01 12:50:00
Depression symptoms different for men
Earlier this year, I saw a change in my husband. He seemed angry, was irritable, had trouble concentrating and he was drinking a little more than usual. Some mornings he didnft even want to get out of bed. Our 14-year marriage seemed to be stressed. Finally, I convinced him to make an appointment with his doctor. My husband was diagnosed with depression. Why does depression in men look different than in women?
Answer: Depression is a serious but treatable medical condition - a brain disease - that can strike anyone, including men. In America alone, more than 6 million, or 1 in 20 men have depression each year.
Whether youfre a company executive, a construction worker, a writer, a police officer or a student; whether you are rich or poor; surrounded by loved ones or alone; you are not immune to depression. Some factors, however, such as family history, undue stress, the loss of a loved one, or serious illnesses can make you more vulnerable.
The symptoms of depression in men are similar to the symptoms of depression in women. But men tend to express those symptoms differently. The most common symptoms of depression include low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, apathy and sexual problems. And if depression is left untreated, it can also lead to personal, family, social isolation and financial difficulties.
There are several reasons why the symptoms of clinical depression in men are not commonly recognized. For example, many men tend to deny having problems because they are supposed to "be strong." And American culture suggests that women are socialized to talk about their feelings and emotional state more than men. As a result, men who are depressed may be more likely to talk about the physical symptoms of their depression, such as feeling tired, rather than symptoms related to emotions.
Observable symptoms of depression are not as well understood in men as they are in women. Men are less likely to show "typical" signs of depression, such as crying, sadness or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Depression in men may cause them to keep their feelings hidden. Instead of expressing the depressed mood, they may become more irritable and aggressive.
For these reasons, many men, as well as doctors and other health care professionals, fail to recognize the problem as depression. Some mental health professionals suggest that if the symptoms of depression were expanded to include anger, blame, lashing out and abuse of alcohol, more men might be diagnosed with depression and treated appropriately.
Letfs be clear about one thing: depression in men can have devastating consequences. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that men in the U.S. are about four times more likely than women to commit suicide. In Sedgwick County, 80 percent of the suicides in 2009 were men. Overall, a history of mental illness was reported in approximately 66 percent of those suicides,including substance abuse, mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), psychosis, anxiety and post traumatic stress. Other related precipitating factors included interpersonal and life stressors (e.g. intimate-partner problems, other relationship problems, financial difficulties, legal trouble, and/or history of medical illness).
Depression is not a weakness of character. It can take courage to admit that you need help. People with depression, both men and women, can be treated successfully. With an appropriate diagnosis and treatment, most people recover. The darkness disappears, hope for the future returns and energy and interest in life can become stronger than ever. If you are uncertain about whom to call for help you can make a confidential call to COMCARE of Sedgwick County, 316-660-7540 and talk with a professional about how you are feeling. If you or your loved one is talking about suicide, please contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline immediately at 316-660-7500.
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Jason Scheck, LSCSW, is a clinical social worker and the Director of Crisis Services for COMCARE of Sedgwick County. He has been working in the mental health field for 10 years. Jason is the Co-Chair of the Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition. For further information on depression please contact COMCARE at 316-660-7540.
