Don’t Ignore Signs of Depression in Men

Why you should be concerned? Well, basically depression doesn’t manifest more often in any one sex. But because men aren’t raised to show emotions as well as stigma surrounding illness – they are less likely to seek treatment for depression. Showing emotions for men can be looked at as a sign of weakness and run the risk of being branded as effeminate. It has been shown that men try to tough out depression on their own, often channelling it through vices. If left undiagnosed, depression can lead to suicide and this is where the men are at disadvantage.

How to avoid it? Know what you should be looking for and what you can do. Men rather keep it to themselves, keeping signs of the blues under wraps. Getting him to seek treatment or just to be evaluated is the toughest part but the most important aspect is to alleviate his suffering. Here are some Plans that you can consider:

• Watch out for these signs: Avoidance of pleasurable activities, being angry and frustrated, showing inexplicably violent behavior, pronounce weight loss or weight gain, overworking, and preferring isolation. If he exhibits most of these characteristics over a two-week period, have him checked.
• Approach your man with caution. Empathize with his sad feelings and avoid judgmental comments so he can freely disclose how he feels. Then, engage in limited but shared decision-making in treatment. In doing so, you don’t add to his feeling of worthlessness.
• Explore various treatments for depression. A doctor can prescribe anti-depressant pills like Zoloft and Prozac. Psychologist can conduct psychotherapy sessions over a predetermined time period.
• Help him build a support system. Any feelings of disassociation – the ideal “breeding ground” for depression – can be reduced when he knows that there are people around him who still care. Family therapy equips the patient’s immediate relatives with knowledge so they can continue whatever progress he made during treatment.

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