Posted by Depression is a word people often use quite loosely in our society to describe feeling down, sad and unhappy. Though these are certainly accurate symptoms of depression, when speaking of depression in a clinical sense, it actually goes much deeper. Depression is a serious medical illness, and studies show that by the year 2020 depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease. Pretty alarming statistics for thinking that depression is no more than an old case of the blues.
Is Depression Different For Men and Women?
Depression is complicated. It is a subjective experience and both men and women do react to it in very different ways. Men will often correlate depression with weakness and loss of emotional control—traits society deems feminine. Most men will not talk about their depression and tend to deal with it in more aggressive ways—traits society usually attributes to be masculine.
Though depression is about twice as likely to affect women, the rate of completed suicide in men is four times higher, though women are more likely to attempt. This is of great concern, as according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in the United States in 1996. As of now, 15% of the population in most developed countries suffers severe depression. Moreover, a recent study has shown that depression actually increases the risk of heart failure in patients with heart disease and according to the CDC, between 70%-89% of sudden cardiac events occur in men.
Symptoms of Depression in Men
• Violent or abusive behavior
• Inappropriate rage
• Escapist behavior, such as over involvement in work or sports
• Risky behavior, such as reckless driving
• Sexual liaisons
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• More frequent thoughts of suicide
Source: mayoclinc.com
Jed Diamond, therapist and author of ‘Male Menopause’ also adds these symptoms to male depression:
• Feels others are to blame
• Feels angry, irritable, and ego inflated
• Feels suspicious and guarded
• Creates conflicts
• Overtly or covertly hostile
• Attack when feeling hurt
• Demands respect from others
• Compulsive time keeper
• Sleeps too little
• Needs control at all costs
• Feels ashamed for who they are
• Frustrated if not praised enough
• Terrified to talk about weaknesses and doubts
• Strong fear of failure
• Needs to be “top dog” to feel safe
• Uses alcohol, TV, sports, and sex to self medicate
• Believe their problems could be solved only if their (spouse, co-worker, parent, friend) would treat them better
• Constantly wonder, “Am I being loved enough?”
Also visit mcmanwec.com for a very interesting article on male depression
Treating Male Depression
The first step to treating and curing male depression is asking for help. Male depression often goes untreated because men feel ashamed to speak up. But depression hurts men just as much as it does women, and deserves as much of a chance to be treated accordingly. Regular exercise, hydration and proper nutrition helps increase energy, boost serotonin levels and also helps regulate sleep. A healthy body promotes a healthy mind.
Treatments
Depression Therapies
1. Psychotherapy or Talk Therapy for Depression
2. Depression ECT Therapy, or Electroconvulsive Therapy
3. Depression Light Therapy
4. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS Therapy)
5. rTMS
6. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Herbal Treatments
1. St. John Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
2. Hyperforin
3. 5HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
4. Ginkgo Biloba
5. Omega-Joy
Medication Treatments
1. Tricyclic drugs
2. MAOI(Monoamine oxidase inhibitors )
3. SSRIs antidepressant medication
4. Antidepressant
5. Antipsychotic Medication
6. Antianxiety medications
7. Anticonvulsants
For more detailed information about these medications visit: http://www.depression-guide.com/treatment-of-depression.htm
Alternative Treatments
1. Exercise or Yoga
2. Meditation
3. Clarocet NRI
4. Aromatherapy
5. Vitamins
6. Diet factors
Source: depression-guide.com
