Did you know that nearly a quarter of Americans still consider depression a sign of personal weakness?
Depression is described as a common but serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Everyone feels sad, irritable or has trouble sleeping sometimes, but these feelings usually pass after a couple of days. To be diagnosed with depression, these symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. Depression is more common than AIDS, cancer, and diabetes combined, and nearly 400,000 people attempt suicide in the U.S. every year.
There are many different forms of depression, such as major depression, minor depression, and dysthymia.
Both men and women get depression, but men can experience it differently than women. When a man has depression, he has trouble with his daily life and loses interest in his regular activities for weeks at a time.
- Men may be more likely to feel very tired and irritable, and lose interest in their work, family, or hobbies than women.
- Men are more likely to have difficulty sleeping than women who have depression.
- Women with depression are more likely to attempt suicide, but men are more likely to die by suicide.
- Many men do not recognize, acknowledge, or seek help for their depression. They are more reluctant to talk about how they feel.
Most of the time, depression is caused by a combination of factors such as genes, stress, brain chemistry, and hormone.
Studies have shown that the brains of people with depression look different on scans than those of people without the illness. Men who have a family history of depression are more likely to develop depression and stressful situations, such as a loss of a loved one or a difficult relationship, may trigger depression in some men.
Although they may vary, some common signs and symptoms of depression in men are:
- Feeling sad or “empty”
- Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or angry
- Loss of interest in work, family, or once-pleasurable activities, including sex
- Feeling very tired
- Forgetful or not being able to concentrate
- Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much
- Overeating, or not wanting to eat at all
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Stomach aches or pains
Depression affected great minds such as Charles Dickens, John Keats, and Tennessee Williams.
Depression is a real and treatable illness and it can affect any man at any age. Clinical depression and bipolar illnesses remain shrouded in stigma and shame. A decade ago, cancer was highly stigmatized. With the right treatment, most men with depression can get better and gain back their interest in work, family, and hobbies. Many people feel ashamed or fear isolation and discrimination and choose not to seek treatment for symptoms of depression.
Facts about depression♦
- Research into depression and bipolar illness receives just 1/4 of the funding made available in cancer research.
- It has been estimated that up to 50% of people suffering from depression are not currently receiving treatment.
- One of the most discouraging realities of depressive illnesses is the very high rates of relapse.
- When properly addressed, clinical depression and bipolar illnesses are highly treatable.
- It is estimated that one-third of those who seek help do not receive adequate treatment over the course of their lives.
- It’ss also estimated that depressive illnesses cost over $210 billion annually in lost productivity and increased medical costs.
- By conservative estimates, one in five Americans has firsthand experience with depression, bipolar illness or another mood disorder.
Caring for yourself may take a little extra time, but you’ll feel better and be more successful.
Taking good care of your body and mind can make a difference in how well you do in your day-to-day life and how well you manage change. Exercising, eating right, getting enough rest and relaxing will not only set you on the right path to wellness but will also help you achieve and enjoy daily activities and improve how you deal with life’s challenges. It’s also important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms of depression you may have.
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
PS. Inner Health & Outer Beauty Store: Health & Wellness with Althea♦
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