Depression is sometimes referred to as the “under” disease: under-diagnosed, under-discussed, and under-treated. This is especially true for men.
Men avoid getting help because they associate the symptoms of depression with weakness in character. Men think they are supposed to be tough and self-reliant. They are taught to manage pain and take charge of situations. Since they don’t want to appear unable to handle their own problems, men tend to suppress emotions that can be taken as a sign of weakness.
Suppressing feelings increases the time it takes to heal and leads to complications such as escalating anger, aggressiveness and substance abuse. This makes it hard for men to acknowledge they have any health problems, let alone a mental health problem. Not seeking help can have devastating consequences including personal suffering, missed work, inability to cope or function, broken relationships, health problems and even death.
Research shows that men benefit from talk therapy just as much, if not more, than women. Yet most men still won’t consider it. Depression is a treatable illness.
Fight the stigma. Stigma is shame. Shame causes silence.
Let me help you find your voice. It’s okay to ask for help. I promise.
Find more information about depression, including a short video and self-quiz, at www.carrienet.com/depression.
Carrie
Thanks for your work and service
Too many men live by the false adage of “Pull your bootstraps up”, “Toughen up”, or thought of everybody goes through it. These are the same men that can often times be found at the corner bars drinking themselves under the table…self-medicating with booze or other drugs. Seek the help. You are not alone! I have been mentally healthy for over two years and still attend a men’s group twice a month for men with anxiety and depression. Support groups and talk therapy have huge benefits according to a great deal of research. I blog about men with depression, stigma, suicide awareness and prevention and more at allevin18.wordspress.com. Read “My Story” and hear a story of depression from a man’s point of view. Thanks for the article, Ms. Heinz-Musgrave!!!!