Male depression is highly untouched topic even in today’s scenario when people are more and more aware of health issues. Depression is usually considered a women’s problem. This only leads to misinterpretation and failure of men to recognize its symptoms and seeking treatment. Also men are typically supposed to be strong and often ignore their problems. In reality, depression is something that affects both men and women.

With men it’s different:

The primary factor that separates depression in men is based on the fact that men think differently about themselves. Men are more engrossed with being more competitive and achieving success. Since men are so often supposed to rely on themselves that they don’t talk or discuss their feeling when they are depressed. Depression in men usually goes unnoticed because they can’t show their weakness even for a very short period of time. This is primary the reason due to which even doctors and health care professionals don’t identify the problem.

For reasons of their own:

1. For married men and men in steady relationships, trouble in the relationship is the cause of depression.
2. Depression is frequently found among men who are divorced or separated.
3. Infertility or any problem with sexuality can lead to depression in men.
   
4. Unemployment is one of the major causes of depression among men mainly because work provides a sense of fulfillment and self esteem in men.
   
5. Pregnancy is also a newly recognized cause of depression in men. This is because of the new changes that pregnancy and childbirth brings like lesser sexual activity, lesser time with partner and lesser time for work.
   

Tell tale signs:

1. Feeling angry, hostile or agitated
   
2. Feeling of hopelessness
   
3. Loss of interest in people and activities
   
4. Lack of sleep
   
5. Weight loss and loss of appetite
   
6. Difficulty in performing at work
   
7. Loss of concentration
   
8. Becoming aggressive and irritable
   
9. Loss of sex drive
   

Break the cycle:

Men can start by helping themselves in their struggle against depression. If you are undergoing some major loss in your life then try talking to someone with whom you feel comfortable. Engross yourself in something that you really enjoy or have interest in. Keep yourself active in order to feel better and not indulge in depressing thoughts and feelings. Use meditation, yoga and other techniques to relax. Eat properly and avoid alcohol and drugs as an alternative. Depression can be treated for men and talking about it to a doctor or a general practitioner is nothing to be ashamed of. If you are worried about confidentiality, then discuss it with your doctor freely. There is nothing brave or powerful in not seeking help; real courage comes in accepting the truth and doing something about it.

MORE ON DEPRESSION

Are You Depressed? Depression in Teenagers - understand to cure it completely Take It Easy - A Brief Guide to Stress Management.

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