Depression in man's style. "I'm fine." The Image of Male Depression Through the Eyes of a Psychiatrist-Therapist.
Depression in men is still a taboo subject. Depression is a sickness, not a choice. Social messages suggest that a man should be strong and resourceful, which has little to do with the experiences and feelings of someone suffering from depression. Due to the learned behavior of keeping emotions in check, many men hide their pain under a shell of indifference. It is said that depression occurs much less frequently in men than in women. However, it is intriguing to note that according to police statistics, men are more likely to commit suicide. As a practicing psychiatrist or psychotherapist, I begin to wonder whether the criteria for diagnosing depression might have gaps and not fully reflect the male experience of depression.
How do men suffer from depression, and how can we suggest they seek help?
More on this in today’s post.
Form the beginning, here's a great animation about what depression is—a clarifying movie with more details in the description below move.
"Your Brain on Depression: Neuroscience, Animated. " Youtube
If you are eager for main information, I recommend reading a post about depression and etc on my polish blog. You can easily translate it into english. If you generally know the topic, move on and read about the specifics of depression in men.
More about specific depression in men.
If I had to use one term to describe male depression, I would say that depression in men is often 'masked'.
The mask here refers to the
tendency to hide the symptoms of depression. Men with depression often wear the
camouflage of a man without problems and psychological difficulties, for those
around them. Men with depression rarely complain of sadness during their first
contact with a doctor. Very often in their case, we encounter what is called a
'mask of depression' - symptoms of depression that are not typically associated
with depressive disorders.
""I'm Fine" - Learning To Live With Depression."
Jake Tyler
How to Recognize Male Depression?
Among the dominant
symptoms of male depression, irritability and explosiveness come to the
forefront. Unlike previous temperamental flaws, a calm person may transform
into someone explosive. The intensity of irritability can reach such a level
that men begin to isolate themselves from their surroundings because they do
not want others to upset their balance—this applies to both friends and family.
Men in such a state of mind are often sent by those around them (especially partners)
to a psychiatrist, as they become difficult to live with. Sometimes, because of
these outbursts, they lose jobs or encounter legal problems.
Another mask of depression is sleep disturbances. Typical sleep disorders associated with depression include waking up earlier than usual. There are also difficulties with falling asleep, waking up during the night, and excessive daytime sleepiness, which means escaping into sleep.
Another mask of male depression is addiction/harmful use of alcohol, but also drugs and other addictions, including behavioral ones (e.g., addiction to computer gaming, pornography).
Addictions, in this case, are an inept form of self-medication. It is a highly problematic way of coping. Over time, the picture of depression becomes blurred. For a specialist, especially in a brief examination, it is difficult to determine the chronology of symptoms—it's unclear what came first—the chicken - depression, or the egg - addiction. Especially since addiction itself, over time, causes mood disorders, which in fact deepens the depression problem. Maybe this movie is for you, maybe not. If you are wondering about it, watch it.
Motivation Hub Official - Youtube
In such cases, according to recommendations, the priority should be to first address the addiction, and then the depression, after managing the addictive disorder.
Another mask of depression is difficulty
making decisions. At its core lies an increased level of anxiety, a lack of or
low self-esteem, and reduced drive to act. Often, this symptom is the reason
for seeking specialized help.
Due to problems with decision-making, men often feel frozen
in the stage of life they are in. They remain in unsatisfying relationships and
jobs for years, despite discomfort and pain. In such moments, suicidal thoughts
often arise, and in a surge of self-preservation instinct, they seek help from
a professional.
It is worth having the power to stop depression and change paths, because life is limited and it might be better than what lies behind the dull and safe glass of depression.
Find your Path...for your consideration/reflection...
Another symptom worth mentioning is anhedonia, which is a lack of joy from activities that used to be pleasurable. Sometimes, when the depression is not very deep, men are unable to do anything other than pleasurable activities. As a result, they neglect daily duties, which worsens the situation and intensifies the depression. The sexual sphere is also affected in depression. Some men with depression seek closeness more often—to compensate for their poor mood, while others have no desire for it at all.
In summary:
Depression in men is not a matter of ill will. A man with depression may behave in ways that don’t match the common perception of depressive states. Both women and men suffering from depression endure pain. Statistics on the prevalence of depression among men are likely significantly underestimated. One study shows that 10-25 percent of men struggle with depressive states after the birth of a child. More about in post:
More information about depression from a therapeutic perspective.
Just like every kind of depression, it also comprises a depressive vision of reality – negative view about the past, present, future, and oneself. It leads to hopelessness of being in the present moment, takes away strength and motivation to act. A depressed person is like in a cage – views the reality irrationally – focuses on shadows, does not see the colour of life.
Let's give a voice to the great creator of CBT therapy for more information
"Origins of Dr. Aaron Beck's Theory of Depression." - Youtube
Please tell me: 'What does depression mean to you?'
Thoughts on depression from the perspective of cured people.
"Where is the bottom of depression?" Filip Chajzer
"Gdzie jest dno depresji? " Filip Chajzer
"Where does depression come from?" Olaf Lubaszenko
"Skąd nadchodzi depresja? Olaf Lubaszenko
Translate to English and other.Translator — Microsoft Apps; Translation - Google
How to start your journey towards seeking help?
"Man Up: Part 2 - How do men battle against depression & suicidal thoughts?"- Youtube
How can you encourage a close male relative or friend to seek help?
One can begin by taking
a screening test for depression—such as the Beck Depression Inventory—as
someone affected by the problem, or suggest that a close person take it. A
result outside the norm will indicate that an observer's attitude should be
adopted. If poor functioning exceeds two weeks or is very intense, it is
advisable to seek help.
"Michael Phelps Opens Up About Struggle With Depression" - Youtube
You can talk and ask for support from a friend or partner. Their help can also involve finding contacts for a psychiatrist or therapist. Gentlemen, if you do not want to ask a close person for help, you can seek a consultation on your own (as most men with depression do). From my experience and observations, the worst part for men with depression is the first visit to the psychiatrist and not knowing 'what it will be like'. A psychiatric consultation is simply a conversation; no one is forced into anything. The doctor suggests ways to solve the problem, but it is you, gentlemen, who make the final decision whether to use this help and in what form.
Breaking the taboo of mental health issues Prince William breaks down a new way to tackle male depression - Youtube
In the end...It doesn't matter what path you choose or what will be necessary for recovery—therapy, drugs, activities, or all of those—the most important thing is that you set a goal to overcome depression. I wish you the courage to break the silence of suffering alone.
You don't have to—change what you can, ask for help, and move forward.
That's all for today, until the next post.
