Depression affects many individuals at some point in their lives. It is a serious medical disorder and affects women and men alike. Many men fail to seek treatment when they have symptoms of depression. Depression must not be confused with ordinary sadness. Biological evidence of the illness can be seen in brain scans which show abnormal activity levels. Key brain chemicals that carry signals between nerves (shown here) also appear to be out of balance in depressed people.
Recognizing the symptoms of depression in men
Many men have difficulty recognizing the symptoms of depression, while others often dismiss the symptoms as trivial. For many men, even his loved ones, and even his doctor, may not recognize depression. That is because men are less likely than women to talk about their feelings — and some depressed men do not appear sad or down. Instead, men may be irritable, angry or restless. They may even lash out at others. Some men try to cope with depression through reckless behaviour, drinking or drugs. We must dismiss the myth that men who have clinical depression are lazy or simply feeling sorry for themselves. Depression is a medical illness — a health problem related to changes in the brain. Like other illnesses, it usually improves with appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of depression
Clinical depression—in women or men—can cause sadness and a loss of interest in once pleasurable activities. But depression can sometimes manifest in different ways in different people.
While the symptoms used to diagnose depression are the same regardless of gender, often the chief complaint can be different among men and women.
Symptoms that men commonly present with include the following:
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Fatigue
• Stomachache or backache
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anger or hostility
• Anxiety
• Sexual dysfunction
• Indecision
• Suicidal thoughts
Is it depression?
Some life events cause sadness or disappointment, but do not become clinical depression. Grief is normal after a death, divorce, loss of a job, losing an election or diagnosis with a serious health problem. One clue of a need for treatment is when the individual experiences sadness that is constant everyday, most days of the week. When people are weathering difficult times appropriately, they can usually be distracted or cheered up for short periods of time.
Who gets depression?
Depression can affect any man, be it the doctor, politician, gardener, policeman, minister, sportsman, shy or outgoing. Anyone from any ethnic background can develop clinical depression. The illness is twice as common in women as in men, but it may be that women are more likely to seek help. Depression is often first noticed in the late teens or 20s, but an episode can develop at any age. Tough personal experiences can trigger depression, or it may develop out of the blue.
Depression can creep up gradually, which makes it harder to identify than a sudden illness. A bad day turns into a rut and you start skipping work, school or social occasions. One type, called dysthymia, can last for years as a chronic, low-level illness – a malaise that silently undermines your career and relationships. Or depression can become a severe, disabling condition. With treatment, many feel substantial relief in 4-6 weeks.
Treatment
Many men are reluctant to see a doctor in the best of times and it is even more difficult for them to seek help when they have symptoms of depression. Loved ones and relatives must be proactive and encourage these men to seek help. Medication is only one of the tools used to treat depression. Treatment for depression does not mean you will be pressured to take prescription drugs. In fact, studies suggest that “talk” therapy works as well as drugs for mild to moderate depression.
People were once advised not to “dwell on” problems by talking about them. Today, there is evidence that guided discussions with a professional can make things much better. Different types of psychotherapy help treat depression by addressing negative thought patterns, unconscious feelings, or relationship troubles. The first step is to talk to a mental health professional.
Even if you do use antidepressants, it probably would not be for life. Your doctor will help you determine the right time to stop your medication.
The reality is most people who take action to treat their depression do get better. In a large study by the National Institute of Mental Health, 70% of people became symptom-free through medications — though not always with the first medicine. Studies show the best treatment is combining medication and talk therapy.
In the depths of depression, people may think there is no hope for a better life. This hopelessness is part of the illness, not a reality. With treatment, positive thinking gradually replaces negative thoughts. Sleep and appetite improve as the depressed mood lifts. And people who have seen a counselor for talk therapy are equipped with better coping skills to deal with the stresses in life that can get you down.
Genes and depression
If depression appears in your family tree, you are more likely to get it too, but chances are you would not. Individuals with a family history can watch for early symptoms of depression and take positive action promptly — whether that means reducing stress, getting more exercise, counseling, or other professional treatment.
Exercise and depression
Various clinical studies now show that regular, moderately intense exercise can improve symptoms of depression, and work as well as some medicines for people with mild to moderate depression. Exercising with a group or a good friend adds social support, another mood booster.
Conclusion
Depression affects nearly one in six people at some point in their lives. Although this disorder appears to be more common in females, a significant number of men suffer from it. Individuals with symptoms suggestive of clinical depression should see their health care provider.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
