Highlighting the awareness of male depression is something which this months guest writer Angela Moore finds essential. In her work she has found that this state of being is not given the adequte attention and assistance required.

Men and Depression - Promoting Awareness

by Angela Moore

The increase in the number of people, particularly males, taking their own lives in Ireland in recent years is a major cause of concern.  According to the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland suicide is the leading cause of death in young males, exceeding, road traffic accidents and cancer.

It would seem likely that depression affects both men and women equally, yet people working in caring services see far fewer men with depression than women.  It appears men are less likely to ask for help. This may be down to the traditional view of men “always be strong and do not show feelings” Men tend to think that to ask for help is somehow a sign of weakness or failure. Many men believe that talking about how you feel is a feminine trait.  This “boys don’t cry” attitude seems to stop men from accessing help when needed.  It may be safe to say that this could be a large factor contributing to men taking their own lives at a rate FOUR times higher than women.

Instead of talking about how they feel men may try to make themselves feel better by using alcohol or other drugs (self medication) to block out unwanted feelings.  While this may give some short term release, drug and alcohol abuse will usually make things worse in the long run.

Men who are depressed are more likely to talk about the physical symptoms of their depression such as headaches or low energy rather than how they feel.  A person with depression tends to focus on the negative, which can cause even more emotional distress and self- defeating behaviour. Certain forms of counselling such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help a person to identify negative thinking and develop more positive and flexible thinking about situations.  Unfortunately like depression counselling can also be viewed as a feminine requirement, as talking about problems and emotions is generally considered to be acceptable for women to do with their same gender friends.

In my experience, while working with men and depression and addiction issues, I have noticed that men are much more ready to accept they have an addiction issue than accept that they are struggling to cope with life issues and may be depressed.  It seems the stigma of being a man with depression is too difficult to accept.

If you suspect that someone you know is experiencing depression here are some symptoms to look for –

• Loss of interest in work, sex, life in general
• Tiredness, fatigue, everything seems like and effort
• Poor concentration, forgetfulness, slow thinking
• Reduced sense of self confidence, self worth
• Becoming withdrawn from others
• Headaches, or other pains without a physical basis
• Change in sleeping patterns, over sleeping or difficulty sleeping
• Change in eating patterns, loss of appetite or over eating
• Feeling sad, anxious, numb, hopeless
• Not wanting to live, suicidal thoughts

Ideally the person should be encouraged to look for professional help, particularly where the symptoms are severe, but you can also help by simply listening without criticising or judging the person and letting them know that you care for them.

If you think the person you are concerned about may be suicidal, discussing your concerns with them will not increase the risk of them harming themselves. Listening to them may help the person relieve some of their thoughts and feelings. If you feel the person may need help straight away AWARE have a low call helpline 1890 303 302.

About the Author

Angela Moore is currently finishing her final training as a counsellor specialising in addiction and mental health issues and is Co –founder of Dual Diagnosis Ireland (www.dualdiagnosis.ie) a charity aimed at raising awareness around mental health and addiction issues. She is passionate about this project and has worked on a voluntary basis for many years in raising awareness around this issue and helping those it affects.

Angela offers reduced rate counselling at Glosna House Holistic Centre (www.glosnahouse.com) Her primary psychotherapy aim is to provide a strictly confidential, safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment, enabling clients to explore, recognise and express difficult feelings, thoughts and anxieties.  Angela’s approach to working with clients is integrative and influenced by the person-centred approach and cognitive behavioural therapy.