Male Issues

Depression affects many men, although it's more commonly associated with women. Men and women may feel many of the same symptoms, such as a continually sad or irritable mood; trouble concentrating; a striking change in appetite and energy; feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness; lack of interest in life; and/or suicidal thoughts. But men often show different signs of depression. Men who are depressed may not cry or talk about their feelings, or even hint that they're thinking about suicide. Men with depression may try harder to hide their symptoms and, as a result, may become angry and aggressive. They may also be more prone to seek relief through alcohol or drugs.

Even when men do realize that they are depressed and are abusing alcohol or have some other problem, they are still less likely than women to see a psychologist or other mental health professional. Some men may worry that society will look down on a man who can't "tough it out" on his own, and that seeking--or even needing--help is not "normal" male behavior. Men and boys often learn that they are not supposed to express vulnerability or caring. They learn to suppress their emotional responses--like crying or even sad facial expressions--so much that they are sometimes genuinely unaware of their emotions and how to describe them in words. 

The more men tend to 'do their gender' and define themselves by traditional roles in our society, the less they tend to get help. Even men who do seek counseling may worry about what others think of their choice. To benefit from counseling, a man must admit that he needs help, must rely on the counselor and must openly discuss and express emotion. These requirements conflict with traditional ideals of what it means to be male: toughness, independence and emotional control.

However, for those men and boys who get to a mental health professional, they can feel better about themselves, relate better to others and improve their functioning in the other realms of their life.