This site is for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.

     Why have we included a page on Depression in Men?  Is depression in men different than in women?  Years ago, depression was actually considered a "woman's illness or disease."  Today, research has shown that depression affects over 6 and a half million men in Amerca alone!  No one is immune to depression.  It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, or what your nationality is, or what your age is,  you can become a victim or depression.  No one is immune to this terrible disease.

     So what's the difference between depression in men and in women?  The symptoms of depression in men are different and many times not even recognized for several reasons.  For one, many men deny that they have a problem or that they are stressed because they aresupposed to be "strong or macho."  Seeking help for their depression is like admitting that they have a problem or that they're weak.  So instead of seeking help, many men deal with their depression by taking on more things; such as working overtime to occupy their time and keep them busy.  Others resort to alcohol or drug abuse to dull their pain.  By suppressing their feelings, many men develop other serious health conditions, such as; ulcers, high cholesterol levels and even high blood pressure.  This only adds to their pain so many men feeling there is no way out, turn to suicide.  What men fail to realize is that depression is not some sort of character flaw and it definately isn't a weakness.  Depression is a serious illness!  The thing they have to remember is that depression, as serious as it is, CAN be treated and most people recover from it.

 

     What causes depression in men?  Just like most other types of depression, there are a number of things that can cause it.  Such as: stress from your job, family or health. Heredity can also play a part.  If a man is between the ages of 30 and 60 Andropause may be the cause of his depression.  What is Andropause?  Andropause is the male version of menopause.  It is also known by name Partial Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (PADAM).  Just as women experience menopause because as they get older their homone levels drop, so is the same in men.  In women, their Estrogen levels drop and in men their Testosterone levels drop.     

     Jed Diamond, author of such books as:  "The Whole Man Program: Reinvigorating Your Body, Mind, and Spirit After 40" and "The Irritable Male Syndrome : Managing the Four Key Causes of Depression and Aggression"  has written an excellent book on Andropause called, "Surviving Male Menopause- A Guide for Women and Men."  In his book Jed lists the differences between Male and Female depression, such as:

Women blame themselves while Men feel others are to blame.

Women feel sad and worthless while Men feel angry and irritable.

Women sleep too much while Men sleep too little.

Women use food, friends and love to self-medicate while Men use alcohol, TV, sports and sex to self-medicate.

Women wonder if they are loveable enough while Men wonder if they are being loved enough.

     So in summary, Andropause, or Male Menopause is very real.  In fact, Male Menopause is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction or decreased sexual performance.  It is something that is serious but can be treated and overcome.  So, if you are a man who is experiencing depression, put your pride aside and seek help.  Remember, getting help is NOT a sign of weakness in any shape or form.  It's the right thing to do because it can ultimately save your life.  Rememeber, 'to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.'  So if you are not going to get help for yourself, do it for your loved ones.