Depression

WHAT IS IT?

Firstly, it is not to be confused with weakness when it arises in men. Depression is a serious illness in which a person experiences intense feelings of sadness, loneliness, and moodiness on and off for long periods of time. This can be for weeks, months or even years and sometimes for no apparent reason. Depression is more common than you think and more often than not goes undiagnosed especially in young men. A leading reason for this is because of a resistance to admit the existence of a health problem that is effecting not only their physical but also their emotional well-being.

WHAT ARE THE STATISTICS LIKE?

1 in 8 men will experience depression sometime in their lives and the statistic rises to 1 in 7 when we consider young men between the age of 16 and 24. This is due to a common misconception of the signs as ‘a part of growing up’ and a lack of awareness of the true signs and symptoms.

For more info: http://infographicjournal.com/the-uncomfortable-truth-men-and-suicide/

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?

As men of today’s society, it is important not only for yourselves but also your loved ones that you are aware of the warning signs of depression so that you can seek help straight away. In men these symptoms can range from feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, to fits of rage, risk taking behaviour and excessive alcohol or drug use. However plenty more are listed below…

Physical Symptoms	Emotional Symptoms
loss of energy loss of libido changes in appetite persistent pain changes in sleep patterns lethargy	feelings of guilt, anger or apathy, feeling sad or alone, feeling nervous, experiencing a loss of interest in hobbies thoughts of death or suicide.

COMMON CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

It is important to know that there is no single defined cause of depression. Rather it is understood to be ‘associated’ to a number of things, and it can be a single event or a combination of events that triggers it's onset. More often is it the continuing difficulties such as long-term unemployment, long-term isolation or loneliness, or prolonged stress at work that are associated with depression.

However recent events can trigger depression if a person is already at risk. Potential risk factors include if there is depression in the family history, if the person has a worrying personality, if they have low self-esteem, or if they are self-critical or sensitive to personal criticism. Other risk factors include if the person has:

• Physical health problems (diabetes, asthma, or heart disease)
• Relationship problems
• Emotional problems
• Social isolation (lack of male acquaintances to chat too or family support)
• A significant change in their living arrangements (such as that brought on by a divorce or separation)
• Pregnancy and the birth of a new baby
• Drug and alcohol use (in particular cannabis, amphetamines or sedatives)

However it is important to understand that everyone is different and whilst you cannot always identify the cause of the depression or change the difficult circumstances, the most important thing is to recognise the warning signs and seek help. Thus, for those men in these circumstances or possessing some of these risk factors, it is important to remain aware and critically assess yourself for the early signs of depression

TREATMENT

Just as there is no one cause, there is also no one treatment that will suit every scenario. But there are a range of effective treatments both psychological and medicinal. Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IT), Behaviour Therapy and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are some of many psychological therapies that encourage men suffering with depression to change their negative thinking patterns and to improve their coping skills so they can face life’s stresses. The treatments aim to both improve and prevent depression from reoccurring in the future. If psychological therapy has not been successful though, the use of antidepressant medication either by itself or in conjunction with therapy can help improve the outcome. As there are many types of antidepressant medications available, this decision is made in consultation with your doctor.

WHERE TO GET HELP IN AUSTRALIA?

Depression is not something that will pass away on it’s own. Professional help is needed and this can include:

• Your local GP (can help establish an action plan)
• Clinical Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Social workers in mental health
• Hospitals
• Counsellors

Helplines:

• Beyondblue helpline: 1300 22 4636
• Mensline Australia Tel: 1300 78 99 78
• Nurse on Call: 1300 60 60 24

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Anxiety and Depression in Men. Found at: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Anxiety_and_depression_in_men?open
The Facts - Depression. Found at:
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression