Male Depression: A Quiet Epidemic

It has been widely documented that there is a clear gender difference when it comes to being diagnosed with depression. Six million men and 12 million women in the U.S. each year meet the criteria for clinical depression. Various explanations for the 1:2 ratio of depressed men vs. women have been suggested. One possibility is that men may under-report their depression due to a perceived stigma associated with this mental illness. Depression is traditionally viewed as a woman’s problem; for a man to admit to being depressed, he runs the risk of being viewed as weak, feminine, or not manly enough to “tough it out.”

Additionally, it has been posited that symptoms of depression are manifested differently in men vs. women. While depressed women may report feeling sad and emotional, depressed men are more likely to experience irritability and hostility, or physical symptoms such as fatigue and pain. Thus, depression in men may be harder to recognize.

Others have argued that the ratio may reflect true gender difference due to men and women using different coping styles. In a series of well-known studies by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, a prominent researcher in the field of depression, she discovered that while women tend to ruminate, or dwell on, their problems, men tend to distract themselves with activities; moreover, she found evidence suggesting that rumination results in greater depression.

How do these factors impact depression in men? Perceived stigma can cause men to bottle up their depressed feelings and resist seeking treatment. Having less “obvious” symptoms of depression can hinder accurate diagnosis and delay appropriate treatment. The tendency to distract themselves from distress may cause some men to overwork and thereby neglect their health and family. Others may turn to destructive habits such as heavy drinking and substance abuse, or risk-taking behaviors such as reckless driving, promiscuity, or compulsive spending.

Untreated depression means prolonged and unnecessary suffering for the afflicted individual and his or her loved ones. It also means elevated risk for suicide, especially for men. According to statistics collected by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), men are 3-4 times more likely than women to commit suicide; while women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to complete suicide by using more lethal means such as a gun. Major risk factors include being separated, divorced, or widowed, and heavy drinking. Age and ethnicity play a role as well, with older white males at highest risk for suicide.

What can you do if the men in your life seem to be struggling with depression?

1. Learn the signs for depression, especially male depression. Irritability and impulsive behavior that are out of character for the person may be important clues. Remember not to take these signs personally.
2. Gently, but firmly and persistently, encourage your loved one to seek help by talking to his doctor, pastor, rabbi, or a therapist. Community support groups can also be helpful.
3. Get help right away if you suspect that the person may be at risk for suicide and/or other violent behaviors. Call 911. Call his doctor. Don’t be afraid of antagonizing the person by reaching out for help. His and others' lives may be at stake.

For more information on this important topic, visit www.mengetdepression.com.