Depression

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Additional Resources

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is a serious illness that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. Without treatment, depression can lead to personal, family, and financial problems, and, in some cases, end in suicide.

Studies have found that depression is about twice as common in women as men. But we don't know if depression is truly less common in men or if men are just less likely than women to recognize and seek help for depression. Some signs of depression include:

Ongoing sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feeling hopeless
Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue
Trouble staying focused, remembering, or making decisions
Trouble sleeping
Changes in appetite and/or weight
Restlessness or irritability
Ongoing physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems, or chronic pain, which do not respond to treatment
Thoughts of death, suicide, or suicide attempts

Men often cope with depressive symptoms differently than women, such as turning to alcohol or drugs, or becoming frustrated, discouraged, angry, irritable, and sometimes, violent.

Fortunately, treatment can help most people who suffer from depression. Treatment can include:

Medication
Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), (electrical stimulation of the brain, which often is useful when depression is severe or life-threatening or when other treatments are not effective)

Keep in mind that depression is a real illness, men can have it, and it's treatable. If you or someone you care about shows signs of depression, don't wait—seek help now.

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Additional Resources

Publications

Depression - This booklet provides user friendly information for the individual who may suffer from depression. It compares depression in women versus men, describes the symptoms of depression and offers information on methods of treatment.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm
Men and Depression - This publication, part of the National Institute of Mental Health's Real Men - Real Depression campaign, discusses the types of depression common in men, symptoms of depression and mania, causes of depression, depression in elderly men, depression in boys and adolescent males, suicide, diagnosis, treatment and how to find help and support for men with depression.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/complete-publication.shtml...
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Brochure: When it seems like there is no hope, there is help - This brochure explains the warning signs of suicide and how to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help.
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SVP-0141/
Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts - This fact sheet provides a brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide in older adults, with information on depression treatments and suicide prevention.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/elderlydepsuicide.cfm
Suicide in the U.S.A.: Based on Current (2004) Statistics (Copyright © AAS) - This fact sheet contains information and statistics about suicide prevalence in the United States in the year 2004.
http://www.suicidology.org/associations/1045/files/SuicideInTheUS.pdf
Your Head: An owner's manual:Understanding and overcoming depression, anxiety and Stress (Copyright © Men's Health Network) - This manual provides men of all ages, and those who love them, with important and realistic perspectives about mental health along with realistic and practical approaches that can make a difference in their lives.
http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/ownersmanual.pdf

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

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