Depression doesn’t play favorites. It strikes young and old, rich and poor—and men as well as women.

Although twice as many women suffer from depression, men aren’t immune. Every year 6 million American males are diagnosed with this treatable medical condition, which affects a person’s body, mood, and thoughts.

Learning about depression and the special challenges facing men can help you recognize this illness in yourself or a loved one. That will allow you to take the important step of seeking help from a health care professional.

How do men’s symptoms of depression differ from women’s?
A: Symptoms of this condition often vary by gender. For example, women who are depressed often:

• Feel sad, anxious, or numb
• Sleep too little or too much
• Feel helpless or hopeless

Men who are depressed are more likely to:

• Feel angry, frustrated, or irritable
• Work long hours
• Abuse alcohol or drugs
• Engage in reckless behavior
• Have lingering physical aches and pains

What are some risk factors for male depression?
A: Depression can develop with no apparent cause, but the following life events can trigger the condition in men:

• Loss of employment
• Chronic health problems such as cancer or heart disease
• Divorce or midlife crisis
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Deaths of family or friends
• Adjusting to college
• Serving in or retiring from the military

Are there any barriers to treatment for men?
A: Even though depression is more than a passing mood, men often feel they should be able to pull themselves together or snap out of it.

Such a mindset can make it difficult for men to acknowledge they’re experiencing depressive symptoms and ask for help for fear they may look weak. This is the biggest barrier men face in receiving effective treatment.

Why does male depression go unrecognized and untreated?
A: Men are far less likely than women to get help for any mental health problem, and they’re even less likely to do so for depression, according to the American Psychological Association. In addition, men use more drugs and alcohol. These substances can hide the signs of depression, making it more difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, doctors may tend to overlook depression symptoms in older men because they’re hard to separate from the effects of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

However, untreated depression can cause personal, family, and financial problems, as well as suicide. Four times as many men as women commit suicide in the U.S., possibly as a result of untreated depression.

How is depression in men treated?
A:For men, as well as women, treatment consists of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications if needed. The correct treatment depends on the severity of the depression and the specific diagnosis. Fortunately, four out of five people who receive appropriate treatment respond.

The bottom line: If you think you could be depressed, speak with a doctor, psychologist, social worker, or employee assistance professional who can make an accurate diagnosis.

By Barbara Floria, senior writer for Vitality. For more information, visit the National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov.

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