Women are emotional, while men are distant, indifferent and detached, right?
Wrong. And this is the exact mentality that puts many males at risk every day.
The societal pressure for men to be strong and unmoved in order to be “masculine” causes many men to avoid asking for help when there’s a serious problem.
It’s true that more women attempt suicide, but more men actually complete the act. Men use more lethal methods, act more quickly and show fewer signs.
Many times it’s unintentional – A man can easily fail to recognize his own symptoms or downplay them. Symptoms and signs of depression include escapist behavior, alcohol or substance abuse, controlling, violent, or abusive behavior, irritability or inappropriate anger, and risky behavior.
Men avoid discussing these symptoms and resist mental health treatment for various reasons such as embarrassment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing male depression, the first thing you need to realize is that it is a serious problem and you will likely need help treating it.
The Mayo Clinic shared a few tips for coping with depression, including:
- Setting realistic goals
- Seeking out support
- Doing activities you enjoy
- Delaying important decisions
- Living a healthy lifestyle
- Getting help from a mental health professional
It will take time and practice to turn symptoms of depression into positive coping habits, but it can be done.
If you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
