Depression a hidden problem for men
Depression is sometimes called the common cold of mental health, but it doesn’t go away in a week and it hits men and women differently.
Though depression seems to affect more women than men, it presents special problems for men, reports the November issue of the ‘Harvard Mental Health Letter’. This is because men often don’t like to admit that they are depressed, so they are more likely to withdraw into silent misery or hide depression under anger, irritability, alcoholism or drug abuse.
Another concern for men with depression is cardiovascular disease. Depression affects blood pressure, blood clotting and the immune system, and is a well-known risk factor for heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.
The most important thing others can do for a man who shows signs of depression is to help him contact a physician or mental health professional, the ‘Harvard Mental Health’ reports. If necessary men should be accompanied to treatment and encourage to continue until their symptoms improve.
