Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Fall 2021

citizensmemorial.com 11 Depression is all too common among men. The good news? Treatment—which typically involves therapy, medications or both—helps most guys who are depressed feel like their old selves again. The catch? Unfortunately, it’s also all too common for men to not seek treatment for depression. WHY GUYS SHOULD GET HELP Depression is more than a bad mood. It’s a serious disorder whose severe symptoms can make it hard to enjoy life, handle family responsibilities, do good work and, in some cases, even get out of bed. To try to cope with their depression, some men turn to drinking alcohol, taking drugs or other risky behaviors. But those things can only make the situation worse. Depression that goes undetected and untreated can even be a matter of life and death. It can put men at risk for suicide. So why don’t more men seek help? One reason might be that many men (and their loved ones) don’t actually realize that they’re depressed. After all, men with depression don’t always have the traditional symptoms, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Instead of feeling sad and worthless, many men become irritable and aggressive—they may lash out at little things. In addition, many guys who are depressed may: » Feel restless or on edge. » Lose interest in work, family or hobbies. » Have trouble meeting work or family responsibilities. » Feel sad, hopeless or empty. (Some men may still feel this very common symptom of depression.) » Feel very tired much of the time. » Sleep or eat too little or too much. » Have trouble concentrating or remembering details. » Withdraw from family and friends. » Have thoughts of death or suicide. A man may be diagnosed with depression if he has symptoms like these for at least two weeks. The message all men should hear is this: If you think you might be depressed, talk to your primary care provider. Chances are you can feel better again if you get the help you need. Additional source: Mental Health America Men: Recognize the signs of depression Treatment can help you feel better FOR INFORMATION or to schedule an appointment with a behavioral health specialist at CMH, call Southside Medical Center – Behavioral Health at 417-326-7840 . DEPRESSION