Depression and the Men in My Life and Yours

It is hard when there are several people in the house that are depressed. I'm not talking about the normal type of sadness that you'd feel when say a loved one dies (that is grief). I'm talking a about a sadness that is hopeless, helpless, and one in which you feel worthless.

Not only am I depressed but my husband is also. I took a long time for my husband to accept the fact that he was depressed even though the sign's were all around him. Depression can look like any or all of the following in men:

Fatigue and decreased energy
Sleeping too much or too little, early morning wakefulness
Physical signs such as: backache, digestive disorders, headaches, aches or pains 
Overeating or loss of appetite  
Irritability, restlessness
Difficulty Concentrating
Anger or Hostility
Stress
Anxiety
Substance Abuse
Sexual Dysfunction
Indecision
Loss of pleasure in life and things that once brought pleasure (this includes sex)
Suicidal Thoughts  

If you are suicidal Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) if you are suicidal

But like most men, he didn't want to go to the doctor. He kept looking for other external reasons as to why he didn't feel right.  Finally, he went to the doctor. Physical reasons were ruled out. He was diagnosed with depression and was started on an antidepressant. Medication wasn't and isn't a quick fix. Although some medications claim you will start to feel better in as little as 2 weeks most people will not see improvement in there mood until 4 to 8 weeks.

He was also told to begin psychotherapy; also known as the talking cure. Going to therapy to get help isn't a sign of weakness, rather it is a sign of strength. It takes a real man to admit there is something wrong in his life, something that needs to be fixed and to be willing to go work on the issue. There are no easy fixes in life. There is no easy fix with depression. But it is important to see a doctor and rule out anything physical. If depression goes untreated it can worsen and may lead to suicide. But with medication, therapy and sometimes the need for other therapeutic interventions it can be managed.

Although depression and suicide are serious subjects learning about them doesn't have to be so grim. For a humorous and informative interactive website that is currently up see ManTherapy.org. I don't know how long it will be there but it is and excellent site on Manly Depression.

FYI-There is a new post on my blog One Sick Chick. I hope you enjoy today's cartoon.



*Thanks again to Doug Savage for allowing the use of his fantastic cartoon. They always make me laugh.