Gender is a synonym used for sex difference. It is said, depression is more common to women that men. Studies have been done all over to give women solutions on how to cope with depression. What about men? Coping with depression is a daily trauma for anyone. I settled on this topic because depression doesn’t choose, it affects all and I would like to shed some light on how and why men could equally be susceptible to depression and the effects that come with it. This paper looks at meaning, causes, symptoms and treatment of depression.
What is depression?
Depression is a serious mental condition that affects one’s emotions, cognitive activities and actions. It is commonly diagnosed as a mental illness that can be treated. It affects anyone regardless of their gender or age. We all have weaknesses and so does superman.
Signs and Symptoms of depression
There are three main signs of depression in men. First, anger which is characterized by high temper, irritability and loss of sense of humor. Second, reckless behavior which includes indulging in dangerous activities, getting into drugs, over drinking and gambling. Third, physical pain such as constant headache, back pain, insomnia and digestion problems.(Fillingim, 2017).
Other signs include mood loss; losing interest in what used to fun. Creating distance from friends and opting for solitude. They also experience hopelessness, agitation and restlessness.( Rice, Fallon, Aucote, Möller-Leimkühler, Treeby " Amminger, 2015). Most men try to deal with it themselves which leads to even more dear consequences.
Effects of Depression
Depression can drastically change someone’s life. It affects you emotionally, physically, your work, social and family life. One major consequence of Depression in men is suicide. Dealing with this condition alone is impossible. Solitude just worsens the situation and as most men prefer this method. Eventually they are at the risk of harboring thoughts of suicide. Research shows men are more susceptible to suicide that women. (Genuchi, 2015))
Treatment for Depression
There are many ways of dealing with depression. Most people use self-help and coping which reduces depression. To begin with, it is important to maintain close relationships and social activities with friends and family. It helps anyone beat depression at any point. Also taking care of yourself. Eliminate negative thoughts, wake up, dress up go out there and do something productive. Engage in activities you love, exercise and eat healthy foods to keep yourself happy and rejuvenated. (Rice, Fallon, Aucote, Möller-Leimkühler, Treeby " Amminger, 2015).
Conclusion
Depression affects anyone and everyone. The difference only comes in the degree it affects an individual. As much as it is more common in women, it is easier for women to deal with it than men. I chose this topic in order to show and explain that depression is not a weakness, and men should not shy away from dealing with it. Also to sensitize the society as much as they are embracing depression in women they should do the same for men to help them feel more comfortable to come out about depression.
References
Fillingim, R. B. (2017). Sex, gender, and pain. In Principles of Gender-Specific Medicine (Third Edition) (pp. 481-496)..
Genuchi, M. (2015). Anger and hostility as primary externalizing features of depression in college men. International Journal of Men's Health, 14(2), 113.
Rice, S. M., Fallon, B. J., Aucote, H. M., Möller-Leimkühler, A., Treeby, M. S., " Amminger, G. P. (2015). Longitudinal sex differences of externalizing and internalizing depression symptom trajectories: Implications for assessment of depression in men from an online study. International journal of social psychiatry, 61(3), 236-240.
