Male depression is widespread but too often it is misunderstood. Every men should now about this topic, otherwise their relationship with others will be compromised most especially with their own family. Don't let depression jeopardized your future and the future of your loved ones.
For centuries, depression is always associated with women. Many think that because men are stronger than women when it comes to controlling emotions, the former have little chances of undergoing depression. The truth is, depressed men often acts differently from what women do when they are depressed. Because of this, many deeply depressed men go untreated.
How to Recognize Male Depression
Women can be easily diagnosed when depressed by simply giving attention to their
feelings. Men are better diagnosed when taking heed to their
behavior. To put it simply,
women feel their depression; men act it out! Most often, women feel sad and make themselves busy by helping others and expressing their feelings to their friends to relieve their depression.
On the contrary, men most likely when depressed act through frustration and anger. They become irritable and moody. They tend to withdraw.
Here is a perfect example how men experience depression. Jason is a successful insurance broker in the past. But because of the present bad economy, he failed to reach the sales goal the company sets for him. He was personally called to the office of his superior for a serious talk about his performance. He was reprimanded and was given a warning to loss his job if he doesn't improve. Added to that, he will no longer receive his anticipated year-end bonus which he already set to be used for their family vacation trip. He went home, appearing that nothing happens without a tear, a sad look or grieving as most women will certainly do in that situation. Arriving at home, he barges at the front door, put his briefcase across the floor, scream on the kids who make so much noise while he watch his favorite TV program. The day ends and Jason never told his problem to his wife. His irritability and alienation take weeks before he comes out from his "cave."
Many wives complain that their husbands become irritable, easily angered, and refuses to talk. And when they react, they become over sensitive to certain minor problems and irritations such as unpleasant news, kids noise or foods serve during meal time. Some wives were abused. Most often, the underlying cause of this actions is depression. We need to examine deeper the root of their hostility and anger.
How Men Hide Depression
Depression can be overt or covert in nature. Negativity, traditional sadness, lethargy and mood changes are the symptoms. For men, depression is more covert. We all raise our son to be strong. It's not a surprise then, that when depression strikes, naturally men acts on a behavioral level. Distracting behaviors or numbing preoccupations of some kind hide male depression most often.
Common Male Behaviors When Depressed
Here are the most four common form of male behavior when depressed.
Anger, rage, and pent-up resentment. These are the dark sides of depression. These give pain to the immediate family members of the depressed person. I believe that the real cause of all the rages and crimes out their is depression. Try to have a background checked of criminals, you will discover that most of them suffer depression due to sudden major loss or any other bad situation that for them seems without hope.
Workaholism. Some people engrossed themselves to work when their body can no longer carry them. This thing is called "workaholism." This thing commonly cause stress in our society. Often men hide their depression through working hard. Without knowing, it damages the serotonin neurotransmitter system in the brain that also causes depression.
Avoidance of Intimacy. A typically depressed male will avoid intimacy especially with those close family, friends, and even with his own wife. He becomes cold and insensitive to others. His alienation will lead him to blame others as well.
Sexual Compulsions. Many men if not all who are so obsessed of sex beyond normal are often depressed, except those who are seriously depressed. Sex gives them pleasurable moments and at least help them forget their depression. Often sex is sought as a self-medication for their low mood.
Causes of Depression
There are several causes of depression. One is so called "reactive depression" which is in a form of grief. Genetic factors may also contribute depression but probably, this is the easiest to treat because of the presence of some medications available to counteract the effects of the gene on the brain's neurotransmitters. Some maybe due to hormonal or thyroid problems. This problems are common to women when their estrogen level collapse. Here too, antidepressants may be of great help.
How Stress Causes Depression
"Glococortinoids" and "cortisol" are stress hormones that targets the two areas of the brain, the synapses and the hippocampus. The synapse reduces the number of neurotransmitter receptors and the hippocampus disturbs the brains capacity to renew it's cells.
But the condition is reversible because it lowers the stress. Along with psychotherapy and antidepressants, you can cope with genetic forms of depression. Above all, seek Spiritual Guidance for faster recovery...
How to Live with a Depressed Man
Living with a depressed man is not easy. Wives, daughters, mothers, who are living with a depressed man need our support. Most often, depressed men would not accept that they have emotional problem of depression and they hated to seek professional help. Even with successful therapy, living with them seems unbearable.
A man living with a depressed wife is easier than a wife living with a depressed husband. Oftentimes, wives are required to leave their jobs to take care of their husband. In the process, they become targets of anger and frustration.
How can you effectively live your life with a depressed partner? You must learn to master the art of correct communication, love, and acceptance. It is easier said than done. You need God's grace and divine intervention.
With God's help, unconditional love will do wonders beyond we could imagine. Love begot love. Even though the depressed man might not show any appreciation at present, but the day will come that you will look back with satisfaction over the way you help your depressed husband. This word is for you, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness", 2 Corinthians 12:9.
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