What Makes Men Feel Depressed and What to Do About it
If you think that depression is exclusive to women, you cannot be more wrong. Depression is actually a condition that can affect men and women alike. Women may probably be just more vocal and open about how they feel. They are also more likely to seek help when they think that they are already getting depressed. On the contrary, a lot of men do not want to accept their condition or they are afraid to express how they feel, much less seek help even from friends and family. The reason behind this inhibition to articulate what they feel lies primarily on the expectation that men should be stronger, less emotional, more successful, and be in better control of the situation than women.
Well, there are a lot of things that may cause depression in men; but, the following are the most common:
Sex
Quite a number of men equate their masculinity with their virility and performance in bed. Thus, when they feel that their partners are not satisfied during copulation or they are unable to get themselves ready for action when they want to, a lot of men start to feel depressed and insecure. Ironically, some anti-depressant drugs can also reduce libido or sex-drive in some men.
Pregnancy And Children
Post-partum depression is something that many people acknowledge. Experts recognize that mothers may experience depression while pregnant or after having a baby because of hormonal imbalance and the changes that the body undergoes during pregnancy and after giving birth. However, not many are aware that there a number of fathers who also go through depression because of their wives’ pregnancy or having children. Studies show that about one in ten males feel the blues because of this particular drastic change in their lives.
Relationships
For married men, the number one cause of depression is an unhappy or rocky marriage. It seems that men find it difficult to cope with quarrels and disagreements with their spouses or wives. Since men are not very comfortable about having to argue with their partners, they tend to avoid confrontations, which can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety and eventually, depression.
Naturally, guys also feel uncomfortable with the process of separation and divorce, especially if the process was initiated by their wives and girlfriends. Figures also show that men who are depressed due to a painful divorce are the ones most likely to commit suicide.
Retirement Or Unemployment
Men usually put a lot of time, effort, and importance in their work rather than their personal life. In fact, many relationships and marriages have been broken because of men’s desire to be on top and successful in his chosen field. Thus, it is really not surprising that when retirement comes, men feel inadequate and a bit depressed. The same is also true for those who suddenly find themselves suddenly out of a job. Moreover, it is also this factor that usually causes long-term depression, which often leads to alcoholism, drug abuse and even suicide.
If you think you are depressed, drinking away your blues will not do you any good. First, you need to accept the fact that keeping your feelings to yourself can make you more upset and do things irrationally. Do not be afraid to share your feelings and problems with other people or even to your wife, girlfriend or close family relations.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet are also key parts in maintaining, if not eradicating, your gloomy mood. Exercise can help you sleep better, while eating healthy will ensure that you get the right amount of minerals and vitamins that your body and mind need to help you snap out of your depression.
Lastly, it may also be wise to try out anti-depression supplements, such as Serelax, for mild to moderate depression. Such products will help reduce stress and tension, and at the same time encourage restful sleep. However, if your depression is long-term and is getting worse by the day, it would be best to seek professional help.
For more information about Serelax and how it can help you, click on to http://www.serelax.com/.
Janet Martin
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/what-makes-men-feel-depressed-and-what-to-do-about-it-548853.html
October 7th, 2009 at 11:35 am
What is it about the end of the year that makes me feel a little depressed?
I really feel depressed about this year coming to an end. Maybe it’s because I feel that I haven’t accomplished anything special, or because it reminds me that time is quickly passing by. Anyone else feel depressed during this time of the year?
October 7th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Lots of people have something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a special kind of depression that occurs during the winter months. They think it is caused by a lack of sunlight. Perhaps this could be the problem.
References :
October 7th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
You probably have what is refered to as seasonal depression. Most people are affected by it because it gets darker earlier, days are shorter, the holidays remind you of people who might no longer be with us, and life just seems to be flying right past us before we’re able to enjoy it. It affects more people than you might realise. It’s fairly common. Hang in there. And try to enjoy life by the moment.
References :
October 7th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Yes its quite common, what you need to do is look at what you didnt do and consider whether you really wanted/needed to do it, quite possibly the andswer is no and so you move on. Look at the new year as a fresh start, set new goals and fresh ways of achieving them and when they are achieved set new ones and if they are not then decide whether it was really necessary but dont beat yourself up over it because life is about choices.
Happy New Year!
References :
October 7th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
This time of year is hard on a lot of people. It’s the enforced joviality, unmet expectations and the depictions of happy families on tv- the unrealistic ideal of what ‘life should be like’- and the reality that no one has that perfect life, no matter how much they pretend to. Also, the days are short and the early nightfall and less exposure to natural light cause some to suffer the ’seasonal affective disorder’ (s.a.d.), which is the body’s reaction to getting less light.
References :
October 7th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
i do. i think its that you feel sad that the year is ending. you know that you are getting older and people are getting older. people are moving on and doing other things. the new year just reminds you of those things.
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October 7th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
sam, i have a very good friend whose partner was diagnosed with brain cancer at thanksgiving and he died two days before christmas. this is a time to give thanks for health, home, family and friends. keep things in context and count your blessings.
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October 7th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
You could feel sad for many reasons.
1.Maybe you see the end of the year as an ending instead of a new beginning. Sometimes, when we have a particular good year we like to hold onto it, and it can feel as if a part of us is fading away.
2.You could have what is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD). SAD occurs when there are changes to the seasons, especially the winter. Patients see the winter as cold, dark and gloomy, since the sun usually isn’t out. Changes include difficulty concentrating, fatigue, reduced interest in social and daily activities, moodiness, appetite, insomnia, angry, and sadness. I did research on SAD and researched male and female subjects. One of my subjects was happy during the year but when the winter months arrived, she was sad. She slept less, and socialized less.
3.To combat SAD, you can undergo medication or light therapy. You can be exposed to light in increments of 20 to 60 minutes daily.
4.You can exercise to release endorphins, which release “good” feelings.
5.You might have a drop in seratonin, a chemical that controls your body’s food and hunger, affecting your moods.
To find out if you might have SAD, take the following survey from the book by Norma E. Rosenthal, M.D. “Season of the Mind.”
When the seasons change….
1.Do you find you have less energy than usual?
2.Do you feel less productive or creative?
3.Do you feel sad, down, or depressed?
4.Do you feel less enthusiastic about the future or enjoy your life less?
5.Do you need more sleep than usual?
6.Do you feel you have no control over your appetite or your weight?
Still best thing is to go to your Doctor to rule out anything.
References :
Norma E. Rosenthal, M.D.
http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Seasonal_Affective_Disorder_(SAD).htm
My Subjects and my research
October 7th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
i think it’s because we are getting older and need to get more out of life before we go
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