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Men's
Health > Male Depression
Have you been isolates, irritable and withdrawn
lately? Are you finding yourself working too much,
drinking too much using drugs too much or seeking
thrills from dangerous and risky activities? If so
you may be experiencing depression that at times can
become debilitating. Common coping symptoms will
include casual sex, reckless driving or shutting
yourself off from the rest of the world including
your family. Depression, if left untreated can
darken your thoughts, undermine your professional
and personal life and place you at increased risk of
other illnesses. Alarmingly, the risk of suicide for
those at the helm of depression is four times
greater.
Sadly, depression victimizes 6 million American men
and 12 million American women. These numbers aren’t
wholly accurate because most men won’t consult the
help of a doctor thus a great deal of male
depression goes undiagnosed.
For both men and women, common signs and symptoms of
depression will include poor sleeping habits and
feelings of sadness, guilt and worthlessness.
However, depressed men are more likely to become
angry and frustrated, complain of fatigue, lose
interest in hobbies, work and sex, avoid family,
friends and pleasurable activities, behave violently
and take serious risks such as reckless driving and
extramarital sex.
If you suspect that you, a friend or a family member
has become depressed a physical examination with
your family doctor. Conditions such as thyroid
disorders, low testosterone levels and viral
infections can produce similar symptoms to
depression.
Treatment for depression will include antidepressant
medications and short-term psychotherapy. For severe
depression, especially if it's recurrent, a
combination of psychotherapy and medication may be
necessary. Also, for men and women, aerobic exercise
can improve mood by raising brain levels of
mood-enhancing chemicals. Aerobic exercise can also
boost self-esteem by promoting weight loss and
improved muscle tone.
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