February 2018 Newsletter
Depression in Men: Facing the Facts
Depression afflicts more than 20 million Americans from all ethnic groups, ages, and backgrounds each year.
While ups and downs in mood are part of our daily experience, depression reflects a disturbance in mood and emotion over a period of time, interfering with a person's outlook and ability to carry on with their usual lifestyle.
Both men and women experience depression, though women are more likely to report it and men are more likely to ignore it.
Symptoms
Depression can include the following symptoms:
Uncontrolled anger or violent behavior
Increased use of alcohol / tobacco / reckless behavior
Changes in usual eating and sleeping habits
Increased complaints of headaches, physical pain or tension
Problems at work or school
Feeling unrelenting pressure, even when simple requests are made
Changes in how they think and feel about themselves and life
Changes in desire for social interaction, relationships, and sex
Triggers
Depression can be triggered by situations that create feelings of helplessness, anger or stress, such as:
Overwhelming responsibilities at work, school, or with family
Not reaching important goals
Unanticipated changes in job or military status
Unrelenting financial problems
Chronic illness, injury, disability that alters lifestyle and independence
Death of a loved one
Retirement
There isn't a single cause of depression. Biological, psychological, and social factors all play a part, as do lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills.
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