What is Depression
Every person can be subjected to depression, but the symptoms and the general condition might differ in individuals. Some doctors believe that it is more complicated to detect depression in men as they usually hide their real feelings (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017). The first symptoms that allow professionals to identify depression are poor sleep and irritation. Nevertheless, every person can experience difficult times, and similar symptoms might not show the real potential for depression development. Clinical depression can be detected when people have signs for more than two weeks, and, in this case, doctors have enough arguments to diagnose patients. Depression in men and women has several incompatibilities as males suffer from health problems more often than women as they rarely express their emotions. Men lose interest in their families and hobbies, and constant values evaluation leads to racing hearts and headaches (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017). The consequences may be various as drug and alcohol consumption rates among males may increase.
Signs and Symptoms
Every person is unique, and the signs of depression might be different. However, the most common problems are anger issues, anxiety, lack of physical activity, and low sexual desire. Moreover, some men prefer to stay alone in empty rooms and feel hopeless. Concentration level decreases, and more suicidal thoughts appear during depression attacks. Some individuals may experience all symptoms while others may have few, which does not affect their general condition and productivity.
Types of Depression
There are two main types of depression which are called ‘Major depression’ and ‘Bipolar depression.’ According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2017), ‘Major depression’ can happen only once in life, but it has some forms that may occur during different stages of life. When this type of depression happens, men lose interest in almost all aspects of their existence. Men in this condition might hallucinate, or voices in their heads can appear, causing the condition called ‘Psychotic depression.’ Moreover, experts admit that a ‘Seasonal affective disorder’ influences men’s conditions during the winter months when the daylight is shorter. ‘Major depression’ also includes long-lasting depression types that are not severe but influence men’s activities, and they are called ‘Persistent depressive disorder’ and ‘Minor depression’ (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017). ‘Bipolar disorder’ is different from depression, but men suffering from this condition might experience low energy levels one day, and another day there can have a rapid increase in their mood.
The Causes of Depression
The causes of depression are studied these days, and the most recent findings state that risk factors play a significant role in developing disorders. Firstly, genetic factors develop the development of depression in the history of a family. Secondly, environmental stress, like a short-term problem in the family or at work, may bring individual breakdowns. Thirdly, men with serious illnesses like diabetes or cancer might be subjected to depression. Moreover, the medications used to treat such health issues may include drugs that influence the development of depression.
Treatment Process
The treatment of depression is crucial in the early stages of the issue, and family members should encourage their loved ones to visit a specialist who can support them. Medical workers can conduct examinations to find the real causes of the problem and start the right treatment. Depression can be fully treated when men talk about their problems openly and do not hide important facts about their current condition or signs of breakdown. When men try to cope with their psychological issues, they usually consume alcohol. Medical workers might advise them to have a special treatment that might help overcome psychological disorders. Doctors typically prescribe antidepressants, but to see the real effect of the medication, it is important to wait for several weeks. Nevertheless, those medications have side effects like headaches, sickness, and sleeping problems. Consequently, the treatment process usually starts from lower doses and stays under the serious control of professionals. The effectiveness of antidepressants might be decreased when men stop their consumption without the doctor’s permission, and depression may appear again.
Some men can avoid taking medications and use therapies instead. Talk therapies are common ways to cope with depression in both early and late stages. Some therapies may have the same effect as antidepressants, and those who have medical contradictions can use this method to fight against depression. Therapies are usually conducted individually with professionals, and the opportunity to speak out can help many men cope with their issues (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017). Treatments usually start with personalized therapies, and when there are no clear results, medications can be preprinted.
Helping Methods
Family members should stay conscious about those relatives who suffer from depression but do not see the real problem. Suggesting visiting a specialist is crucial as individuals might not see the problem themselves. When close people cannot cope with depressive thoughts, and ask for help, the response should be immediate. Suicidal comments should not be underestimated, and encouragement should stay prioritized. Moreover, relatives can teach their loved ones to take care of themselves when nobody is around. For instance, finish daily routines, watch funny films, and avoid alcohol.
Reference
National Institute of Mental Health (2017). Men and Depression. Web.