For Men. About Men. Health Strategies for Managing and Preventing Depression
Things happen in life, like difficulties with work or finances, the breakdown of a relationship, overwhelming family responsibilities, or a significant setback. These challenges can take a serious toll on your mental health, if left unchecked. Many men tough it out and struggle alone.
Establishing and maintaining relationships, talking about the hard stuff in life and taking action when times are tough are proven ways for men stay mentally healthy and cope with the stress of everyday life. Good overall health and wellbeing is linked to not only to better mental health but also reduces the likelihood of suicide.
Some signs of poor mental health include feeling irritable, hopeless or worthless and behaviors such as aggression, drinking more than usual and isolating yourself from friends and family.
Some Ways to Look After Your Mental Health
- Do more of the things that make you feel great and help you to de-stress
- Spend time with friends
- Share what’s going on, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed
Mental Health and Suicide
Untreated mental health conditions can carry a high risk for suicide among men. The distress a man experiences at these times can distort his thinking so it becomes harder for him to see possible solutions to problems, or to connect with those who can offer support.
There are a number of factors that have been linked to an increased risk of suicide, including:
- Previous family or personal history of mental illness
- Harmful drug and alcohol use
- Isolation or loneliness
- Ongoing stressful life situations such as unemployment, relationship difficulties or chronic health issues
We Need to Talk
If you or someone you know are emotionally distressed or in crisis, the most important first step is to talk. Begin a conversation with a friend, family member, health professional or support service. Advice and effective tools are available.
Talking, listening and being there for someone doing it tough can be lifesaving. Check in if you know someone is going through a difficult time. Ask if they are doing okay and be prepared to listen.
Source: Movember Canada
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Depression is a Thief
- It’s an illness that can rob you of your will to live. It can also steal:
- The pleasure from things that used to give you joy
- Your physical energy and strength
- Your connections to friends and family
- Your ability to handle stress
It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a fact. Guys get depressed. Depression affects millions of men every year, and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
There are many misconceptions about depression that make it difficult for men to talk to others and take charge of their health.
Because of these myths, men will often talk about feeling angry or irritable rather than sad or down. These myths can also feel like handcuffs for men, preventing them from reaching out to others for even a little support. This contributes to many men not seeking support until their depression is very severe, if at all. This can place men at an increased risk of taking their own lives – the greatest risk factor for suicide is untreated depression.
Men are taking action
Fortunately, more and more men, including professional athletes, musicians, actors, lawyers, businessmen, writers, tradesmen, teachers, men in the military, and everyone in between, are ‘going public’ about depression and taking control of their health.
The myths are breaking down, freeing guys to talk about and tackle their depression.
Depression can be treated
Ignoring or hiding the pain of depression only makes things worse. This site will provide you with tips and tools, information about professional services, and stories of success that show you how depression can be overcome.
It starts with you recognizing depression and then making important changes in your life to overcome it. It takes courage. It takes strength. It takes work. But know that it can be done.
Source: Heads Up Guys
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Additional Resources
Man Therapy
Man Therapy is a an excellent tool designed to help men with their mental health.
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Men Get Depression Guide
This booklet is meant to provide men at risk for depression and their friends and family with
information about depression.
Introduction
Depression is a serious but treatable health condition that affects more than six million American men. You are not alone. Men of all ages, ethnic origins, and walks of life get depressed. At each stage in life, men face stressful changes and events that may lead to depression.
Depression can touch every part of your life – how you eat, sleep, work, study, and spend your free time. It can take the joy out of life and the things you like doing. And, it affects all the people who care about you – friends, spouses, partners, parents, and children.
Depression can also be related to serious setbacks, including divorce or loss of one’s job and livelihood. It is estimated that over 80% of suicides involve depression. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college-age men. And, a large number of suicides involve men over the age of 70, especially those that are widowed or not married.
But, you can do something about it. Depression can be managed and overcome. Depression isn’t a moral failing. It has nothing to do with the kind of person you are. It’s a health condition, and, like other health issues it can be treated and even cured. The first step is seeing that you need help. The second step is asking for that help, which takes courage and strength.
You may have depression and not know it. This booklet will help you find out. Maybe you know that you are depressed but don’t know where to get help. We’ll show you some safe places to start looking.
Maybe you know a man who seems depressed. We’ll show you how to help. Getting help for your depression can make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those you love and those who love you.
Download the guide free in English Men Get Depression English Guide
Download the guide free in Spanish Men Get Depression Spanish Guide