Men’s Mental Health Issues; Depression, Silent but Deadly

Describing depression as “Silent but Deadly” is an attention getter, but it is not a joke.  Over 30 % of men will experience a period of depression in their lifetime, more than 6 million men in the US are clinically depressed, and men are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women.  Furthermore, men are less likely to seek help.

Depression is not a weakness.  It is not a defect. It is not a punishment or something you deserve.  Depression is not anything to be embarrassed by or ashamed of…

Depression is a change in brain function that can start with a loss, a stressful event, or life stage transition.  Depression is real and can take over your life. Over time, form follows function, patterns develop, behavior, outlook, and attitude changes.  It impacts family, relationships, intimacy, and physical health. Simply stated, you are not the person you used to be.

Men with depression are likely to report fatigue, irritability, frustration, and loss of interest in work, and daily activities.  Other signs include numbness, indifference, social withdrawal, and an underlying sense of dissatisfaction, underachievement, or feeling undeserved or not worthy.  Drugs, alcohol, porn, gambling, self-sabotage, and at-risk behaviors are often an attempt to jump start the brain and feel good again and are more likely to make things worse.

Time to get real, if someone close to you was struggling with any of the above, wouldn’t you do everything you could to make sure they got help…  Depression is treatable, we can help. Give us a call at 813-434-3639 to schedule an appointment! If you’re looking for solutions for your problems let Chris Long help you find your path to hope, growth, and healing.