Usually, when we mention depression or any other mental health issues, we only mention the troubles faced by women. Men get somehow overshadowed and ignored. This is extremely harmful and wrong, considering men are an integral part of our society and their troubles are as important as those of women.
Depression In Men
Depression is a serious mental health issue and is one of the leading causes of suicide. It is capable of handicapping a person’s daily routine, habits, their way of living. Sadly, depression is quite common, but our wrong interpretation of masculinity has ridden men not to talk and resolve their issues.
It is often stated that one out of every eight men experiences depression at some point in their lives. Male suicide is prevalent, largely due to men perceiving discussing their problems as a sign of weakness. Men endure self-harm, thoughts of suicide, self-loathing, and even anxiety, yet these issues are seldom discussed to avoid any sense of shame.
Reasons For Male Depression
There are many reasons for depression in men:
- Genetic Depression: Anyone in their family having a prior history of severe mental health issues can be transferred genetically.
- Family Death: A death in the family can be very heavy on the heart and mind. The closer the deceased was, the harder their death hit.
- Poverty: Men are frequently left responsible for their family’s well-being despite their age. The guilt of being unable to provide things is a big reason.
- Unemployment: Not having a job to support yourself and your family can be tough on the mind and give way to dark thoughts.
- Sexual Assault: Many men are sexually assaulted at work and also ashamed when they open up about it. This results in severe depression and suicides.
- Work Stress: Not being able to handle the stress of work life can drain a person and make them feel alone.
- Abuse: Parental abuse is very hard on a child. This stunts their mental growth and their always.
- Domestic Violence: Being the victim of abuse from their spouse is considered extremely embarrassing for men and this can cause isolation, shame, and guilt.
- Loneliness: If men feel under the weather or alone, they are considered weak and should be feeling those things.
In reality, there is no distinction between the causes of depression in men and women, the only difference is that women who talk about their mental health are deemed courageous and brave but men who do the same are called weak, emasculated, and become the subject of mockery.
Male depression is often left untreated, as they are unable to communicate or express their troubles to anyone in their surrounding. This results in addictions, extreme uncontrollable anger, and even suicide. Men are just as sensitive as women and feel the same emotions they do. The only difference is that men are forced to hide it and suppress it. Societal pressure compels them to remain reserved and not express their dark mental situation to anyone.
Studies have reported that they commit suicide three to 4 times more than women. Men have been locked in the provider position, and remain unable to ask for help and have to suffer the consequences all alone. The gendered stereotypes affect men as much as they do women. This renders them unable to ask for help and ultimately unable to attend to their own well-being.
How To Decrease Male Depression?
There is no foolproof method to eliminate all the depression in the world, but there are a few measures we can take to better the lives of the surrounding men:
- Teaching our children that showing emotions is a sign of bravery and not weakness.
- Trying to support the male figures in our surrounding
- Helping them feel safe to communicate with the people around them
- Showing the importance of getting help and talking to a professional
It is regrettable that in our society, we have become so self-indulgent that we perceive men as weak simply for being human. Men desire to be something other than themselves. It is a natural aspect of being human to express and experience emotions. We cannot make any progress if we continue to deny this truth. It is crucial to acknowledge our problems and make an effort to resolve them.