This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
On September 24, 2019, a report highlighted the alarming rates of depression globally, with 350 million people suffering from the condition. Depression affects work, socialization, school, and families, and at its worst, it can lead to suicide, with 800,000 people dying annually.
Depressed men are four times more likely to commit suicide than depressed women, and the rising rates of suicide, murder, and other crimes paint a troubling picture of how society is struggling with depression.
Depression is treatable with talking therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural activation, or antidepressant medication, or a combination of these. However, less than 10 percent of patients in low and middle-income countries receive these treatments due to barriers such as cost of health, shortage of mental healthcare providers, low awareness, stigma, and inaccurate diagnosis.
Men fare worse than women in health, with one in eight men experiencing depression at some stage of their lives, but it is underreported. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression, but men are a numerical minority group when it comes to receiving diagnosis and treatment.
Depressed men often mask or deny symptoms, leading to 'stealth' depression, characterized by mood fluctuations, reckless behaviors, drug abuse, isolation, and decreased libido. Other commonly overlooked signs in men include physical pain, anger, irritability, sensitivity to criticism, loss of sense of humour, short temper, violence, and controlling tendencies.
The causes of depression in men are complex and diverse, including biological and personality factors, adverse life experiences, and life stressors. Triggers in men include stress at work or home, relationship problems, health problems, family responsibilities, financial challenges, retirement, loss of independence, death of a loved one, poor coping skills, ageing in isolation, impotence or erectile dysfunction, alcohol or drug abuse, and childhood trauma.
Masculinity plays an important role in depression, with societal expectations of men being tough, self-reliant, and in control of their emotions. Early identification of depression in men can ensure that the condition is treated, and they get back to their work, studies, family, and hobbies.
Relatives, workmates, and friends can help depressed men by offering support and encouragement, never ignoring comments about suicide, joint physical and social activities, reporting concerns about side effects of depression medication, and supporting routine clinician's appointments.
Depressed men can take self-help steps, including seeking professional help, social support, practicing relaxation techniques, exercising, eating a healthy diet, engaging in pleasurable activities, and challenging negative thinking.
