Men and Depression

More than 16% of U.S. adults — around 1 in 6 — will experience depression in their lifetime.
With the pandemic, this is even more of an issue than before. Although the statistics show that diagnosis of depression is more common in women, it is acknowledged that men are probably under-represented in that statistic. Men are less likely to seek help. And sometimes it is difficult to acknowledge depression because depression often looks different in men.

Men die by suicide at a much higher rate than women. 75% of people who die by suicide are men.  Globally, on average, a man dies by suicide every minute of every day.  This is a topic that is under-discussed and underappreciated, and therefore men are not getting the help they need for this common, yet deadly disease.

It is important to me that we bring it out in the open.  Seeing it, acknowledging it, honoring it, and getting help are the only ways we are going to help fewer men suffer and die from the consequences of untreated depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men

  • Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression in MenAnger, irritability, or aggressiveness
  • Feeling anxious, restless, or “on the edge”
  • Loss of interest in work, family, or once-pleasurable activities
  • Problems with sexual desire and performance
  • Feeling sad, “empty,” flat, or hopeless
  • Not being able to concentrate or remember details
  • Feeling very tired,
  • Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much
  • Overeating or not wanting to eat at all
  • Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
  • Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
  • Inability to meet the responsibilities of work, caring for family, or other important activities
  • Engaging in high-risk activities
  • A need for alcohol or drugs
  • Withdrawing from family and friends or becoming isolated
How I help men struggling with depression and other mental health issues?

How I help men struggling with depression and other mental health issues?

The goal is to improve your day-to-day quality of life, to be able to function better at home and work.  This doesn’t happen overnight, so there are a number of steps.

  • I do a deep dive into what may be causing your depression and other mental health issues. I conduct a thorough evaluation of present symptoms, medical history, labs, and imaging, and take the time to find out how your depression is showing up and affecting you in the present and past.
  • I take a multi-systems approach and look at the genetic, biological, neurological, biochemical, hormonal, environmental, medications, nutritional aspects of what is going on for you and address whether they are contributing to your symptoms.
  • I will address both the acute symptoms and the underlying root cause of the symptoms. This way you can get some more short-term relief while uncovering and treating the underlying cause of the problems.
  • I integrate the best of both natural and conventional medicine for individualized treatments and care.
  • I see you and treat you as a person, not a set of symptoms or a diagnosis!

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or use the Lifeline Chat on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.