Please support my mission of helping families who suffer from PTSD and moral injury…order my book, Reconciliation: A Son’s Story. Click and order paperback or download Kindle version. Thank you!
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“The surprising truth about men and depression.” Quote from this website…
“Past research has identified distinct characteristics of male depression (aggression, anger, and other destructive behaviors, for example). So when Martin and her team analyzed depression symptoms common among men, they found that 26 percent of men and 22 percent of women met the criteria for depression. “This wasn’t surprising because depressed women don’t typically walk around throwing things or exhibiting other types of aggressive behavior,” said Martin. However, when she used a scale that included both traditional symptoms and those male-specific symptoms, the rates for depression were similar among men and women: 31 percent and 33 percent, respectively.”
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My dated boomer career and personal experience has shown me that in the right professional environment behind board room doors or offices, men often vent their frustrations in those very macho ways, including loud voices and angry outbursts. But they rarely admit that this behavior has anything to do with depression or severe anxiety. Professional women on the other hand help us stay grounded because they don’t usually yell, pound on the table, throw things around, slam doors, and curse at everybody… Of course, this never happens in this day… I’ve been retired for quite awhile, so men may have been retrained and guided to a much friendlier and kinder style. I wonder how many ladies in the 21st Century professional world reading this would agree with me?
The real point with this discussion is men more often than not are in denial about depression. I believe this is changing. I hope we men don’t have to wait until we are retired like me to suddenly emerge from denial and admit the need for help, and start apologizing for all the years of bad behaviors. A diagnosis of depression and anxiety, including treatment, is the start of a long and healthy healing process. It is far better to start earlier in life to address depression not only for yourself, but all the other family, friends, and colleagues in your circle of life…
Steve Sparks
Author
Reconciliation: A Son’s Story click to order…
