Depression is common among Irish men and is often undiagnosed. Men tend to bottle up feelings, suppress and internalise emotions, and suffer stoically in silence. The natural resistance of the Irish male to seek help cialis pills Australia is compounded further by his general reluctance to discuss mental health issues. Some men still perceive depression to be a stigma, implying weakness or inadequacy. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth.
Unlike women, men are usually unable to articulate their feelings through their support networks or friends. Yet it is only through education and by increasing awareness of the symptoms, causes of and treatments for depression that we can help to bridge the gap that currently exists in Irish society for Irish men. Undiagnosed and untreated depression in severe forms can increase the risk of suicide, which is tragically all too common amongst Irish men, particularly young men.
Check out the self-assessment test for depression at the end of this chapter and see how you fare out. If you think you may be suffering from symptoms of depression, don’t suffer in silence. Your family doctor is there to help and support you.
Some Facts
- One in every four Irish men will develop depression at some time in their lives.
- Suicide is at least four times more common in men than women.
- The majority of suicides can be traced back to depression.
- Suicide is the biggest killer of young men aged 15-24.
Types of Depression
Depression is a medical condition caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, usually a deficiency of serotonin (the happy hormone). This can occur as a reaction to a major, often traumatic, life event or to chronic stress. This type of depression is known as reactive depression.
I have often heard it said, ‘sure he has nothing to be depressed about.’ But sometimes depression can occur without there being any underlying reason and this is known as endogenous depression. This can affect anyone, irrespective of upbringing, address or bank balance.
Bipolar disorder, which used to be called ‘manic depression’, is a much less common condition. This is where episodes of elation or mania alternate with bouts of depression.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
Temporary feelings of sadness or depression are part of the normal ups and downs of everyday life. Clinical depression is more than that. Some or all of the following symptoms may be present:
- A low mood every day or most days for at least two weeks
- Loss of enjoyment or interest in usual activities, particularly things you would normally enjoy, like hobbies