From Blue to You Men and Depression

Vignette Meet John

What’s going on with John? Trouble sleeping Over-working Cannot concentrate or make decisions Easily overwhelmed at work

What’s going on with John? Angry and irritable Does not eat/losing weight Risky behaviors

What is depression? A common mental disorder or illness Involves the body, mood, and thoughts

How common is depression? John is not alone 6 million men Two-thirds go undiagnosed and untreated Almost all say it affects their work and home life

What are the symptoms? Physical symptoms Emotional symptoms Psychosocial symptoms

Stigma Prevents many men from seeking treatment Societal expectations Afraid to be viewed as “weak”

Treatment There is treatment available for John Talk therapy Medication therapy Combination: talk and medication therapy

Talk therapy Address as mental, social, and environmental roots of depression Involve family Cognitive behavioral therapy

Medication therapy SSRIs Side effects do occur Talk to doctor about the right choice

Combination therapy Talk therapy plus medication Consistently shown to be most effective

Where to go for help Health care professionals Social services Online

Where to go for help online Support groups http://forums.psychcentral.com/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=depression Chat rooms http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89.634 http://depressionroom.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=Depression&action=display&thread=1149814537 Blogs http://www.findingoptimism.com http://thesplinteredmind.blogspot.com http://walkingtheblackdog.com Websites http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/men_4.asp

If you were John’s family member, how could you help? Get help Encourage John to stick with treatment Offer support Invite him to do things Plan and prepare healthy meals Do not expect a “quick fix”

If you think you have depression… Get help Don’t bottle things up Stay active Eat properly Avoid alcohol and drugs Do something you enjoy Review your lifestyle Take a break Don’t get upset if you can’t sleep Get informed Don’t bottle things up - If you've had a major upset in your life, try to tell someone how you feel about it. Keep Active - Get out of doors and get some exercise, even if it’s only a walk. This will help to keep you physically fit and you will sleep better. It can also help you not to dwell unhelpfully on painful thoughts and feelings. Eat properly - you may not feel very hungry, but you should eat a balanced diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables. Avoid alcohol and drugs - Alcohol and drugs may make you feel better for a couple of hours, but it will make you more depressed in the long run. Don’t get upset if you can’t sleep - Do something restful that you enjoy, like listening to the radio or watching television.

References Bailey, D.F. and Moore, J.L. (2008). Emotional Isolation, Depression, and Suicide Among African American Men: Reasons for Concern. Pacific Grove, CA Books/Cole. Duckworth, K. (2006). About mental illness: Depression. Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=54&ContentID=23039&lstid=326 Kennard, J. (2007). Depression in Men. Retrieved from www.mydepressionconnection.com Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Male depression: Don't ignore the symptoms. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-depression/MC00041 Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175 Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression: Supporting loved ones through their battle with depression. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00016 NIMH (2008). Men and Depression. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/depression.shtml Nutrition Health Center (2008). Depression Statistics Information. Retrieved from http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com/Depression/statistics.htm

For More Information… www.bluetoyou.org Leigh Ann Simmons; MFT, PhD former Assistant Professor Department of Family Studies Ester Edwards, BS Graduate student Leslie Crofford, MD Professor, College of Medicine April 2010 Health Education through Extension Leadership The development of the HEEL program was made possible by Senator Mitch McConnell with funds earmarked for the University of Kentucky, College o f Agriculture, Lexington Ky. and budgeted through the CSREES/USDA Federal Administration. Copyright © 2010 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice.   Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.