Depression symptoms in men different from women Published May 23, 2007 By Julie Bevirt TriWest Healthcare Alliance FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The National Institutes of Health estimates that at least six million men in the United States suffer from some form of depression every year. Research and clinical evidence reveal that while women and men can develop symptoms of depression, they often experience depression and cope with symptoms differently. Men may be more willing to acknowledge fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances and loss of interest in work or hobbies rather than acknowledge feelings of sadness, worthlessness or excessive guilt. Some researchers question whether the standard definition of depression and the associated diagnostic tests adequately capture the condition as it occurs in men. Depression does not always show up as an inability to take action. Instead of acknowledging their feelings, asking for help, or seeking appropriate treatment, men may turn to alcohol or drugs; become frustrated or discouraged; get angry, irritable, violent or abusive. Some may throw themselves compulsively into their work, attempting to hide their depression from themselves, family and friends, or even engage in reckless or risky behavior. Sometimes depression can cause people to feel like putting themselves in harm's way or killing themselves. Although the majority of people with depression do not die by suicide, having depression does increase suicide risk. If you are thinking about suicide, get help immediately. - Call your doctor's office. - Call 911 for emergency services. - Go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. - Ask a family member or friend to take you to the hospital or call your doctor. - Call the toll free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273- TALK (1 800 273 8255), to be connected to a counselor near you. - Call the TriWest Crisis Line at 1-866-284-3743. Men are more likely than women to report alcohol and drug abuse or dependence in their lifetime; however, there is debate among researchers as to whether substance use is a "symptom" of underlying depression in men, or a co-occurring condition that more commonly develops in men. Nevertheless, substance use can mask depression, making it harder to recognize it as a separate illness that needs treatment. The first step in receiving the appropriate treatment for depression is obtaining a physical examination by a doctor. It is essential to be honest with your physician about the use of alcohol and prescription or recreational drugs. Certain medications, as well as some medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as depression. Your doctor will rule out these possibilities through examinations, interviews and lab tests. If no such cause is found, you should obtain a depression evaluation either through your physician or a mental health professional referred by your doctor or TriWest. In addition to your doctor's services, TriWest offers a variety of behavioral health resources designed to assist and expedite support to you and your family. These resources are a part of TriWest's Help From Home initiative and include: - An online Behavioral Health Portal featuring links to local and national resources as well as information on depression, stress, substance abuse, child and adolescent issues, and more (see www.triwest.com and select "Behavioral Health") - Help From Home deployment support video series, available for West Region beneficiaries to watch online through TriWest's Behavioral Health Portal or to order as a 2-DVD set (free of charge) - Personalized depression support and education from a clinical health coach through TriWest's Condition Management program - Education for West Region providers about combat stress identification and treatment practices - A variety of resources for teens and children of deployed Service members TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible for behavioral health benefits. To download a brochure on these benefits, visit www.triwest.com, select "Beneficiary Services" from the left navigation menu, click on "Handbooks, Brochures & Flyers" and select "TRICARE Behavioral Health Care Services" from the drop-down menu. If you would like a brochure mailed to you, please call 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378). With early intervention, depression is very treatable. Individuals dealing with depression may find it helpful to talk to a trusted friend, family member or physician, or call TriWest for referral to a network mental health professional.
