The disease men won't talk about
Men are not immune from depression. Experts from Harvard Medical School tell guys how to deal with the blues.

Do men experience depression less often than women do? Although there is considerable evidence that women are twice as likely as men to be depressed, some researchers question this view. They contend that when studies account for differences in how men and women express their emotions, this apparent gap in depression rates may largely disappear.

Typically, men aren't comfortable acknowledging the need for help, making them less likely to seek assistance than women are. Men also tend to describe the experience of depression in less intense ways than women do. They even are more likely to "forget" episodes of depression when they are asked to reflect on the past.

Depression in men may commonly be obscured behind a variety of physical complaints, such as low energy, aches and pains, a loss of appetite or trouble sleeping.

Even if the symptoms of depression are present, some men may not feel sad or depressed; even when the subject is raised, they may not be willing to admit the possibility that they might be depressed. Yet when such individuals are treated for depression, their symptoms often disappear, and in retrospect, they may concede that they were depressed.

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			Signs and symptoms

LINK TO MALE MENOPAUSE?
Can depression in men be a part of what some have called "male menopause?" Later-life changes in sex hormones are not as clear-cut in men as they are in women, but testosterone levels do decrease gradually as men age. About one-fifth of men ages 60 to 80 have testosterone levels that fall into a low range.

The exact relationship between testosterone levels and mood is still unclear, but there seems to be a link to depression, irritability, anxiety, low energy, poor concentration and memory and disturbed sleep. Replacing testosterone may be helpful, but more research is needed before the rates of effectiveness of this treatment are known.

WORK AND RELATIONSHIPS
Aside from the biological changes that occur as men age, men may also be vulnerable to changes in their employment or social status. Male self-esteem is frequently linked to success at work, to physical skill or power and to being physically or mentally active. If a man's capacity in any of those areas is diminished - especially if he loses a job or his marriage fails - it may help trigger depression.

Depression in all its forms is so common that it should be considered as much a problem for men as it is for women. In fact, men are more at risk for the worst outcome of depression - suicide. Family members, friends and caregivers may need to meet them more than halfway to see that they get the help they need.

GETTING HELP
Asking for help may seem like the hardest task in the world, especially if you are feeling exhausted and hopeless. Yet that's just what you need to do if you have symptoms of depression or mania.

Together, you and your doctor can decide on a treatment plan to alleviate your distress. The following practical suggestions may help you navigate through this difficult time: