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 Depression is a serious and pervasive mood disorder. It causes feelings of sadness,

hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness. Depression can be mild to moderate

with symptoms of apathy, little appetite, difficulty sleeping, low self-esteem, and low-
grade fatigue. Or it can be major depression with symptoms of depressed mood most of
the day, diminished interest in daily activities, weight loss or gain, insomnia or
hypersomnia (oversleeping), fatigue, feelings of guilt almost daily, and recurring
thoughts of death or suicide.
 Depression actually affects both sexes. It disrupts relationships and interferes
with work and daily activities.


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 ×hile clinical depression was once considered a "woman's disease," (according
to statistics) more than 6 million men in the U.S. have at least one episode of major
depression each year. Though men experience depression they tend to hide it.

The symptoms of depression in men are similar to the symptoms of depression in

women. But men tend to express those symptoms differently. The most common
symptoms of depression include low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and loss of interest
in usually pleasurable activities, fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, apathy,
and sexual problems, including reduced sex drive. Depression in men may cause them to
be irritable, aggressive, or hostile.

The symptoms of clinical depression in men are not commonly recognized

because men tend to deny having problems because they are supposed to "be strong."
And American culture (we adapted this culture or actually²I think² it is true to all
nations) suggests that expressing emotion is largely a ³feminine trait´. As a result, men
who are depressed are more likely to talk about the physical symptoms of their
depression rather than symptoms related to emotions.

  

 



 

 Men are less likely to show "typical" signs of depression, such as crying,
sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, or verbally expressing
thoughts of suicide. Depression in men may cause them to keep their feelings hidden.
Because of the culture, instead of expressing the depressed mood, they may become
more irritable and aggressive.
Because many men are unable to openly express their feelings, they deal with
grief by taking on more activities, such as working overtime to occupy their time. They
may become involved in risk-taking behavior, such as dangerous sports.

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Depression in women is very common. In fact, women are twice as likely to
develop clinical depression as men. And as many as one out of every four women is
likely to experience an episode of major depression at some point in life.

  



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|Symptoms of depression in women include:
|persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
|loss of interest or pleasure in activities
|restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
|feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
|sleeping too much or too little, early-morning awakening
|appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
|decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
|thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
|difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
|persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches,
digestive disorders, and chronic pain




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At the age of puberty, boys and girls have the same level if risk to depression, but
as the time goes by, this risk for women increases.
Experts believe that this increase of risk of depression in women may be related
to changes in hormone levels that occur throughout a woman's life.
The hormone fluctuations that occur with each month's menstrual cycle probably
contribute to premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or
PMDD -- a severe syndrome marked especially by depression, anxiety, cyclical mood
shifts, and lethargy.

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|Depression in women differs from depression in men in several ways:

|Depression in women may occur earlier, last longer, be more likely to reoccur, be more
likely to be associated with stressful life events, and be more sensitive to seasonal
changes.
|×omen are more likely to experience guilty feelings and attempt suicide, although they
actually commit suicide less often than men.
|Depression in women is more likely to be associated with anxiety disorders, especially
panic and phobic symptoms, and eating disorders.
|Depressed women are less likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs.

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As many as three out of every four menstruating women experience premenstrual

syndrome or PMS. PMS is a disorder characterized by emotional and physical symptoms
that fluctuate in intensity from one menstrual cycle to the next. ×omen in their 20s or 30s
are usually affected.
About 3% to 5% of menstruating women experience premenstrual dysphoric
disorder, or PMDD. PMDD is a severe form of PMS, marked by highly emotional and
physical symptoms that usually become more severe seven to 10 days before the onset
of menstruation.
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More than 80% of people with depression -- both men and women -- can be treated
successfully with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
This list is from National Institute of Mental Health, it can help us from depression:

|community mental health centers

|employee assistance programs
|family doctors
|family service/social agencies
|health maintenance organizations
|hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
|local medical and/or psychiatric societies
|mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or
mental health counselors
|private clinics and facilities
|state hospital outpatient clinics
|university or medical school affiliated programs
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 Many people experience depression, wrong concepts about this may cause to a
more severe disease.
Though men experience depression, they tend to hide it.
×omen are more prone to depression. There are biological reasons why they are
more prone to this. From the beginning puberty stage, they experience depression
because of hormonal change.
Depression should not be ashamed of; it should be showed for it to be medicated.|
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