Research shows that women are more likely to talk to their doctors about their mental health than men are. This is not a shocking revelation. Most women are more able to discuss their feelings than men are.
Is it the stigma of mental illness that keeps men from seeking treatment for their depression? Or maybe it is the male machismo that makes them feel like they need to not admit to such a "weakness"?
The disturbing part of this research is the idea that so many people still see depression sufferers as "weak" people. In my mind, it takes courage to admit yourself powerless to the symptoms of depression and treatment for depression includes being able to look in the mirror and face the issues that are causing your depression.
Depression happens for many reasons. You can be at a higher risk if you are genetically predisposed to mental illness but many times, depression happens because of a high stress event in your life. We are only human and many of us are not taught the coping mechanisms that we need to survive this life. Even if you do feel that you have the coping mechanisms, depression can still affect you.
Depression can happen to the best of us. It also can happen to the strongest people. Becoming depressed does not mean that you are weak- it means that you are human. Facing your depression takes courage and a will to want "normalcy" to return to your life.
Male or female, in your lifetime you may develop depression that is more than just the "blues". If you do, I hope that you will ignore the uninformed who call depression a weakness.
Depression is real and anyone who has ever been treated for it knows the truth. Don't be afraid to speak to your doctor if you think you have symptoms of depression . There is life after depression and it is good!
Is it the stigma of mental illness that keeps men from seeking treatment for their depression? Or maybe it is the male machismo that makes them feel like they need to not admit to such a "weakness"?
The disturbing part of this research is the idea that so many people still see depression sufferers as "weak" people. In my mind, it takes courage to admit yourself powerless to the symptoms of depression and treatment for depression includes being able to look in the mirror and face the issues that are causing your depression.
Depression happens for many reasons. You can be at a higher risk if you are genetically predisposed to mental illness but many times, depression happens because of a high stress event in your life. We are only human and many of us are not taught the coping mechanisms that we need to survive this life. Even if you do feel that you have the coping mechanisms, depression can still affect you.
Depression can happen to the best of us. It also can happen to the strongest people. Becoming depressed does not mean that you are weak- it means that you are human. Facing your depression takes courage and a will to want "normalcy" to return to your life.
Male or female, in your lifetime you may develop depression that is more than just the "blues". If you do, I hope that you will ignore the uninformed who call depression a weakness.
Depression is real and anyone who has ever been treated for it knows the truth. Don't be afraid to speak to your doctor if you think you have symptoms of depression . There is life after depression and it is good!
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