Okay, so statistically speaking, there are more women than men who suffer from mood disorders. Having to do, maybe, with all the hormonal shifts we go through during our lives. Yes, PMS and all of it.
But Group Beyond Blue member Luthitarian brought up a good point on in a thread on Group Beyond Blue: where are all the guys in the community part of Beyond Blue? I think on the blog comboxes, there are a fair share of men expressing their opinions. But it does seem to be more women over in the social networking site. Do women have more social needs then men? Do men not need to chat as often?
To read more Beyond Blue, go to www.beliefnet.com/beyondblue, and to get to Group Beyond Blue, a support group at Beliefnet Community, click here.
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In my experience (over on my own blog) I find that female commenters outweigh the males. I suspect it has to do with the differences between the sexes. Men generally don't feel comfortable discussing their feelings, never mind see a need for it. Women OTOH seem more willing to take advantage of the mental health forums to commiserate or share their experiences with others. Generally speaking, of course. There are always exceptions to any generality.
I wonder if we could tap into all those male commenters if we spoke of mental health in technological terms. ;)
Big Pharma Announces Psychmed 2.0 Initiative
Top Ten Upgrades For Your Wetware
Avoid Depression Downtime. Keep Your System at Peak Performance with Our Tips.
Who knows? It could work. ]:>
Douglas Cootey
The Splintered Mind - Overcoming AD/HD & Depression With Lots Of Humor And Attitude
Oh, my G-d, I'm AGREEING with Douglas :-)
(And John W. too.)
It's bad enough that men have to overcome their macho, tough guy instincts to admit they have depression. But to TALK about their sad and angry feelings? In PUBLIC?
Forget Beyond Blue, more like beyond the pale.
Besides, Douglas is a well-known professional blogger, I'm a more in-the-trenches professional writer, and Bob/Luthitarian, who started the social networking thread, is a chaplain/counselor. OF COURSE we're the exceptions to the rule.
Well, I can't speak to how men feel, but just reading the comments from these men has reminded me how difficult it is for men to talk so openly. While I do suffer from depression, I firmly believe that my estranged husband & members of his family do as well. My 14 yr. old son was recently diagnosed with depression. For my "in-law's", I think they think that is just the way everyone feels so there isn't anything wrong. Since I've gone through it now & am more stable, it's obvious to me that this is true. Thank goodness that my son has a little of both of us. He wants to go see his therapist, but insists that I go in the sessions with him. Once there, it's like pulling teeth to get him to talk about the things that are bothering him. Thanks to you, Therese, & these "few good men" for fighting the good fight. If nothing else, you are helping me see what my son is going through as a male dealing with depression. Thank you!
i agree men tend to show emotions less than woman
I am a 44 year old male that has suffered from PTSD and Clinical depression all my life. The mental pain has manifested itself physically in the form of Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel syndrome and Chronic Fatigue.
The joy of all this "stuff" culminated with me loosing my business, marriage, kids, home, car, money and any sense of selfworth or direction.
I am so tired of the whole experience that I have decided to stop running from my fear and turn and fight. That is exactly what I am going to do. I have decided to start a website for men starting over with a major focus on mental health and the stigma associated with acknowledging the need for and getting help.
http://www.phoenixrising-online.com
http://www.phoenixrising-online.com/blog
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