I don’t think that men are any less affected by depression than women. However, in their own “macho” way, they deny and deny and deny the symptoms, then wonder why they end up having a complete breakdown one day. And for support groups – forget it. Men generally haven’t been taught to deeply express their feelings.
Men need the support, but don’t know how or where to start. Because they’re men, there’s a pride issue there, too. It took having almost a complete breakdown before I even admitted I had a problem. It took longer to effectively communicate with a therapist. As men, we’re taught to “just deal with it” on everything. So we bury everything until it comes up to “bite us”. ONLY THEN do we seek the help we’ve needed all along.
Just my humble opinion.
John

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

This is a very difficult site to navigate – I’ve been looking for hours for a group under Therese’s blog on “Anybody home?” – it resonated when I found it, but I can’t find it again – Anyone got sny tips?

And I don’t know how I will find this again!

i’m a 38 year old male, and 2012 is going to be the year that will define my future. unlike cory, i’m ‘only’ just at the verge of losing my marriage and family, after having suffered from severe depression and alcohol abuse for the last 4 years.

i am desperate. i am literally watching our world fall appart right before my eyes while i feel paralyzed and just don’t understand why i just can’t seem to pull it together. i don’t understand why i’d rather give up then fight it – when i know it hurts my family.

i don’t understand why a stint at a mental health clinic in 2011 and being on the verge of a divorce aren’t enough of a wakeup call for me to change my life and fight my a** off.