From Blue to You: From Blue to You:

Men and DepressionMen and Depression

What is depression?

• A common mental disorder or illness

• Involves the body, mood, and thoughts

How common is men’s depression? How common is men’s depression?

• 6 million men in the United States annually

• Depression affects their work, home life, and relationships

What are the symptoms?

• Physical symptoms

• Emotional symptoms

• Psychosocial symptoms

Stigma - VideoStigma - Video

• Listen to what’s said about depression

• Pay attention to issues of stigma

What do you hear about stigma?

Treatment

• Talk therapy

• Medication therapy

• Combination: talk and medication therapy

If you think you have depression…If you think you have depression…

• Stay active Stay active

• Eat properlyEat properly

• Avoid alcohol and drugsAvoid alcohol and drugs

• Don’t get upset if you can’t sleepDon’t get upset if you can’t sleep

• Don’t bottle things upDon’t bottle things up

If you think you have depression…

• Get helpGet help

• Do something you enjoy Do something you enjoy

• Review your lifestyleReview your lifestyle

• Take a breakTake a break

• Get informedGet informed

If you think your loved one has If you think your loved one has depression…depression…

• See that he gets an See that he gets an accurate diagnosisaccurate diagnosis

• Encourage sticking Encourage sticking with treatmentwith treatment

• Offer supportOffer support

• Invite him outInvite him out

• Plan and prepare Plan and prepare healthy mealshealthy meals

• Do not expect a quick Do not expect a quick fixfix

References

• Bailey, D.F. and Moore, J.L. (2008). Emotional Isolation, Depression, and Suicide Among African American Men: Reasons for Concern. Pacific Grove, CA Books/Cole.

• Duckworth, K. (2006). About mental illness: Depression. Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=54&ContentID=23039&lstid=326

• Kennard, J. (2007). Depression in Men. Retrieved from www.mydepressionconnection.com

• Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Male depression: Don't ignore the symptoms. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-depression/MC00041

• Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175

• Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression: Supporting loved ones through their battle with depression. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00016

• NIMH (2008). Men and Depression. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/depression.shtml

• Nutrition Health Center (2008). Depression Statistics Information. Retrieved from http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com/Depression/statistics.htm

Copyright © 2010 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice. Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

Leigh Ann Simmons; MFT, PhDformer Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Family Studies

Ester Edwards, BSGraduate studentDepartment of Family Studies

Leslie Crofford, MDProfessior, College of Medicine

April 2010

Health Education through Extension Leadership The development of the HEEL program was made possible by Senator Mitch McConnell with funds earmarked for the University of Kentucky, College o f Agriculture, Lexington Ky. and budgeted through the CSREES/USDA Federal Administration.

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