Men's Health

Depression and Suicide

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While more women suffer from depression, researchers are beginning to understand that men may not be recognizing that they are depressed, and also not seeking treatment as often as women. Depression is a serious medical condition that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way one eats and sleeps, one's self-concept, and the way one thinks about things.

A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. But appropriate treatment, often involving medication and/or short-term psychotherapy (talk therapy), can help most people who suffer from depression.

If left untreated, depression can lead to personal, family and financial difficulties, and, in some cases, end in suicide. If you are depressed or having suicidal thoughts, get help from a mental health professional or call 911.

Additional Information on Depression and Suicide:

Publications

1.   Depression - This booklet provides user friendly information for the individual who may suffer from depression. It compares depression in women versus men, describes the symptoms of depression and offers information on methods of treatment.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm

2.   Men and Depression - This publication, part of the National Institute of Mental Health's Real Men - Real Depression campaign, discusses the types of depression common in men, symptoms of depression and mania, causes of depression, depression in elderly men, depression in boys and adolescent males, suicide, diagnosis, treatment and how to find help and support for men with depression.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/complete-publicat...

3.   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Brochure: When it seems like there is no hope, there is help - This brochure explains the warning signs of suicide and how to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SVP-0141/

4.   Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts - This fact sheet provides a brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide in older adults, with information on depression treatments and suicide prevention.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/elderlydepsuicide.cfm

5.   Suicide in the U.S.A.: Based on Current (2004) Statistics (Copyright © AAS) - This fact sheet contains information and statistics about suicide prevalence in the United States in the year 2004.

   http://www.suicidology.org/associations/1045/files/SuicideInTheUS.pdf

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Mental Health Information Center
2.   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
3. American Association of Suicidology
4. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of June 2007