This post contains affiliate links
I want to talk about something that we don’t talk about enough: men and depression. While it’s not exactly a topic people talk about, or focus on, I know that most women have important men in their lives. Fathers, partners, sons, brothers, uncles, and friends. Their health matters to us. They’re why we need to have a conversation about mental health — because I worry they’re not talking about it enough.
Good mental health is as important as oxygen. You need it to survive. But there are many different reasons why men are less likely to speak up about mental health problems like depression. Men commonly avoid seeking help for mental health issues and often try to handle them on their own. Unfortunately, this can lead to severe consequences, including risky behaviors and addiction.
Understanding the reasons behind men’s reluctance to seek help from mental health professionals is crucial. Increasing men’s mental health awareness can lead to individuals and families helping men identify the root causes of mental health issues. Men don’t want to go to a therapist because they don’t want to share with a stranger. But if they don’t talk about it, it can be tough for friends or family members to know something is wrong. Men don’t always show the signs we often associate with depression, like sadness and hopelessness. Instead, they might appear angry or aggressive, making it easier for loved ones to miss the signs that something is wrong. As a result, men might miss out on the treatment they need to feel better.
Depression can’t be willed away. It’s a serious mental health condition that affects a man’s daily life, including the way he eats, sleeps, feels, and thinks. It can also affect his ability to work and maintain relationships with friends and family. Depression is NOT a sign of weakness, and it can affect any man, regardless of his age and race or ethnicity.
What would cause a man in your life to develop depression?
It can be a combination of factors. For starters, his genes can play a role. Men who have a family history of depression are more likely to develop it than those who don’t. Environmental stress can trigger depression too. This includes financial problems, the loss of a loved one, work problems, a difficult relationship, a major life change, or a stressful situation. Also, depression can occur in men who have a serious medical condition like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
Getting an accurate diagnosis and following it up with treatment is essential.
Most people need professional help to feel better. Without it, depression can lead to serious consequences, such as trying to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, or worse like suicideSS.
We need to talk openly about men's mental health. Suffering in silence isn’t a safe or healthy option for the men in our lives. Check in with them. Ask them how they’re feeling, especially if one of them has experienced a recent event that could trigger depression. Look for changes in his behavior and watch out for depression symptoms. If you think someone you love has depression, offer your support, listen, and be patient. Encourage him to talk to his doctor or a mental health professional or even if yourself. Living with depression can feel overwhelming and isolating, so let him know he’s not alone. Help is available, and he can feel better.
Don't fight this battle alone, we love you!
If you want to talk to someone, Mimi and I's DMs are open, don't be afraid to reach out ♡
- Bee 🐝
This post is sponsored by:
Farace 💍
(Use code "5PINK" for 5% off)
(Check out our flavor collab)
Sprezzatura 🛍️
Check out our new Merch HERE