Depression in men and women: What's the difference? Published May 12, 2009 By Kristen Ward TriWest Healthcare Alliance -- Depression can strike anyone, but the symptoms can be dramatically different between men and women. Signs and symptoms According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 20 million people are currently dealing with depression. Service members who may have been exposed to traumatic events during deployment have a higher risk for developing depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Common symptoms for men and women include feelings of sadness and hopelessness, sleeping problems, weight gain or loss, having trouble thinking clearly, isolation or feelings of guilt. Differences may include: Men: -- More willing to acknowledge the physical symptoms of depression such as fatigue, irritability and sleeplessness; -- May engage in more risky behaviors such as driving recklessly or getting in fights; -- Are more irritable and angry, especially in relationships; -- Abuse alcohol or other substances; -- Are more likely to complete suicide. Women: -- More willing to acknowledge feelings related to depression such as sadness, worthlessness and excessive guilt; -- More likely to have an anxiety disorder; -- More willing to admit to problems and seek help; -- Are more likely to attempt suicide, but less likely to complete it. Treatment is available The good news is there are effective treatments for depression. Women tend to seek help for depression, while men are more likely to deny their symptoms or not even recognize them. However, help is available for everyone through TRICARE. The first step is to take a self-assessment questionnaire of depression symptoms. This is available at www.triwest.com>Beneficiaries>Behavioral Health>Depression>Patient Health Questionnaire. For scores greater than 10, or if these symptoms have made normal activities very difficult, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Active-duty servicemembers should always seek care first at a military treatment facility, when available. Active-duty servicemembers must have a referral from their primary care manager and have prior authorization from TriWest before seeking behavioral healthcare services outside the base clinic. Active-duty servicemembers enrolled in TRICARE Prime Remote may call TriWest at 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378) to help obtain authorization for civilian behavioral health care. Family members are eligible for eight behavioral health care visits each fiscal year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30) without pre-authorization from TriWest. If a family member receives care beyond the original eight visits, they will need authorization from TriWest. Beneficiaries can find at a network provider at www.triwest.com>Beneficiaries>Provider Directory. Help at home In addition to the self-assessment questionnaire and additional benefits information, TriWest's Web site www.triwest.com has numerous self-help resources. Available at no cost via streaming video or as a 2-DVD set, this series offers advice from behavioral health experts who are also combat veterans and military families that have coped with effects of PTSD. Find it at www.triwest.com>beneficiary services>behavioral health>Help From Home. At this Web site are articles, brochures and links to additional resources on a variety of topics spanning from children's behavioral issues to dealing with depression or suicide. Find it at www.triwest.com>beneficiary>behavioral health>Depression>Self Help Resources. Additional sites to visit include: -- Military OneSource www.MilitaryOneSource.com -- National Institute of Mental Health www.nihm.nih.gov -- National Foundation for Depressive Illness www.depression.org -- After Deployment www.afterdeployment.org