Real men have real depression

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Michael Fischer
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in adult males and its presence is openly felt and discussed in homes, families and communities around the world. However, despite the estimated six million men who dea with depression, this illness that rarely gets attention until it is too late. 

Males are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, although depression is not the only factor responsible for the trend. These statistical trends -- and the likelihood most men will not seek any treatment -- make depression a significant epidemic facing males across all ages and races. 

Today, more than ever, we need to be good Wingmen as the Air Force is seeing a rise in suicides. White, enlisted males, ages 20 to 25 who have experienced relationship loss and depression are among the most vulnerable for suicide. 

"For generations men have been told that they have to act tough," former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona said. "Today we're saying to men, it's okay to talk to someone about what you're thinking, or how you're feeling, or if you're hurting. We are attacking the stigma that tough guys can't seek help. They can and they should." 

Research studies have found depression affects twice as many women as men. 

However, research and clinical findings reveal women and men may communicate differently - or in the case of men, not communicate - about the symptoms of depression. Men may not recognize their irritability, sleep problems, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and withdrawal as signs of depression. 

 Dr. (Col.) Frank Budd, 60th Air Mobility Wing Mental Health flight commander noted there is a societal component that allows women to outwardly talk about their emotions without judgment from others, while men struggling with painful feelings and depression are generally forced to display them through defensive and destructive actions, such as drinking, smoking and violent behavior. "This may result in fewer men recognizing their depression and asking for the help they need," Dr. Budd said, "especially before they choose to do something that gets them in trouble at home, work or in the community." 

"The tendency for men to hide their depression may be more problematic in the military setting since the 'warrior' image further suppresses the natural expression of emotions," added Dr. Budd. "We are always expected to be thumbs up, good to go, even when we know we are not. For example, over my 23 years of doing therapy, men often wait to seek help until their wives or girlfriends actually leave them, not just threatened to leave. Often, the women have been asking their partner to get help for one to two years but were ignored, put off or told they were the problem in the relationship. A wise man once said, "Inside every woman is a marriage manual, the problem is that men don't read."
Recently, the National Institute of Mental Health announced the launch of the first national campaign to raise awareness that depression is a major public health problem. To help spread awareness of the issue, NIMH created a series of public service announcements, which feature the personal stories of men who live with depression. The primary message of these public service announcements is that it takes courage to ask for help.
"This campaign is aimed at men. The hope here is to address men who have depression," said Dr. Thomas Insel, NIMH director. "Men who may not even recognize that depression is the problem or that much can be done to help them. Effective treatments are available and the success rate is very high - more than 80 percent - for people who seek help."
The men in the public service announcements sought help and, with treatment, returned to their jobs, their families and the activities they enjoyed before they began coping with the symptoms of depression.
Patrick McCathern, a retired Air Force first sergeant, was one of the men featured in the campaign.
"I'd gotten to the point where I couldn't get out of bed. Nothing had meaning," said McCathern, "You have to deal with it; it just doesn't go away."
For more information on depression, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/men-and-depression/index.shtmla. For a free and anonymous survey on depression, substance abuse or post traumatic stress disorder, visit www.militarymentalhealth.org. If you are concerned about depression or wish to seek counseling services, stop by DGMC's Mental Health Clinic, or call 423-5174 to schedule an appointment to see a provider.
There are also a variety of classes available on stress management, couples communication, and depression. Information and counseling are also available from MilitaryOneSource at 1-800-342-9647, the base Chaplains at 424-3217, and the Military Family Life Consultant at 424-2486.