The men do get it

From the health section of TODAY (22nd May 2007)
Pg 41

The men do get it.
But unlike women, men are no likely to admit they feel that way or seek help for their condition.

Joanne Yap
Joanne@mediacorp.com.sg

During his days in the army, product support coordinator Adrian Tan* caved under the pressure and stress of life in a camp and succumbed to depression.

One of his officers suggested that he consulted a psychiatrist, who prescribed anti-depressants to help Adrian cope with his condition. But due to the lack of funds, the medication dried up after his army days.

"I turned to taking off-the-counter cough syrup, as it was the only drug I knew that was cheap and sleep inducing. Over the years, the dosages I took increased, but it still didn't help my condition," Adrian said.

Contrary to the popular belief that depression mostly affects women, the reality is that men also suffer from it. In fact, 40 per cent of men aged between 40 and 60 will experience some degree of depression.

Dr Tay Woo Keng, senior consultant at the Division of Psychological Medicine at Changi General Hospital, explained:"The core symptoms of depression, such as having a depressed mood, a lack of capacity for pleasure and enjoyment, negative thinking and suicidal thoughts, are experienced by all patients regardless of sex."

The triggers of depression might be many and often include a combination of environmental, genetic and psychological factors. But while these causes are not uncommon among men and women who fall into depression, the similarity ends there.

While women tend to be more open about discussing their condition and seeking help, men often act out their feelings of hopeless and helplessness instead, through anger or working long hours.

In Adrian's case, he shield away from those around im, preferring to be on his own. "I find it difficult to communicate what I'm feelnig to others, so I don't share my thoughts very often. When I felt down I kept to myself instead."

The symptoms of depression that manifest in men are different from those typically diagnosed in women and are hence harder to recognise and diagnose.

According to Dr Tay, men tend to show depression through hostility, irritability or aggression. "Men tend to cope with their depressed feelings by drinking, taking drugs or engaging in risky acitivties like dangerous sports. They might even atttempt suicide."

As many as 80 percent of people who seek help for depression find relief through therapy or medication, but the problem remains that not many men come forward.

Dr Chua Hong Choon, senior consultant, head of general psychiatry department at the Institute of Mental Health, said :"men don't usually cry, show sadness and loss of will or verbalise an intention to hurt themselves. As a result, their depression is hidden from caring friends, family members and associates who might insist that they seek help."

According to Dr Tay, men's reticence could stem from societal and cultural expectations put on them to fit a certain mould - to be in control, tough and successful in dealing with advesities.

"Thus, men often restrain their emotions. They do not express their depression freely or ask for help, as this is perceived as a sign of weakness."

Treatments for depression include antidepressant therapy, medication or psychotherapy, which involves counselling. In addition, cognitive therapy (a form of psychotherapy) may also help in treating mild to moderate cases.

Those who are depressed tend to have a pessimistic outlook on life - and these negative thoughts become automatic and habitual over time. Therapy aims to get individuals to recognise these thoughts, challenge them and replace them with more realistic and accurate ones.

In cases of mild depression, exercise may help chase the blues away, Dr Tay advised those with depression to talk about their condition, spend time with others, keep active, write down the thoughts that trouble them and be patient with themselves as recovery is seldom achieved overnight.

For more information about male depression, call the Institute of Mental Health at 6389 2833
*Name has been changed at the request of interviewee