As many as 1 in every 8 men experiences depression, but many men go undiagnosed. Reasons include a misperception that depression denotes weakness or a lack of masculinity, and not realizing they are depressed because they symptoms they are experiencing aren’t what they would expect from depression. In this article, we’ll talk about male depression and how it can be effectively treated.
Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men and women generally experience, and cope with, depression differently. The reason for these differences is unclear, but is likely a combination of factors, such as brain chemistry, hormones, and life experiences, including cultural expectations regarding gender roles.
Some symptoms of depression are similar between men and women, such as feelings of despair, hopelessness, or emptiness, fatigue, insomnia, and anhedonia, which is inability to enjoy favorite activities.
Some symptoms of depression that are more likely to appear in men than women may not be recognized as such include working too much, substance abuse, violent behavior, irritability, anger, and reckless behaviors. Because these symptoms can resemble a number of other mental health issues, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be difficult.
Other factors that can complicate diagnosing male depression include: reluctance to discuss symptoms, downplaying symptoms, fear of losing the respect of family, friends, or colleagues, and reluctance to obtain mental health treatment.
Risk Factors
Any number of stressful situations can lead to depression, including extended ill health, relationship difficulties, job stress, social isolation, separation or divorce, birth or adoption of a new baby, death of a loved one, or a combination of smaller stressors that become overwhelming. Some research suggests that depression is more likely to occur in the face of ongoing stress, but can occur after a single stressful episode, or can even seem to come out of nowhere.
Depression can strike anyone, anytime, but there are a number of risk factors that can influence your susceptibility to depression. Risk factors for depression include family history of depression, personality type, serious illness or physical disability, substance abuse, lack of social support, childhood trauma, abuse, and poor nutrition.
Neurofeedback for Men with Depression
There is a misconception that depression is simply a chemical imbalance in the brain. While there are changes in the brain, including neurochemical imbalances, that contribute to the experience of depression, the reality of depression is far more complicated, with many factors coming into play.
Conventional medicine focuses on adjusting chemicals in the brain with antidepressant medication. While medication can be effective, they can cause unwanted side effects, and can even make depression worse in some people. Medication does not actually change the way in which the brain works, however, so the need for it can be ongoing.
There are treatment options other than antidepressants that can actually change the way the brain works. Neurofeedback teaches the brain new ways of functioning. Neurofeedback involves placing sensors that detect brainwaves, then simply sitting comfortably and watching a movie or playing a videogame. The computer detects and analyses the brainwaves and provides feedback by stopping and starting the audiovisuals of the movie or game in response to brain activity. Through this system of punishment and rewards, the brain gradually learns how to function more efficiently and effectively. Neurofeedback has no side effects and can be used in conjunction with more traditional treatment methods, including medication.
If you think you might be suffering from depression, there is hope. Call Perth Brain Centre on (08) 6500 3277 now to arrange an appointment to find out whether neurofeedback can help you.
Symptoms of Depression in Men
Men and women generally experience, and cope with, depression differently. The reason for these differences is unclear, but is likely a combination of factors, such as brain chemistry, hormones, and life experiences, including cultural expectations regarding gender roles.
Some symptoms of depression are similar between men and women, such as feelings of despair, hopelessness, or emptiness, fatigue, insomnia, and anhedonia, which is inability to enjoy favorite activities.
Some symptoms of depression that are more likely to appear in men than women may not be recognized as such include working too much, substance abuse, violent behavior, irritability, anger, and reckless behaviors. Because these symptoms can resemble a number of other mental health issues, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be difficult.
Other factors that can complicate diagnosing male depression include: reluctance to discuss symptoms, downplaying symptoms, fear of losing the respect of family, friends, or colleagues, and reluctance to obtain mental health treatment.
Risk Factors
Any number of stressful situations can lead to depression, including extended ill health, relationship difficulties, job stress, social isolation, separation or divorce, birth or adoption of a new baby, death of a loved one, or a combination of smaller stressors that become overwhelming. Some research suggests that depression is more likely to occur in the face of ongoing stress, but can occur after a single stressful episode, or can even seem to come out of nowhere.
Depression can strike anyone, anytime, but there are a number of risk factors that can influence your susceptibility to depression. Risk factors for depression include family history of depression, personality type, serious illness or physical disability, substance abuse, lack of social support, childhood trauma, abuse, and poor nutrition.
Neurofeedback for Men with Depression
There is a misconception that depression is simply a chemical imbalance in the brain. While there are changes in the brain, including neurochemical imbalances, that contribute to the experience of depression, the reality of depression is far more complicated, with many factors coming into play.
Conventional medicine focuses on adjusting chemicals in the brain with antidepressant medication. While medication can be effective, they can cause unwanted side effects, and can even make depression worse in some people. Medication does not actually change the way in which the brain works, however, so the need for it can be ongoing.
There are treatment options other than antidepressants that can actually change the way the brain works. Neurofeedback teaches the brain new ways of functioning. Neurofeedback involves placing sensors that detect brainwaves, then simply sitting comfortably and watching a movie or playing a videogame. The computer detects and analyses the brainwaves and provides feedback by stopping and starting the audiovisuals of the movie or game in response to brain activity. Through this system of punishment and rewards, the brain gradually learns how to function more efficiently and effectively. Neurofeedback has no side effects and can be used in conjunction with more traditional treatment methods, including medication.
If you think you might be suffering from depression, there is hope. Call Perth Brain Centre on (08) 6500 3277 now to arrange an appointment to find out whether neurofeedback can help you.