Pocatello -- Idaho State University is joining the National Institute
of Mental Health (NIMH) in a campaign designed to draw attention to the
problem of untreated depression among men.
The “Real Men, Real Depression” campaign estimates that 6 million men in the United States have a depressive disorder, about one third of all adults living with depression in any given year. Men are less likely than women to recognize, acknowledge and seek treatment for their depression. Their loved ones and physicians also may not always detect depressive symptoms in men.
“Many men, perhaps particularly in the West, are socialized not to acknowledge or express emotional concerns,” said Dr. Tony Cellucci, ISU psychology professor. “But when a man has depression, he often can’t just tough it out, adding to a sense of failure. Clinical depression is a real disorder involving changes in our biological and psychological functioning. Many men would benefit from help to overcome depression, including certain medications and/or psychotherapy.”
Irritability, sleep problems, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and withdrawal are signs of depression in men. Additional symptoms are: a persistent sad mood; feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; difficulty concentrating or remembering; appetite problems; and thoughts of death or suicide.
For the campaign, NIMH has created a special Web site on depression in men at http://menanddepression.nimh.nih.gov.
ISU’s Institute of Rural Health, www.isu.edu/irh, is Idaho’s outreach partner under NIMH’s Constituency Outreach and Education Program. The IRH also runs other mental health programs, including the Red Flags Idaho project for child and adolescent mental health.
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