A huge health issue that is prominent in our community yet inexplicably avoided, undiagnosed, or swept under the rug is depression, particularly male depression.
As many as six million American men suffer from the illness of depression every year, and it’s a major cause of suicide. Of the roughly 41,000 Americans who tragically took their own lives in 2013, nearly 80 percent were men.
There are plenty of possible causes for depression. They may include imbalances of certain chemicals in the brain, or genetics (depression may run in families). Personality may be another cause: those who are easily stressed, have low self-esteem, or have a pessimistic outlook tend to become depressed more often. And environmental factors, such as poverty, neglect, abuse, and living in violent households or neighborhoods, raise vulnerability to depression in some people. Other times, an event triggers depression: the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or changes in circumstances that are beyond one’s control.
The Symptoms of Male Depression:
*Fatigue
*Irritability
*Anger (sometimes abusive)
*Loss of interest in work or hobbies
*Sleep disturbances (insomnia, oversleeping)
*Overwork
*Risky behavior
*Substance abuse
*Persistent sadness
*Anxiety
*Loss of concentration
*Difficulty making decisions
*Poor memory
*Appetite or weight changes
*Persistent physical problems (pain, nausea, headaches)
The Telling Signs Of Male Depression
Brehs (and brehettes), depression isn't overcome by hiding in shame or trying to handle it alone. If you have loved ones in your lives and you feel that you are depressed or experience moments of depression, PLEASE seek their help and attention. If you don't have loved ones in your life, SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP. Yeah, I know that we as a community frown upon psychiatric and psychological professional treatment but in 2016, we are more enlightened than the older generations and we should feel no shame utilizing each and every available resource to solve our mental and emotional issues.
Being black in America is already a tall order but being black AND DEPRESSED in America is damn near unbearable.
For those suffering from severe or mild depression, please take initiative and fight back through professional treatment, reaffirmation and having a support system. Also keep a nutritious diet, a regular exercise/work out routine, a positive outlook in life, and positive people in your life.
