Do you recognise the man you see in the mirror? MEN, DAD’S AND PARTNERS YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Everyone feels sad, irritable, or tired at times. Major depressive disorder is different. Though insomnia and fatigue are often the presenting complaints, people with depression experience depressed mood or loss of interest in normal daily activities for weeks at a time. The symptoms of major depressive disorder cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.
 
Major depressive symptoms include:

• Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain and changes in appetite
• Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Impaired ability to think or concentrate, and/or indecisiveness
• Feel sad or “empty”
• Feeling irritable, angry, hopeless, or anxious
• Loss of interest in work, family, or other hobbies or interests (including sex)
• Feeling very tired
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbance (unable to sleep or sleeping too much)
• Somatic complaints (aches or pains, headaches, digestive problems)
• Inability to meet daily responsibilities.
• Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a plan, or a suicide attempt or suicide plan

 
Depression in men is a treatable health condition, not a sign of emotional weakness or a failing of masculinity. It affects millions of men of all ages and backgrounds, as well as those who care about them - spouses, partners, friends, and family. Of course, it’s normal for anyone to feel down from time to time—dips in mood are an ordinary reaction to losses, setbacks, and disappointments in life. However, male depression changes how you think, feel, and function in your daily life. It can interfere with your productivity at work or school and impact your relationships, sleep, diet, and overall enjoyment of life. Severe depression can be intense and unrelenting.
 
Unfortunately, depression in men often gets overlooked as many of us find it difficult to talk about our feelings. Instead, we tend to focus on the physical symptoms that often accompany male depression, such as back pain, headaches, difficulty sleeping, or sexual problems. This can result in the underlying depression going untreated, which can have serious consequences.
 
In mild cases of depression, daily exercise, improved eating habits, and a specific sleep routine can assist in alleviating some symptoms. While depression can take a heavy toll on your home and work life, you don’t have to tough it out. There are plenty of things you can start doing today to feel better.
 
Contact me to help you through your depression - [email protected] or on 084 779 4889. Visit my website on www.nadinetherapy.co.za.
Credit: Psycom, Helpguide