Depression and Men: What Treatment Options Are Available?

August 29, 2017 - Depression - 0 Comments

Most people experience some level of mental distress that is characterized by sadness, fatigue and often a sense of hopelessness. However, clinical depression is when mental distress and melancholy continue for a significant period of time.  

Depression affects people of all ages, income groups, cultures and races. If you have experienced stress for at least two weeks it is advisable to get depression treatment as soon as possible. It can take a toll on your physical and psychological wellbeing. It often has an impact on productivity and can prevent you from achieving your goal which can trigger a cycle of self-destruction. 

Depression in Men 

In years past men were prone to hide depression or underplay its effect on their psyches. Depression treatment was recommended to men only a tenth of the time. But this is before scientists started examining unique signs of depression in men as compared to similar instances in women.
 

The idea that men do not suffer depression as much as women can be disproven by some statistics. For example, men are four times more likely to commit suicide. The high number of women seeking intervention in treatment centers for depression is most probably because women are more likely to seek help than men. 

Traditionally, men are conditioned to be tough in the face of difficult circumstances. Men often grow up being told that they should not cry or show weakness. On the other hand, women are socially more free to seek the comfort of friends and family and are more likely to share and seek help from treatment centers for depression. 

Getting Help 

Depression is a mental condition that can be treated systematically, using scientifically proven methodologies. It is advisable to get treatment as soon as possible to avoid worsening the problem over time. If left untreated, it can take a considerable period of time to address and you may end up spending much more in the long run. Here are some of the different treatment methodologies. 

Antidepressants: For people with moderate and mild depression anti-depressants may be prescribed. This medication does not address the underlying problem. However, antidepressants are useful for addressing some of the symptoms in the short term. Some of the medication can have side effects, so it is important to ensure that it is prescribed by a qualified professional at a depression treatment center.
 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is another effective evidence based depression treatment option available at treatment centers for depression. CBT is approached from an educational perspective, where the therapist guides patient on how to monitor negative thoughts.  The negative thoughts are defined and addressed with the help of a professionally trained counselor. It is based on the idea that negative thoughts create a mental profile that leaves the patient prone to depression. It addresses psychological issues on a long-term basis and may be used together with medication for people with severe depression. 

The condition is treated best when an array of methodologies are used to address the problem systematically. Therapy sessions alone may be effective for treating mild depression, but a combination of therapy and medication may be ideal for addressing moderate to severe cases of the condition.

His and Her Houses offers industry leading Depression treatment programs. We were founded in 1994 and we base our programs on five key principles: commitment, honesty, integrity, respect, and service. These five principles guide us in all that we do and all the care we provide. Contact us today to see how we can help you or your love one at (888) 376-7268.