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In the United States alone, about 6 million men suffer from depression
and other mood disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health
(NIMH), as compared to women with the same conditions, men who
suffer from mood disorders may experience the following symptoms much
more frequently:
--abuse of alcohol or drugs,
--feeling frustrated, discouraged, angry, and irritable,
--violence,
--throwing themselves compulsively into work, hobbies, or sports,
--hiding depression from themselves, family, and friends,
--engaging in reckless behavior,
--taking risks, and
--putting themselves in harm's way.
Men also kill themselves four times as often as do women.
(For more information about NIMH's "Real Men, Real Depression"
campaign, visit their Web
page.)
We'll explore some of these characteristically male symptoms of
depression and discuss why they can harm us. We'll also talk
about the barriers that men encounter when they try to seek treatment,
both cultural and practical.
Join us at this week's chat to ask questions, share information, or
just get some friendly support from other men who struggle with mood
disorders.
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