Depression in men
FACT SHEET 12
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
" Depression is more than just a low mood  it s a serious
illness that requires attention.
" People with depression find it hard to function every day.
" Depression can have serious effects on physical and
mental health.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF SOMEONE
IS DEPRESSED AND NOT JUST SAD?
A person may be depressed, if for more than two weeks
they have...
1. Felt sad, down or miserable most of the time, OR
Depression affects both men and women, but
2. Lost interest or pleasure in most of their usual activities
quite often what they experience and how they
AND experienced symptoms in at least three of the
respond is different.
following four categories:
Men are more likely than women to recognise and
1. Behaviour
describe the physical symptoms of depression,
" General slowing down or restlessness
such as feeling tired or losing weight. They may also
" Neglecting responsibilities and not looking after themselves
acknowledge feeling irritable or angry, rather than
saying they feel low.
" Withdrawing from family and friends
" Becoming confused, worried and agitated
Because of this, depression in men is often not
picked up by themselves or by others  including
" Inability to find pleasure in any activity
doctors. If depression is not detected, it can t be
" Finding it difficult to get motivated in the morning
treated and then it has the potential to become
" Behaving differently from usual
severe and disabling.
" Denying depressive feelings  this can be used as
Depression is a known high risk factor for suicide.
a defence mechanism
In Australia men account for 80 per cent of deaths
by suicide.1 2. Thoughts
" Indecisiveness
It s vital that more people learn to recognise
" Loss of self-esteem
depression in men because depression is treatable
and effective treatments are available.
" Persistent suicidal thoughts
" Talking negatively e.g.  I m a failure. ,  It s my fault. ,
 Life isn t worth living.
" Worrying about finances
" Perceived change of status within the family
1
ABS (2007) Suicides, Australia, 2005
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Depression in men
FACT SHEET 12
3. Feelings
HOW COMMON IS DEPRESSION?
" Moodiness or irritability  this can come across as anger
Very common. Over one million Australian adults live with
or aggression
depression each year. On average, one in eight men and one
in five women will experience depression in their adult lifetime.2
" Sadness, hopelessness or emptiness
" Feeling overwhelmed, worthless or guilty
It s important that men seek treatment for depression as
untreated depression may become more severe, and in
some cases, can lead to suicide.
4. Physical Symptoms
" Sleeping more or less than usual
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR
" Feeling tired all the time
DEPRESSION?
" Unexplained headaches, backache or similar complaints
Depression is treatable
" Digestive upsets, nausea, changes in bowel habits
" Agitation, hand-wringing, pacing Different types of depression require different types of treatment.
This may include physical exercise for preventing and treating
" Loss or change of appetite
mild depression, through to psychological treatments and/or
" Significant weight loss or gain
drug treatments for moderate or severe depression.
Everyone experiences some or all of these symptoms from time
to time, but when symptoms are severe and lasting, it s time to
Psychological treatments
get professional medical help.
Psychological treatments address issues that particularly affect
Early detection and treatment may help to keep depression
people with depression.
from becoming severe. Depression is treatable and effective
" Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) helps to correct
treatments are available.
negative thought patterns. CBT is a structured program
which recognises that the way people think affects the
FACTORS WHICH CAN CONTRIBUTE
way they feel. CBT teaches people to think rationally about
TO DEPRESSION IN MEN
common difficulties.
" Using drugs and alcohol
" Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a structured program with
a specific focus on improving relationships. People with
" Physical health problems
depression may sometimes be easily upset by other people s
" Relationship problems
comments. They may feel criticised when no criticism was
" Employment problems
intended. IPT helps people find new ways to get along
" Social isolation
with others.
" Significant change in living arrangements
(e.g. separation or divorce)
Psychological treatments can help to:
Studies show that men are at greater risk of their depression
" change negative thoughts and feelings
going unrecognised and untreated when compared to women.
" encourage the person to get involved in activities
This is thought to relate to several factors.
" speed the person s recovery
Men generally tend to put off getting help for health problems,
" prevent depression from recurring
as they may think they are supposed to be tough, self-reliant,
" identify ways to manage the illness and stay well.
manage pain and take charge of situations. This can make
it hard for men to acknowledge they have a health problem,
For more information go to www.beyondblue.org.au and
especially a mental health problem. It is also very common for
see beyondblue Fact sheet 10  Changing your thinking.
men in particular, to manage their symptoms by using alcohol
2
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008). 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing:
and other drugs which make the symptoms worse.
Summary of Results (4326.0). Canberra: ABS.
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Be persistent: For some people, it can take a while before they
Medications
feel well again. It s important to stick with treatment plans and
If someone is only mildly or moderately depressed,
let the doctor know when things aren t working or if the person
psychological treatment alone may be effective. However,
is experiencing side-effects. This is important for a person s
if depression is severe, medication is often necessary as well.
long-term recovery. Go to www.beyondblue.org.au and see
Research shows that more severe forms of depression are
beyondblue Fact sheet 11  Antidepressant medication.
associated with specific changes in the brain, including
With psychological or medical treatment, people can recover.
changes to some hormones and chemical message systems.
Go to www.beyondblue.org.au and see beyondblue Fact
In these forms of depression, there are alterations in the activity
sheet 5  Why use both psychological treatments and
of the brain in areas under the influence of serotonin and
medications for depression?.
noradrenaline which may cause a major depressive episode.
This causes the symptoms and disability associated with
WHERE TO GET HELP
depression. Antidepressant medication is thought to increase
the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. However,
" A doctor who is a General Practitioner (GP) is a good
depression is not a deficiency of these chemicals.
first step. If GPs have additional training, they can also
provide psychological treatments or if not, a referral to a
mental health specialist.
HOW TO GET TREATMENT
" Psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in mental health.
There are some things men can do to get the treatment they need.
They can make medical and psychological assessments,
Be proactive: As with physical health problems, the earlier
conduct medical tests and prescribe medication. Some
men get help, the faster they can recover. That s why it s very
psychiatrists use psychological treatments such as CBT
important to get help at the first sign of any problems.
and IPT.
Be direct: It s important to give the doctor or mental health
" Psychologists specialise in providing non-medical
professional the full picture. Writing down feelings or questions
(psychological) treatment for depression and related disorders.
before seeing a mental health professional can help men be more
Clinical psychologists have additional training in mental health
direct and makes it less likely they will forget to tell the doctor the
and psychological therapies such as CBT and IPT.
important things. As a way of raising the issue when visiting the
" Social Workers and Occupational Therapists in Mental
doctor, it may be useful to take a completed depression checklist
Health provide counselling and support to assist people to
along, such as the one on the beyondblue website. Go to
cope and manage depression/anxiety.
www.beyondblue.org.au and click on Symptom Checklists.
Finding the right mental health professional is very important.
MEDICARE REBATES
If a person doesn t feel comfortable with their doctor or other
health professional, or suspects their mental health isn t being
A rebate can be claimed through Medicare for  Psychological
managed effectively, they should choose another doctor or get
Therapy or  Focused Psychological Strategies when a
a second opinion.
GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician refers a person to a clinical
psychologist, registered psychologist, mental health nurse,
On the beyondblue website, there is a list of doctors who have
social worker or occupational therapist in mental health.
completed special mental health training and have expertise in
A rebate can be claimed for part of the cost of up to 12
treating depression and anxiety-related disorders. Go to
individual consultations and 12 group sessions in a calendar
www.beyondblue.org.au and click on Get Help then Find a
year. For more details, ask the referring medical practitioner or see
Doctor or other Mental Health Practitioner.
beyondblue Fact sheet 24  Help for depression under Medicare.
If the mental health practitioner bulk-bills, there will be no
upfront charge and therefore no reason to claim a rebate.
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Depression in men
FACT SHEET 12
For a list of health professionals with expertise in treating
depression/anxiety, go to the beyondblue website:
THINGS TO REMEMBER
www.beyondblue.org.au and click on Find a Doctor or
" Depression in men is common and treatable.
other Mental Health Practitioner or call the beyondblue info
line on 1300 22 4636 (local call cost from a landline). " Help is available.
" With the right treatment, most people recover
beyondblue: the national depression initiative
from depression.
www.beyondblue.org.au
" It s important to seek help early  the sooner
Information on depression, anxiety and related substance-use
the better.
disorders, available treatments and where to get help
" Depression is an illness, not a weakness and
beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636
men shouldn t feel ashamed to seek help.
Information on depression, anxiety and related substance-use
disorders, available treatments and referral only (local call)
24 hour counselling, information and referral (local call)
www.youthbeyondblue.com
Moodgym
beyondblue s website for young people  information on
depression and how to help a friend
www.moodgym.anu.edu.au
Online psychological therapy
Suicide Helpline  Victoria
1300 651 251 or www.suicidehelpline.org.au
Climate.tv  interactive e-health
24 hour counselling, crisis intervention, information and referral
www.climate.tv
(local call)
Developed by medical experts, this is a self-management
system for people with depression and anxiety.
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
CRUfAD
Telephone support for those at risk of suicide, their carers and
www.crufad.org
those bereaved by suicide
Information about depression, anxiety and its management
Mensline Australia
1300 78 99 78 or www.menslineaus.org.au
24 hour support for men with family and relationship problems
especially around family breakdown or separation  this service
provides anonymous telephone support, information and
referral. (local call)
Foundation 49
[phone] or www.49.com.au
Information on men s health
beyondblue is proud to acknowledge the support
of Movember in raising awareness of depression
and anxiety in men.
Andrology Australia
© beyondblue: the national depression initiative, 2009.
1300 30 38 78 or www.andrologyaustralia.org
PO Box 6100, Hawthorn West VIC 3122
Information on male reproductive health
T: [phone]
beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636
F: [phone]
Lifeline
E: [e-mail]
13 11 14
W: www.beyondblue.org.au
04/09
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