A GoodTherapy.org News Update
Given the relatively equal proportion of men to women in a given country, and relatively similar stressors, conditions, and experiences, it’s simple to predict that depression and related disorders will be about as prevalent between the sexes. But while the instance of depression may be more or less blind to sex, how people cope with the disorder may be another story. In the UK, a survey has been recently published, covering issues within the scope of depression arising from experiences of the global economic slump, and it appears that while some feelings and ideas may be shared, men and women react in a markedly different manner. Unfortunately, this difference may prove especially detrimental to men’s health; the survey shows that they are far less likely to seek therapy or discuss problems with friends or family than their female counterparts.
The survey, completed by the national charity group Mind, found that in a group of 2,000 participating adults, about 40% of men reported feeling low, and that only 29% of respondents would consider talking to family or friends about their difficulties. This figure, compared to the 53% of female participants who felt comfortable sharing with loved ones, presents a considerable problem in the ability to deliver quality care to male sufferers.
When it comes to seeking professional help, a third of surveyed males noted that they’d feel embarrassed by the prospect, and 5% reported having suicidal thoughts. In a social and economic climate that puts a great deal of pressure on men to perform well financially and exude strength and ability, many males are finding it increasingly hard to carve out their way to happiness. Though therapy can often help, programs and practitioners will have to find a way to reach out to this fairly reluctant group if widespread progress is to be made.
Reference:
BBC news. (2009, May 10). Men ‘suffering recession blues.’ Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8040699.stm
© Copyright 2009 by By John Smith, therapist in Bellingham, Washington. All Rights Reserved. Permission to publish granted to GoodTherapy.org.
The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.
