Understanding symptoms and seeking treatment are key to good #mentalhealth

Historically, #boys have been taught early in life to be “strong” by not sharing their emotions. As #boys grow into #men, these expectations remain and emotions continue to be “bottled up inside” potentially causing #anxiety, #depression, and even #suicide if not managed properly. It’s seemingly impossible to measure the impact of this #behavior on any person. But many #men go forward to suffer in silence.

“In some cultures, emotional vulnerability can be seen as a sign of weakness for #men,” explained Britany Alexander, MD, a #psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. “There can be societal or self-imposed standards of stoicism; a need to feel and appear invincible and not show emotions. Such unrealistic standards can, unfortunately, lead to serious #mentalhealthproblems such as #depression, #anxiety, and irritability. Other signs of #depression can include #insomnia or oversleeping, appetite changes, fatigue, and loss of interest in things that would normally bring joy such as hobbies, time with family, and even sexual intimacy.”

“Unless promptly treated, this can lead to thoughts of #suicide,” Dr. Alexander said. Also, instead of seeking treatment for #depression, some #men turn to drugs or #alcohol to try to cope with their emotional symptoms.

“Once diagnosed, #depression among #men can be treated successfully with a personalized combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, mindfulness meditation, and psychotherapy.”

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Britany Alexander, MD

Most experts believe that a combination of inherited genetic factors and stressful life events such as death, divorce, work #stress, #financial issues, and medical problems may contribute to depression. Because #men may avoid addressing their feelings, they may not talk about their #depression, #anxiety, or thoughts of #suicide. The role of friends and family in encouraging #men with #depression to visit a doctor or #mentalhealthprofessional for an evaluation is critically important, Dr. Alexander stressed.

“Once diagnosed, depression among #men can be treated successfully with a personalized combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, mindfulness meditation, and psychotherapy,” Dr. Alexander said. “The key is to not ignore the symptoms and seek help when necessary.”

Learn more about Kaiser Permanente’s #mentalhealth and addiction care at kp.org/mentalhealth.
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