Depression among men is a leading cause of suicide; why it’s still a taboo?

Depression Among Men Is A Leading Cause Of Suicide; Why It’S Still A Taboo?

Depression is a serious mental illness that can affect anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The stigma around depression among men may mean they’re more reluctant to seek help for their symptoms, but it doesn’t mean men don’t suffer from depression. Depression is just as common in males as it is in females and may be just as difficult to talk about. While there are many reasons why men might not open up about their feelings, including socialization and cultural expectations, here’s what we know:

There’s a stigma around depression among men.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men are less likely than women to talk about their emotions and more likely to be diagnosed with depression. This is partially due to the fact that they’re less likely to seek help or talk openly about their feelings and struggles. In addition, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), suicide is the second leading cause of death in young adults between 15-24 years old—and it’s even more common among young men than young women!

Men are often socialized to hide their emotions.

You may be surprised to learn that men are often socialized to hide their emotions. They are taught to be tough, stoic and not show weakness. This can make it difficult for a man who is suffering from depression or anxiety to speak up about what he is going through.

Men aren’t taught how to talk about feelings in general; they’re just supposed to get over them quickly so that they don’t need treatment later on when something else goes wrong.

Men are taught depression is not manly.

Depression is not a sign of weakness. It’s an illness, and it can happen to anyone—men included. While men are more likely than women to suffer from depression, this doesn’t mean that they should be ashamed. In fact, the opposite is true: speaking up about your mental health may help you feel less alone with this condition and give others hope that they aren’t alone either!

There are several reasons why men might not feel comfortable talking about their own mental health issues:

  • Men might think it’s unmanly to admit how sad or stressed out they feel (even if those feelings aren’t caused by something specific).
  • They may worry about appearing weak or unable to handle things on their own when someone asks them what’s wrong because they don’t want others thinking less of themselves as a result of admitting their struggles—after all there isn’t much stigma attached per se when dealing with physical pain except perhaps socially awkwardness but not necessarily feeling like an outsider – although some would argue otherwise!

Men are less likely to talk about their emotions than women, and that can make it harder for them to deal with depression.

Men may be more likely to feel isolated and not want others to know how they’re feeling, says Dr. Marisa Stern, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine who specializes in women’s health issues including mood disorders like depression.

“Men have historically been expected not just as providers but also as protectors,” she says. “And when you look at that role model—the father figure—it’s very important for him to provide strength and support for his family.”

That same desire for invulnerability can lead men who suffer from depression into isolation or self-medicating through alcohol or drugs instead of seeking professional help, experts say.

Men often don’t know how to talk about their feelings.

Men often don’t know how to talk about their feelings. This can be difficult for men, especially because they are often afraid of being judged for talking about their emotions and feelings. Men are also afraid of being told that they need to “man up,” which has a different connotation in the context of mental health than it does in other situations.

It’s hard for men to open up about depression, but talking about it can be the first step on the road to recovery

Men are often taught that it’s not manly to show your feelings, and so they may be reluctant to talk about their depression. It’s also common for men to feel shame or self-doubt when they do come forward with their problems.

Men can benefit from talking with others who understand them and have experienced the same struggles. Talking through these emotions with someone else can help you gain strength in coping with them and begin the process of recover.

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