From Blue to You:
Men and Depression
What is depression?
• A common mental disorder or illness
• Involves the body, mood, and thoughts
How common is men’s depression?
• 6 million men in the United States annually
• Depression affects their work, home life,
and relationships
What are the symptoms?
•
Physical symptoms
• Emotional symptoms
•
Psychosocial symptoms
Stigma - Video
• Listen to what’s said about depression
• Pay attention to issues of stigma
What do you hear about stigma?
Treatment
• Talk therapy
• Medication therapy
• Combination: talk and medication
therapy
If you think you have depression…
• Stay active
• Eat properly
• Avoid alcohol and drugs
• Don’t get upset if you can’t sleep
• Don’t bottle things up
If you think you have depression…
• Get help
• Do something you enjoy
• Review your lifestyle
• Take a break
• Get informed
If you think your loved one has
depression…
• See that he gets an
accurate diagnosis
• Encourage sticking
with treatment
• Offer support
• Invite him out
• Plan and prepare
healthy meals
• Do not expect a quick
fix
References
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Bailey, D.F. and Moore, J.L. (2008). Emotional Isolation, Depression, and Suicide
Among African American Men: Reasons for Concern. Pacific Grove, CA Books/Cole.
Duckworth, K. (2006). About mental illness: Depression. Retrieved from
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedPage/Tag
gedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=54&ContentID=23039&lstid=326
Kennard, J. (2007). Depression in Men. Retrieved from
www.mydepressionconnection.com
Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Male depression: Don't ignore the symptoms. Retrieved
from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-depression/MC00041
Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175
Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression: Supporting loved ones through their battle with
depression. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00016
NIMH (2008). Men and Depression. Retrieved from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/depression.shtml
Nutrition Health Center (2008). Depression Statistics Information. Retrieved from
http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com/Depression/statistics.htm
For More Information…
www.bluetoyou.org
Leigh Ann Simmons; MFT, PhD
former Assistant Professor
Department of Family Studies
Ester Edwards, BS
Graduate student
Department of Family Studies
Leslie Crofford, MD
Professior,
College of Medicine
Health Education through Extension Leadership
The development of the HEEL program was made possible by
Senator Mitch McConnell with funds earmarked for the University
of Kentucky, College o f Agriculture, Lexington Ky. and budgeted
through the CSREES/USDA Federal Administration.
April 2010
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