An article in this month’s British Journal of Psychiatry  suggests that current socioeconomic trends are producing a depressing future for men. The authors, Dr Broadie Dunlop and Ms Tanja Mletzko explain that the recent economic recession hit men hard. Traditional male industries such as construction and mining have been hit particularly hard. This has produced a ‘mancession’ which is causing an internal crisis for men in terms of male identity and role.

In New Zealand, the male suicide rate is over three times higher than that of women.

That depression in men is tough is not new. British writer Tim Lott has been talking about depression for years. Last year, he wrote that men were suffering “a depression epidemic”. “We are expected to be strong yet sensitive, successful but not materialistic, caring yet masculine – and squaring these circles is a painful, if not impossible, challenge.”

In December 2010, a ground-breaking study by University of Otago found that men with depression and anxiety problems are more likely than women with similar problems to have difficulties with social and role functioning. Dr Kate Scott, who co-published the study, was quoted as saying, “women are more likely than men to experience mood and anxiety disorders” but “it is actually men who experience greater difficulties functioning in their day-to-day roles, in social situations and with communicating”.

It’s easy to understand why. Men generally have less social support and are not as used to sharing their feelings. In fact, for some men, the suggestion to “let’s talk” signals that their woman is upset with them and they fear it.

Signs of depression in men are different from women’s and may include anger, aggression, work ‘burnout’, risk-taking behavior, and alcohol or substance abuse.

Source of content for diagrams: Is He Depressed or What?: What to Do When the Man You Love Is Irritable, Moody, And Withdrawn By Dr David Wexler

Dr David Wexler, author of Is He Depressed or What?: What to Do When the Man You Love Is Irritable, Moody, And Withdrawn puts it very simply: “women tend to think and process their feelings when they are depressed and men tend to act”.

Christine Chan

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