Why Women are more likely to Seek Treatment for Depression than Men

(421 Words)
Men are less likely to seek help for their depression than women, according to research reported by ABC News. Depression is a common condition suffered by both men and women, with 16% of people experiencing the condition in a major form in their lives. According to the American Psychological Association, this number includes six million men a year. There are various reasons why men do not seek treatment at the same rates as women.
One reason for this difference is that women are more likely than men to recognize the symptoms of depression. Men might think of it as just a range of other symptoms including exhaustion, irritability and loss of interest. They have more difficulty connecting it to the illness of depression. In other words, they do not seek help because they do not recognize that they truly have a mental illness. They may just blame stress from their work or think that their depression is a normal part of their everyday lives.
More women may be familiar with the symptoms of depression. Women of childbearing age will often hear about it as related to pregnancy and may gain familiarity that way. They will often have a strong support system where they talk about their feelings with other women. They may be encouraged to seek help.
Another major obstacle to men seeking help for their depression is their tendency to withdraw socially when they suffer from this illness. Even if they realize that they have a major problem, they may not be able to motivate themselves to seek treatment for it.
Many men feel like they have to be strong and tough. Masculinity is associated with being able to weather any storm on your own. Men feel like there is more of a stigma of admitting to a mental health problem such as depression. Of course, by not seeking treatment they will just continue with the condition instead of actually conquering it. They may be embarrassed or ashamed and refuse treatment because of it.
Women might not be as sensitive to the stigma of seeking help. They do not feel as much pressure to be strong or to appear untouched by everything.
It is vital for men suffering from depression to seek help. Eighty percent of the cases show improvement with treatment, but without it dire consequences can occur. Men are four times as likely to commit suicide than women, possibly as a response to untreated depression. With help, most men can help control their symptoms to lead better lives.